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
Each wolf was examined, outfitted with a radio transmitter collar 15
inches inside circumference (fig. 10) and tagged with identification
numbers in both ears (fig. 11). Each transmitter was of a different
frequency in the 150 MH_z range, emitted a pulsed signal ranging from
75 to 350 pulses per minute, and had a calculated life of at least 300
days (fig. 12). Two types of 12-inch whip antennas were used on the
transmitters: one type extended up the side of the collar and then
stuck out above for 6 inches; the other was fully attached inside the
collar and extended up one side, around the top, and partly down the
other side. The transmitter, batteries, and antenna were molded into a
collar of acrylic weighing 11 ounces (Mech _et al._ 1965).[2] All radio
equipment functioned flawlessly for at least 5 months, and one
transmitter continued operating for at least 9 months.
[Illustration: _Figure 10.--A radio transmitter collar was placed
around the neck of each trapped wolf. (Photo courtesy of D. L.
Breneman.)_]
[Illustration: _Figure 11.--Each ear of the wolf was tagged with
identifying numbers. (Photo courtesy of Richard Bend.)_]
[Illustration: _Figure 12.--Each radio collar had a different frequency
tuned to special receivers, which allowed each wolf to be identified.
(Photo courtesy of D. L. Breneman.)_]
For tracking radio-equipped wolves, a directional yagi antenna (fig.
13) was attached to each of the wing struts of an aircraft and
connected inside to a portable receiver. The usual tracking technique
was to fly at 1,500 to 3,000 feet elevation to the last known location
of the wolf being sought (fig. 14). If a signal was not obtained at
that point, the aircraft spiraled upward until the signal was found or
until 10,000 feet altitude had been reached. If the signal still was
not heard, a search pattern was flown at 10,000 feet. The range of the
signal from this altitude was 15 to 35 miles; at 3,000 feet it was 10
to 15 miles. Collars with antennas molded fully inside gave only about
two-thirds the range of those protruding partly, but could be expected
to last longer because the antennas could not break off. It is unknown
whether any protruding antennas did break during the study, but on
January 5, 1970, one wolf was recaptured, and its antenna had broken.
[Illustration: _Figure 13.--Directional yagi antennas fastened to the
wing struts of the aircraft were necessary to "home in" on the wolves.
(Photo courtesy of U.S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife.)_]
[Illustration: _Figure 14.--The tracking aircraft was usually flown at
altitudes of 1,500 to 3,000 feet.
(Photo courtesy of Dick Shank.)_]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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