Why did people kill gray wolves across much of the United States and Europe?

The widespread eradication of the gray wolf across much of the United States and Europe was primarily driven by the perception of the animal as a threat to human interests.12

In recent centuries, the gray wolf has been frequently misunderstood and viewed as an "evil creature". The primary justifications for their systematic killing included:12

• Threat to Livestock: The depredation of livestock was the leading reason for efforts to eradicate wolves from their former ranges.12
• Competition for Game: Wolves were seen as competitors for big game animals that humans hunted for food or sport.12
• Perceived Danger to Humans: Especially in Eurasia, wolves were widely feared as a direct danger to human safety.12

During the 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States, wolves were targeted using every available method, nearly leading to their total extirpation in the lower 48 states by 1950. While these historical attitudes led to severe population declines, modern conservation efforts—including legal protections and reintroduction programs—have since allowed wolf populations to recover in several regions.12