The Keewatin Tundra Wolf (_C. l. hudsonicus_) is presumably the only one
that concerns us here. However, its extension into the forested zone of
northern Manitoba and northeastern Saskatchewan, as indicated on
Goldman’s map, is still problematical. Goldman’s text (1944: 428-429) is
quite indefinite on this point. There are such distinct differences
between the general fauna of the Arctic Zone and that of the Hudsonian
Zone that the Wolf of the latter zone may well prove to be
differentiable from _hudsonicus_, whose type locality is at Schultz Lake
in west central Keewatin. It is an interesting question whether any
Wolves of the Barren Grounds follow the Caribou southward into the
timbered country in the fall; likewise, whether any individual Wolves of
the latter region accompany the Caribou on their spring migration out
into the Barrens. Little light on the subject seems available at
present. There is no doubt, however, that a good many Wolves remain
during the winter on parts of the Barren Grounds that have been deserted
by the Caribou at that season. Furthermore, at the time of the spring
migration, mature Wolves of the forest zone would be restricted to their
home territory by the necessity of caring for their young ones.
A Wolf is by no means able to capture a Caribou at will. During the
season of open water the latter may effect a ready escape by plunging
into the nearest river or lake and crossing to the other side. There is
reason to believe that islands provide a good sanctuary during the
summer (Seton, 1929, +3+: 108-109; Gavin, 1945: 228). In the winter the
Caribou must depend primarily on its fleetness of foot. Even the fawns
are reputed to be able to outdistance Wolves in a chase that is not too
prolonged. An adult, if brought to bay after a long chase, is probably
able to stand off a single Wolf indefinitely. Its powerful hoofs are its
principal means of defense. Even if the antlers are brought into play,
they are effective only during the limited period when they are
fullgrown, hard, and free of velvet. When two or more Wolves manage to
bring a Caribou to bay, the outcome is probably almost invariably in
their favor. Charles Schweder has never known a Caribou to kill one of
these predators in defending itself. In several cases reported by Fred
Schweder, Jr., the last stand was made on the ice of lakes. The Caribou
itself may choose such a place, as if aware that it may be more
sure-footed on the ice than its enemy.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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