Why Words Matter in Wildlife Management

The Power of Words in Wildlife Management

Language is one of the most powerful tools we have—it shapes how we think, what we value, and ultimately, what policies get put in place. In wildlife management, the words we use aren’t just neutral descriptors; they often reflect outdated, harmful ways of thinking about nature. When we call wolves “predators” or say they “depredate” livestock, we’re subtly reinforcing the idea that they are threats rather than key ecosystem players. These terms aren’t just technical—they actively influence public attitudes and policy decisions.

Last week, Wildlife for All Communications Director Mandy Culbertson had the chance to discuss this issue in depth on the Wildlife Wire podcast with Mark Surls and Samantha Miller of the Colorado Wildlife Alliance. We explored how harmful language in wildlife management reinforces destructive policies and the ways we can start shifting the narrative toward coexistence and respect for wildlife. Our conversation highlighted just how deeply ingrained these harmful terms are—and why it’s critical to replace them with language that reflects the ecological realities of the species we’re talking about.

Give it a listen! Check out the Wildlife Wire.

Language Shapes Policy and Public Perception

Many terms used in wildlife management reinforce outdated, harmful, and even violent narratives. These words frame wildlife as commodities, enemies, or problems to be controlled, rather than as integral parts of ecosystems. However, when engaging with wildlife agencies, we sometimes have to use these terms strategically to be understood within their existing frameworks. The goal is to introduce and normalize alternatives while pushing for a broader cultural shift.

One of the biggest examples is the word “depredation.” It’s used when a wolf or bear kills livestock, but what does it sound like? It sounds like a violent crime. It suggests wolves are out there committing calculated attacks, when really, they’re just being wolves—doing what they evolved to do.

Compare that to how we describe human-caused deaths of wildlife. We say things like “harvest” when talking about hunting, which makes killing sound like picking apples off a tree. This kind of framing isn’t accidental—it’s been used for decades to make wildlife killing sound routine while making natural behaviors like predation sound sinister.

Words Matter: The Strategy of Language Reform

Wouldn’t it be nice if it was simple to just stop using these terms? The reality is, when we’re talking to wildlife agencies, we sometimes have to use these terms just to be understood. Agencies have been using this language for so long that if we walked in and refused to say “depredation” at all, they might not take us seriously.

What we do instead is use their language to get in the door, but then introduce new terms that shift the conversation. For example, if I’m in a policy meeting, I might say, ‘Yes, we understand this was classified as a depredation event, but really, this is a livestock-wildlife conflict issue.” Over time, that reframes the conversation.

When people hear the word “predator,” they don’t just think of an animal; they think of danger, something to be feared and controlled. That’s not an accident.

Dominant narratives—the ones we’ve all grown up with—tell us humans are separate from nature, that wildlife needs to be ‘managed,’ and that some animals are good while others are threats. These narratives have been built over centuries by colonialism, by extractive industries, and by people who want to control land and wildlife for profit.

Changing the Narrative

If we want real change—if we want to protect wolves, bears, and ecosystems—we have to change the dominant narrative. That means challenging these old ideas and replacing them with ones that reflect what we actually know: that wolves aren’t villains, that nature doesn’t need human control, and that coexistence is possible.

We can’t separate policy from narrative. If we want better protections for wildlife, we need to stop reinforcing the language that treats them as problems. It’s time to start using words that reflect reality: wolves and other wildlife aren’t ‘pests’ or ‘resources’—they’re essential members of ecosystems. And when we shift the story, we shift the future.

Take Action

The first step is awareness—now that you know how language shapes policy, start noticing it! When you hear someone call wolves “vicious predators” or say wildlife needs to be “managed,” challenge that. Ask questions. Offer a different way of thinking.

But don’t stop there. Get involved. Support organizations like Wildlife for All that are fighting for systemic change. Listen to counterculture podcasts like The Wildlife Wire. Talk to your state wildlife agencies and demand that they use science-based, ethical policies—not just outdated, special-interest-driven ones. And most importantly, help shift the narrative. Share the real story about wolves, nature, and coexistence—because the more people who understand, the more pressure we can build for real change.

And be sure to download our Words Matter language guide, which outlines harmful terms commonly used in wildlife management and provides better alternatives. By changing the way we talk about wildlife, we can start changing the policies that affect them.