Why? Because unlike lions, tigers, and other large predators, the average wolf doesn’t have the bulk or attributes to take down large prey with a single blow. Wolves rely more on athleticism and endurance to bag elk. And like most athletes, wolves’ physical abilities decline with age. Once their skills erode, wolves aren’t much good as hunters. Wolves v Elk So older wolves are good for elk. The study found that the older the average wolf population in an area, the more elk there are still around. When the wolf population skews younger, more elk bite the dust.