Ecological Studies of the Timber Wolf in Northeastern MinnesotaMech, L. David
Science
Ecological Studies of the Timber Wolf in Northeastern Minnesota
Mech, L. David
Deer -- Minnesota; Gray wolf -- Behavior -- Minnesota; Gray wolf -- Ecology -- Minnesota
A deer carcass was judged killed by wolves if the death had been
recent, if tracks or other sign indicated that wolves had fed upon it,
and if no other possible cause of death was discovered. Carcasses fed
on by wolves but not clearly identifiable as kills were labeled
"probable" wolf-kills. Although the cause of death of the specimens in
this latter category could not be determined with certainty, there was
no reason to believe other agents were involved.
In addition to the wolf-kills examined by project personnel, data and
lower jaws from deer judged killed by wolves were contributed by other
biologists, game wardens, forest rangers, and others whose competence
was known. Nevertheless, if certain identification of carcasses as
wolf-kills was not possible, the data were relegated to the "probable"
wolf-kill category.
Whenever possible, kills discovered from the air were examined on the
ground (fig. 4). Often only skeletal parts remained, but soft parts
were also examined when available. Femur marrow, heart, lungs, liver,
kidneys, reproductive tracts, and omenta were usually inspected in the
field for fat, parasites, and abnormalities, and the degree of
subcutaneous back fat was also noted. Hoofs and lower legs were
checked, and those showing pathological conditions or abnormalities
were collected and examined by the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory of
the University of Minnesota. All lower jaws found were collected, aged,
and examined for dental abnormalities and pathological conditions.
[Illustration: _Figure 4.--As many wolf-killed deer as possible were
examined from the ground. (Photo courtesy of L. D. Mech.)_]
In November 1967 and 1968 hunter-check stations were operated on the
study area (fig. 5), and deer bagged by hunters were field-checked for
age (Severinghaus 1949) and hoof abnormalities. As many lower jaws as
possible were collected from field-checked deer and other deer killed
in the area for age determination and examination for abnormal
dentition.
[Illustration: _Figure 5.--Information about hunter-killed deer in the
study area was obtained through hunter-check stations. (Photo courtesy
of L. D. Frenzel.)_]
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