RESTORING THE U.S. FISH & WILDLIFE MEXICAN GRAY AND DOGS, SERVICE RESPONDS TO AND THE , page 10 HYDATID TAPEWORM DEBATE, page 4 page 20 THE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER VOLUME 20, NO. 3 FALL 2010 Features Departments The Mexican gray 3 From the 4 wolf and red wolf Executive Director still struggle for survival 13 Tracking the Pack The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Bud Fazio, coordinator of the Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery Program, and Dr. David Rabon, coordinator of the Red Wolf Recovery 16 Personal Encounter Program, detail whether plans to restore these wolves are working. 18 Wolf Tracks by Cornelia Hutt Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team Mexican Wolf 22 Members Matter Practical advice on how to 10 protect dogs from wolf attacks 24 A Look Beyond Jess Edberg, information services director for the International Wolf Center, describes why wolves attack dogs and which breeds are most On the Cover susceptible to attack. Photo by Bernard Marschner. by Jess Edberg Wolf looking for snowshoe hares in the willow thickets of the Plains of Murie in Denali National Park, Alaska. You can view more of Marschner’s images

Scott Austin on his flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/ photos/70363861@N00/

Dotty Weber Did you know...

one easy way for you to help us conserve natural resources is to make sure we have your email address. Simply email your address to: [email protected] Center Celebrates 25th Anniversary he International Wolf Center Wolf Curator Lori Schmidt helped Tkicked off its 25th year of an audience curious to learn more teaching the world about wolves about a common prey for June 18–20. Over 700 guests enjoyed wolves by dissecting a beaver and Publications Director special anniversary discounts on describing the nutritional parts of Mary Ortiz admissions and unique programs to the animal before feeding it to the Magazine Coordinator commemorate the milestone. Exhibit Pack Saturday afternoon. Bruce Erickson “We wanted to use the weekend to “The beaver dissection was all thank our members, our guests and new to me, so that made it interesting Graphics Coordinator Carissa L.Winter the community for their support over to watch,” added Birkemeyer. “Who the last 25 years,” said Mary Ortiz, knew something a beaver’s size could Consulting Editor executive director of the Center. have a 20–30 foot intestine.” Fran Howard Highlights of the weekend in- The move to establish the Center Technical Editor cluded a presentation by David Mech 25 years ago was sparked by the L. David Mech on his research of arctic wolves public’s rousing response to the Graphic Designer on Ellesmere Island, a beaver dis- award-winning Wolves and Humans Tricia Austin section and a drawing for several exhibit created by the Science donated prizes including an auto- Museum of Minnesota and exhibited International Wolf (1089-683X) is published graphed basketball from the across North America. It was installed quarterly and copyrighted, 2010, by the Minnesota Timberwolves of the at the Center’s new educational International Wolf Center, 3410 Winnetka Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55427, USA. National Basketball Association. facility in Ely, Minnesota, in 1993. n email: [email protected]. “I thought the anniversary week- All rights reserved. end turned out very well,” com- Publications agreement no. 1536338 mented Mary Milleker, 10-year member of the Center. “There was Membership in the International Wolf Center much thought given to involving the includes a subscription to International Wolf public whether it be with programs, magazine, free admission to the Center, and discounts on programs and merchandise. demonstrations, drawings, children’s • Lone Wolf memberships are U.S. $35 activities to keep the kids busy and • Wolf Pack $60 • Wolf Associate $125 even lunch. The wolves were very • Wolf Sponsor $500 • Alpha Wolf $1,000. accommodating also.” Canada and other countries, add U.S. $15 Guests on Friday night lis- per year for airmail postage, $7 for surface postage. Contact the International Wolf Center, tened to David Mech’s pre- 1396 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731-8129, USA; sentation with images and email: [email protected]; stories from his annual trips phone: 800-ELY-WOLF to Ellesmere Island as well International Wolf is a forum for airing facts, ideas as plans for his 25th trip this and attitudes about wolf-related issues. Articles summer. Galen Sjostrom and materials printed in International Wolf do “It was great to see not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the all of the people that International Wolf Center or its board of directors. showed up,” said International Wolf welcomes submissions of Steven Birkemeyer, personal adventures with wolves and wolf 14-year member. “I phoo ­t ­graphs. Prior to submission of other was surprised by the types of manu­scripts, address queries to number of people Bruce Erickson, magazine coordinator. that came for the first PHOTOS: Unless otherwise noted, or obvious time, and how they from the caption or article text, photos are of

were surprised at Galen Sjostrom captive wolves. what the Center had International Wolf is printed entirely with

to offer.” Galen Sjostrom soy ink on FSC

certified paper. Galen Sjostrom Top: A lucky winner of a wolf plush toy from the Wolf Den Store. We encourage FSC logo here Bottom: Lori Schmidt, wolf curator, dissects a beaver for a group you to recycle of curious guests. this magazine.

2 Fall 2010 w ww.wolf.org INTERNATIONAL From the Executive Director WOLF CENTER BOARDF O DIRECTORS Nancy jo Tubbs Chair “Why wilderness? Dr. L. David Mech Why Wildlands? Why Wolves? Vice Chair Because we like the taste of freedom. n 1750, about 200,000 wolves roamed what are Cree Bradley now the lower 48 states. In the early 1900s, the Because we like the smell of danger.” Secretary Bureau of Biological Survey authorized the shooting, —Edward Abbey, Paul B. Anderson environmental activist and author trapping and poisoning of wolves—almost to Treasurer extinction.I States followed suit and instituted their own Dr. Larry Anderson bounty systems aimed at removing wolves and many other predators. In total, these Amy Bromberg Funk efforts extirpated wolves from most of the contiguous . The very last wolf in Yellowstone National Park died in 1930. The Act of 1973 and Nancy Gibson an enlightened public helped the wolf make a significant recovery over Hélène Grimaud the past 37 years in many areas of its former range. Jim Hammill After so much effort was expended to remove wolves in the past, Cornelia “Neil” Hutt why have we worked so hard in recent years to bring them back? Dean Johnson Examples abound of predators helping to regulate the impact of Linda Lemke herbivores on vegetation. In Yellowstone National Park, continuing Dr. Rolf O. Peterson studies show wolves are now significantly changing both landscape Mike Phillips and wildlife populations. Over-browsing by elk and bison had curtailed Debbie Reynolds the growth of aspen, willow and cottonwood trees, so no shoots or saplings could survive. Without an apex predator, the population of Jerry Sanders coyotes exploded and competed for food with bald eagles and hawks. Paul Schurke Mary Ortiz This effect is known as a “trophic cascade,” in which a change affecting Paul Sletten one species higher up the food chain indirectly affects those lower Ted Spaulding down. With more wolves and fewer ungulates, the vegetation has returned, bringing Teri Williams back many species of birds and even enriching stream ecosystems. The presence of large carnivores, then, can influence the flora and fauna of an EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ecosystem and help to keep it in a more natural and diverse state than in areas where Mary Ortiz no dominant predators exist. Wolves have become a symbol of our desire to protect the last wild places. The inter- MISSION nationally acclaimed book Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv inspired growing The International Wolf discussions on “nature deficit disorder” of children in this civilized world. The symbolic Center advances the survival of wolf populations by and emotional value of wolves inspires children, teachers and other adults to recon- teaching about wolves, their sider the need for wild places for predator survival and for human imagination and relationship to wildlands and the adventure. Like a charismatic teacher, the wolf—real and symbolic—entices us to human role in their future. protect the ecosystems it inhabits and wild places in general. Educational services and Without large carnivores, that “smell of danger” Edward Abbey mentions is lost, informational resources and we know that wilderness is no longer truly wild. To preserve wildlands, we must are available at: continue to find ways to reconcile the physical, economic and psychological needs of 1396 Highway 169 human beings with the requirements of wolves and other apex predators to the benefit Ely, MN 55731-8129, USA of both, as well as to the benefit of a multitude of other species with which we share 800-ELY-WOLF 218-365-4695 the planet. n email address: Information and some text from [email protected] “Why do we need large carnivores?” Wolves and Human Foundation, Web site: http://www.wolf.org www.wolvesandhumans.org, July 14, 2010.

International Wolf F a l l 2 0 1 0 3 EDITOR’S NOTE:

Although wolves have made a remarkable comeback in the Northern Rockies and in the Upper Midwest, two wild populations, the Mexican gray wolf in the Southwest and the red wolf in the Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team Mexican Wolf Southeast, struggle for long-term survival under intensive U.S. Wolves of the World Fish and Wildlife Service management programs. International Wolf contributor Cornelia “Neil” Hutt interviewed the recovery coordinators for each of these programs about the challenges they face and what we can do to participate in the effort to save the Mexican wolf and the red wolf from extinction in the wild. Barron Crawford

4 Fall 2010 w ww.wolf.org VITAL STATISTICS AT A GLANCE In May 2010, the radio-collared population consisted of 27 wolves Scientific Name: lupus baileyi dispersed among 10 packs and one Common Names: Mexican gray wolf, lobo single wolf. The captive breeding Physical Characteristics: Smallest of North American gray wolf subspecies. program for Mexican gray wolves Weight 50-90 pounds (23-40 kg). Fur contains color variations of brown, black, numbers over 300 wolves distributed gray and white. Relatively short, pointed ears. among more than 40 facilities across the United States and in (a Original Range: Central Mexico through and binational effort). including portions of western . Likely occurred as far north as southern Utah and southern Colorado. NH: What are the primary threats Present Range: Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area (BRWRA) in east-central to Mexican wolves? Arizona and west-central New Mexico. Fazio: We are concerned about low Status: Endangered/experimental nonessential. pup survival and the ability of the Prey: Primarily elk, some deer, javelina, antelope and small . BRWRA wolf population to grow, expand and stabilize. Further inves- Social Structure: Lives in family groups or pairs (packs). Average litter tigation will determine whether we is four to seven pups once a year. must address disease, human-caused mortality, prey availability or other factors in the near future.

NH: Why should Mexican wolves be

Mexican Gray Wolf Interagency Field Team Mexican Wolf restored and protected? Fazio: Mexican wolves are among top “A deep chesty bawl Interview with Bud Fazio, predators within ecosystems in the Mexican Gray Wolf Southwest and Mexico, along with echoes from rimrock to jaguars and mountain lions. Health Recovery Program and balance in ecosystems depend, in rimrock, rolls down the Coordinator, U.S. Fish part, on the roles and presence of their mountain, and fades in to and Wildlife Service top predators. Ecosystems are most healthy when all their interrelated the far blackness of the NH: What is the current status of the parts are functionally active. Whether Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery Plan? in ungulate population maintenance, night. It is an outburst of competition with other predators such Fazio: The 1982 Mexican Gray Wolf as coyotes, or other functions, Mexican wild defiant sorrow, and Recovery Plan is currently under revi- gray wolves play important roles in sion and will incorporate the latest of contempt for all the ecosystem balance. in science and data to establish a long- adversities of the world.” term recovery vision for this wolf NH: What are the next steps to subspecies throughout its historical —Aldo Leopold secure the future of the Mexican range. Although the interagency field gray wolf? team has done good work each year, the present plan has shown mixed Fazio: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife results. Thus the team will develop an Service (USFWS) is undertaking a annual work plan to focus restoration structured exercise to determine which and management at the field level. wolf entities are best recognized under Interagency coordination is under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, review as well. as amended. The USFWS will decide whether to officially recognize the NH: How many Mexican gray wolves Mexican gray wolf as: (1) a subspecies, are alive in the wild? How many are (2) a distinct gray wolf population, or in captivity? (3) simply a gray wolf of the south- western United States. Concurrently, Fazio: The number of wolves in the the USFWS is moving forward with wild within the Blue Range Wolf efforts to revise the Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery Area (BRWRA) varies each Recovery Plan, develop an annual field year and has declined to a minimum work plan, and work with partners 2009 end-of-year count of 42 wolves.

International Wolf F a l l 2 0 1 0 5 toward new forms of interagency coor- NH: Has your experience as the vital to developing working relation- dination. The USFWS is also planning coordinator of the Red Wolf Recovery ships with those directly affected to convene two panels of scientists to Program influenced your job as the by Mexican wolf restoration. These assist with a recovery planning team coordinator of the Mexican Gray contacts develop trust, understanding and a recovery implementation team. Wolf Recovery Program? and the ability to work together to Fazio: I have great respect for the biol- resolve incredibly complex issues. NH: Describe your greatest personal ogists and outreach staff of the Red challenges as the coordinator of the NH: Are anti-wolf attitudes changing Wolf Recovery Program and for the Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery to acceptance of wolves in the Red Wolf Coalition, a nonprofit group Program. Southwest? making a big difference by talking Fazio: My greatest challenges are with people and assisting in red wolf Fazio: Opposition to Mexican wolf finding common ground and working recovery. I am blessed to have worked restoration remains strong where to build trust among people and eight years with folks dedicated to wolves can affect people directly. People agencies with extremely varied views red wolf recovery prior to my moving living with wolves worry about the and feelings about Mexican wolves, to Albuquerque, New Mexico, one year safety of their families and their pets including their natural history, res- ago. Red wolves live in an area and livestock. County commissioners, toration, management and moni- composed of approximately 65 percent other representatives and ranchers toring. This includes helping people private land. The Red Wolf Recovery remain concerned about the economic and agencies learn we really can work Program and its staff taught me the effects of wolves on local livestock together to find new ways of doing importance of sitting down with land- operations. Resource agencies and business to address the needs of both owners and land managers to discuss environmental organizations need to people and wolves. This means sitting issues important to them. This is time effectively address these matters with down with the people most opposed well spent because it allows us to assistance, solutions, support, informa- to wolves to hear, understand and act know each other well enough to find tion and education for people living on their concerns. solutions to challenges of maintaining directly with wolves. So, with regard to wolves on both public and private acceptance of wolves by people in the land. In the Southwest, Mexican wolves Southwest, we must do more to address live primarily on public land, with the needs of people affected directly by portions divided into grazing allot- wolves, while at the same time help all The captive breeding program for Mexican ments. Personal contact by me and people understand the challenges and gray wolves numbers over 300 solutions of managing wolves, livestock distributed among more than 40 facilities other USFWS and interagency staff is across the United States and in Mexico.

Whether in ungulate population maintenance, competition with other predators such as coyotes, or other functions, Mexican gray wolves play

Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team Mexican Wolf important roles in ecosystem balance. Interagency Field Team Mexican Wolf

6 Fall 2010 w ww.wolf.org and wildlife together. Helping people VITAL STATISTICS AT A GLANCE understand the behavior and move- ments of wolves, wildlife and livestock Scientific Name:Canis rufus is a step forward. I am encouraged that Common Name: Red wolf many of those opposed to Mexican Physical Characteristics: Weight 50–80 pounds (23-36 kg). Long legs with wolf restoration are good, decent height at shoulder about 26 inches (68 cm). Color varies from dark gray to gray people, willing to sit down and talk mixed with cinnamon, buff, tan and black. Often has reddish tinge on its long ears about wolves, management strategies, and on backs of legs. and what they feel is truly important. It is through these discussions that Original Range: Once the Southeast’s top predator, the red wolf was found strategies and methods can become from the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts north to the Ohio River Valley, through central solutions to very complex challenges. Pennsylvania and New England and west to southern Missouri and central Texas. Present Range: Presently lives in the wild on the national wildlife refuges and NH: Where can readers learn more adjacent private property in the 1.7-million-acre (680,000 hectares) restoration area about the Mexican gray wolves and in northeastern North Carolina. the efforts to restore them? Status: Endangered/experimental nonessential. Fazio: Go to the USFWS Mexican gray Prey: Primarily white-tailed deer, nutria, marsh rabbits, raccoons and small rodents. wolf Web site (http://www.fws.gov/ southwest/es/mexicanwolf/) and learn Social Structure: Lives in family groups or pairs (packs). Often hunts alone or in all you can. An Internet search will pairs. Average litter is three to five pups born each year in April. show you a wide range of viewpoints about Mexican gray wolf restoration. NH: How can readers help ensure the Red Wolf future of the Mexican wolf? Chris Crowe Fazio: First, educate yourself on the natural history, behavior, current status “A long time ago, the howl Interview with and historical range of Mexican gray wolves. Taking time to hear and read became a word, a name. Dr. David Rabon, Red about the viewpoints of people who Wolf Recovery Program support and oppose wolves will inform Wa’ya to the Cherokee, to Coordinator, U.S. Fish you about how to respond or help. whom the mountains also and Wildlife Service It’s important to express your views, pro or con, about Mexican wolves to listened in the old time. NH: Explain the plan to restore the those entities able to affect the outcome red wolf. of Mexican gray wolf restoration and Son of the wind; Rabon: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife recovery—government agencies, pub- companion to Kana’ti; lic representatives, non-profit groups, Service (USFWS) Red Wolf Recovery private groups or science and research father of Ani’-Wa’ya, the Program uses the Red Wolf Recovery/ organizations. Share your time, ideas, Species Survival Plan (Recovery Plan) strategies, solutions and funds with Wolf people, principal clan. and an Adaptive Management Plan in restoring red wolves. The Recovery organizations, agencies and individuals Familiar spirit to hunters. assisting with recovery of the Mexican Plan established a recovery goal of gray wolf, its habitat, its prey, its legal Perfect walker. Far traveler. three disjunct, reintroduced red wolf support, educational needs and sci- populations large enough for natural ence research. Readers can also donate Revenge taker and altruist. evolutionary processes to work. The goal includes preserving 80 to 90 funds through the Fish and Wildlife Unseen shape between Foundation’s “Interdiction and Incen- percent of the species’ genetic diversity tives Fund” designed to assist ranchers the trees. Shy shadow for 150 years and establishing a wild with proactive, livestock depredation population of approximately 220 prevention measures. This fund can be from the long past.” animals and a captive population used in combination with other private —Christopher Camuto of approximately 330 animals. Cur- or public funds to compensate live- rently, wild red wolves exist only in stock growers for animals lost to eastern North Carolina. The Adaptive wolves. I encourage you to act on Management Plan provides a strategy whatever you learn and to get involved. to assess, control and manage -

International Wolf F a l l 2 0 1 0 7 ization between red wolves and coy- North Carolina. Additionally, these enhances the Earth’s biodiversity. There otes, a nonnative species to North effects could alter prospective rein- are cultural and economic implica- Carolina or the eastern United States. troduction sites throughout the south- tions in restoring red wolves as well, eastern United States. Habitat frag- whether it is revering the wolf for its NH: Is the plan succeeding? mentation and human attitudes toward skills or what it represents in nature to What are the major challenges top-level predators are also major chal- the economic benefits of ecotourism or to the red wolf’s long-term future? lenges to red wolf restoration. reducing crop damage caused by prey Rabon: The Recovery Plan and the species. At the very least, there may Adaptive Management Plan have NH: How many red wolves are alive be an ethical obligation to right past demonstrated notable successes in in the wild? How many are in wrongs and learn from mistakes that red wolf restoration. Recovery Plan captivity? can only be realized or actualized with implemetation has created a popula- Rabon: With the completion of the the restoration of red wolves and other tion of more than 100 red wolves 2010 whelping season, the number of predators. ranging across nearly 1.7 million acres known red wolves in the wild is 117. of the red wolf recovery area in eastern This total includes 78 known adults NH: What are the primary threats to North Carolina. Adaptive Management and yearlings, and 39 pups from eight red wolf restoration? Plan implementation has established litters whelped this year. About 180 Rabon: Interbreeding between red a working protocol for controling red wolves live in 42 captive facilities wolves and coyotes, a primary threat to and managing hybridization between across the United States. North Carolina’s red wolf population, red wolves and coyotes. However, is being successfully reduced by adap- substantial challenges to the long-term NH: Why should red wolves be tive management strategies. Sea-level future of red wolves remain, and the restored and protected? rise associated with climate change, challenges are not limited to the extant Rabon: Every species has intrinsic habitat fragmentation, and premature population. The adverse effects of worth. In addition to the obvious and human-induced mortality also climate change and associated sea-level aesthetic value, the red wolf plays a threaten red wolf restoration. rise and land subsidence are among the practical and positive role in main- greatest challenges affecting the long- taining healthy and balanced eco- NH: Describe the important next term future of red wolves in eastern systems. Restoring red wolves also steps to secure the future of the red wolf? Rabon: The Red Wolf Recovery Program and partners, such as the Red Wolf Coalition (www.redwolves.com), educate and inform the public and elected officials about the importance

Habitat fragmentation and human attitudes toward top-level predators are also major chal-

Barron Crawford lenges to red wolf restoration.

8 Fall 2010 w ww.wolf.org Brad McPhee, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium Chris Crowe

of red wolves and other apex predators is to be responsive to the concerns of • Donate your time or money to orga- and their contribution to a balanced, citizens most affected by the presence nizations or programs that benefit healthy environment. To show that of wolves. It’s essential to educate and red wolves through education, advo- top predators and humans can coexist, inform the public about the history cacy, conservation and research. we promote ecotourism expansion and behavior of red wolves, the issues Example: the Red Wolf Coalition. and eco-related businesses as well as of managing wolves, the presence of Check out www.crowdrise.com/ “green” growth and development in coyotes and their interaction with enclosure/fundraiser/redwolfcoali- “red wolf country” rural communities. wolves and the benefits of restoring tion to support a major project! Additionally, we must improve and and conserving red wolves. • Inform elected officials, lawmakers strengthen the Red Wolf Recovery NH: Where can readers learn more and organizations of the importance Program to gain and maintain public of, and your support for, red wolf and political trust and support for rein- about red wolves and the efforts to restore them? conservation and wildlife protection troducing additional red wolf popula- programs. tions. The red wolf’s future is largely Rabon: Visit the USFWS Red Wolf in the hands of the American people. Recovery Program Web site at www. • Vote for elected officials who support The USFWS can protect the species fws.gov/redwolf and follow our efforts wildlife and land conservation initia- under the Endangered Species Act of on our blog at http://trackthepack. tives and programs. 1973, but the overall success of this blogspot.com. Also, visit the Red • Experience it! Visit places where red and future reintroduced red wolf Wolf Coalition’s Web site at www. wolves live, whether it is one of more populations will be defined by the redwolves.com. than 40 zoos or captive facilities American people’s understanding of across the United States that partici- the wolf’s value and by support of its pate in the captive-breeding program restoration and conservation. NH: How can readers help ensure the or driving, hiking, biking or paddling future of the red wolf? in one or all of the national wildlife NH: Are anti-wolf attitudes changing Rabon: Here’s a list of what you can refuges within the red wolf recovery to acceptance of wolves in the do. area of eastern North Carolina. n Southeast? • Educate yourself! Learn all you can Rabon: Local opposition to red wolf about red wolf restoration and Cornelia Hutt is an educator and a writer. restoration remains, although toler- management issues. The more you She is an International Wolf Center board ance and even acceptance appear to know, the more effective you will be member, a member of the International have increased since the red wolf was in building support for red wolf Wolf Advisory Committee and chair of the Red Wolf Coalition board of directors. first restored to eastern North Carolina conservation. in 1987. Some people living in the red • Get involved! Support red wolf wolf recovery area remain concerned conservation and recovery efforts for their safety and the safety of their at the local, regional and national families, pets and livestock. The Red levels. Wolf Recovery Program’s responsibility

International Wolf F a l l 2 0 1 0 9 t is well known that wolves are unpleasant encounter with the wolf’s territorial in nature and will aggres- territorial instincts. Isively defend their home ranges Generally speaking, pet owners from other wolves. What may not be living in and visiting wolf country have as well known is that wolves will also a good handle on how to prevent nega- b y JESS EDBERG defend against and attack domestic tive interactions between their furry dogs that live in or visit their territo- family members and wild wolves— i n f o r m a t i o n ries. Although domestic dogs do not or any wildlife for that matter. Yet inev- s e r v i c e s d i r e c t o r , have instincts for territorial behavior as itably each year, wolves kill numerous strong as those of the wolf, wolves dogs around the world. I n t e r n a t i o n a l often perceive dogs as a threat. In 2009, wolves in the Great Lakes Wolf Center Domestic dogs typically do not states of Minnesota, Wisconsin and hunt for their food or fight each other Michigan dispatched 37 dogs, and in for space when kept as pets. How- the Northern Rockies (Montana, Idaho ever, the root of this behavior is firmly and Wyoming), wolves took 24 dogs. established in the wild wolf, and Although the incidence of wolf attacks regardless of breed, the presence of a on dogs in these areas is low relative to dog sniffing about can initiate an the number of wolves present (an esti- Wolves and Dogs Like Oil and Water

Simply being in wolf territory can mark a dog as a target since it is natural for a wolf to confront a canine intruder in its territory. Mike O’Connell

10 Fall 2010 w ww.wolf.org mated 6,000 combined), that should dog did have a door to go indoors, coincides with the use of rendezvous not diminish the impact the loss of the height of the fence was lower than sites by wolves. During this training, each pet had on its owner. five feet, and a predator was able to get dogs are encouraged to locate the Additionally, the emotional response in, snatch the dog and escape within scent of a bear, track it and tree it. Some to dog depredation by wolves, and a matter of seconds, presumably by owners use radio collars on their dogs subsequent media reporting, can be a jumping over the fence. Tracks indi- to keep track of where they travel. significant factor in influencing public cated a wolf was the culprit. Unfortunately for the dogs and opinion about wolves. In some cases it is difficult to deter- their owners, bears and wolves often There are a variety of ways a dog mine what criteria wolves use to distin- inhabit similar ecosystems in North can get into a life-threatening situa- guish whether a dog is a threat or a America. Even a pack of six dogs may tion with a wolf or a pack of wolves. meal. Evidence suggests that larger- be no match for the intense territorial Additionally, not all dogs are seen as breed dogs such as black labs are drive in wolves. a threat; some are viewed as prey. usually seen as competition based on In areas where hunting with dogs Unfortunately, many of the circum- their size since they are closer in stature is allowed and wolves are present, stances that end in the loss of a dog to a wolf, whereas smaller dogs such wildlife officials have developed could have been prevented. as pugs are viewed as a food source guidelines for hunters to maximize Simply being in wolf territory can because they look more like the wolf’s hunting success while minimizing mark a dog as a target since it is natural prey such as rabbit or beaver. damage to their dogs. for a wolf to confront a canine intru- Regardless of the reason for the Livestock-guarding dogs are also at der in its territory. Keeping a dog on attack, in many cases, the dog is greater risk for encountering wolves a leash when hiking in the wilderness partially or wholly consumed. that investigate pastures or paddocks or walking in a rural area may reduce Hunting dogs are especially at risk for potential food sources. Livestock- the chances of an encounter by keeping for predation by wolves as these guarding dogs have been used for the pet in a more open area. When dogs are often encouraged to roam millennia to protect a variety of live- dogs are allowed to roam and investi- ahead and often out of sight of the stock against wolves and other preda- gate away from their owners, an owner. Bear hunting dogs are the most tors. Traditional breeds include the approaching wolf may not be seen. The common type of hunting dog casualty same danger exists when dog owners and include breeds such as redbone allow their pets outside to relieve them- and Plott’s hounds and Rhodesian selves when staying or living in an area ridgeback. Traditional training of this with wolves. category of dogs typically involves a A fence or kennel may also help summer field training season, which avoid depredation; however, the height of the fence or the presence of a roof makes a difference. This past winter, for example, a small dog was taken from its kennel just outside Ely, Minnesota. Although the small-breed

Bear hunting dogs, like the Rhodesian ridgeback, are the most common type of hunting dog casualty. Carissa Winter Ann Mayo-Kiely

International Wolf F a l l 2 0 1 0 1 1 Italian Maremma, Pyrenean Mountain out of sight when people approach. present or close. It is important to dog, Polish Tatra sheepdog and Keeping a dog from wandering out of understand that the behavior directed Anatolian shepherd. These dogs are sight may significantly decrease the toward the dog is not necessarily not trained to attack, but instinctively chance of a wolf attack. directed toward the human. The wolf’s protect, deterring predators by Being an alert owner may also territorial nature drives the behavior placing themselves between their prevent attacks. By avoiding areas with to eliminate competition—in some charges and an intruder and alerting fresh signs of wolves or known rendez- cases at all costs. This could mean nearby shepherds or owners to any vous sites, owners put distance between wolves suppress their natural avoid- disturbance. Livestock-guarding dogs their dogs and wolves. ance behavior toward humans to are bred for this strong protective What about at home? Living in protect their resources. behavior, which may put them at wolf country has responsibilities just as In a few cases, wolves have had greater risk for depredation. living in grizzly bear or mountain lion experience with humans and dogs Compensation programs vary country does. There are steps humans leading to a loss of that avoidance regionally, nationally and internation- must take to prevent wolf and human behavior. In these cases, the wolf may ally. In some areas of North America, contact such as storing food and waste approach the dog even when on a leash owners are compensated when their securely and out of reach of animals, held by the owner. It is essential that hunting dog is lost to wolf depreda- feeding pets in a secure area or indoors, any wolf exhibiting fearless, bold or tion. Compensation also exists for and housing pets in a secure area if aggressive behavior in the presence of many livestock-guarding dog owners kept outdoors or allowed to roam. a human be reported to the authorities. around the world. However, for the Many people choose to allow their Owning a dog is a significant vast majority of global dog owners dog to roam freely in “the yard,” while commitment. With this commitment who lose a pet to wolf depredation, they themselves enjoy the outdoors. comes great responsibility to safe- compensation is not available. Although this may be a safe practice guard the pet from avoidable dangers. What can dog owners do to prevent 90 percent of the time, keep in mind In most cases, wolf depredation can a situation where their companion that for some dogs, a squirrel, rabbit be avoided with minimal work by pet may be seriously injured or killed? or deer is too tempting to ignore. the owner. n As mentioned above, keeping a dog Once the dog runs off and out of sight, close and preferably tethered when the safety the owner provided is null exercising goes a long way in preventing and void. a negative encounter with wolves. As There are also cases where a wolf with other wildlife, wolves can become exhibits bold or aggressive behavior accustomed to vehicular or pedestrian toward a dog even with the owner traffic on a road or trail within their territories. Typically, wolves utilize the same thoroughfares as humans, yet slip

There are steps humans must take to prevent wolf and human contact such as feeding pets in a secure area or indoors, and housing pets Wolves view smaller dogs such as pugs as a food source in a secure area if because they are similar in Scott Austin size to a wolf’s prey. kept outdoors or allowed to roam.

12 Fall 2010 w ww.wolf.org Tracking the Pack

The Changing of the Guards: Center Develops Proactive Plan for Shadow Transitioning a Wolf When making a major decision such as retirement of one into Retirement of the Center’s ambassador wolves, the logistical plan needs to ensure enough staff to provide observational data that b y L o r i S c h m i d t , can be used to interpret not only the retired wolf but also the wolf curator, International Wolf Center residual members of the pack. In 2002, when the 1993 litter was retired, a group of students attending an ethology course uring the summer of Retiring a dominant wolf proved instrumental in interpreting MacKenzie’s final decline 2010, the Interna- is complicated. If the wolf is as the dominant female. In planning for Shadow’s retirement, Dtional Wolf Center psychologically strong, but the circumstances were different than they were with the celebrated its 25th anniver- physically weakening, it may 1993 litter. Experience with retiring wolves taught us that the sary as an organization whose overcompensate by exerting psychological signs of a dominant wolf’s decline occur much mission is to “Teach the its dominance over the lower- sooner than the physical. Shadow has been showing these World about Wolves.” The ranking wolves to maintain signs since spring 2010. Rather than wait for Shadow, a wolf care program has been its position, creating tension managing wolves for 21 of in the pack. This is the sce- very dominant wolf, to lose his status physically, we had those 25 years, and the reality nario the Center has been the opportunity to be more proactive and choose a date for is, the wolves have taught the monitoring since spring his retirement that would maximize behavioral observations. staff about pack dynamics, 2010. Grizzer, the second The date chosen, June 26, 2010, coincided with the start of rank order and the impor- ranking male, began showing a wolf ethology course, allowing 18 students to participate tance of detailed manage- subtle signs of testing in the behavioral observations of this management plan. ment plans. behavior toward Shadow. It Data gathered from these students will be shared in the The most recent manage- was Grizzer’s behavior that next installment of Tracking the Pack. ment decision relates to the caused staff to formulate a aging and ultimate retirement more defined plan. of Shadow, an arctic wolf Wolves cycle hormones born May 8, 2000, which has with the seasons, even been the dominant pack in an exhibit where leader since September 2002. continued on page 14 Shadow’s littermate Malik, the lowest ranking member of the Exhibit Pack, was transitioned into retirement in November 2009 due to pack aggression deemed too intense for his safety. Malik has been living alone waiting for Shadow to lose status, decline in rank and be transi- tioned into the Retired Pack to live his remaining years in a stress-free environment.

Shadow’s energy level decreased as he tried to keep up with Galen Sjostrom younger packmates.

International Wolf F a l l 2 0 1 0 1 3 The Changing of Center Receives $193,000 for the Guards continued from pg 13 Minnesota WolfLink Project

n late May 2010, the Inter- really drawn to.” Inational Wolf Center was Generated by profits from notified it will receive the Minnesota State Lottery, $193,000 from Minnesota’s trust fund dollars are consti- Environment and Natural tutionally dedicated by Resources Trust Fund for its Minnesota voters to ensure Minnesota WolfLink project. a long-term, stable source The bill containing the of funds for protecting and appropriation was based enhancing the state’s environ- on project recommendations ment and natural resources, from the Legislative-Citizen even during times of chal- Commission on Minnesota lenging budget situations for

Galen Sjostrom Resources, passed by the the state. Minnesota Legislature with bipartisan support and wolves are spayed and neutered. The summer heat and signed by Governor Tim humidity, coupled with a peak in nurturing prolactin Pawlenty May 15. hormone, is a logical time to make changes to pack The three-year Minnesota dynamics. Another key component to an effective plan WolfLink project will use is the interpretation of the impact on the remaining the Center’s award-winning pack members. If a wolf is not aggressively deposed, distance learning program such as Malik was, there might be issues with sep- to educate and talk in real- aration anxiety. Maya and Shadow are closely bonded time with students who will as the dominant pair, and Maya may respond with an virtually visit the Center from intense focus on the Retired Pack, or may redirect their classrooms around anxiety to existing members. Eventually, Maya will Minnesota. It will fund the likely pair bond with another male in the pack. creation of foreign-language The male rank order may show some intensity as the and Braille versions of wolf remaining three wolves posture for status, but Maya curricula and supply Wolf as the dominant female will have a significant influence Loan Boxes classroom teach- on Shadow’s successor. At this point, Aidan has the ers can use to share wolf strongest bond with Maya even though he was a pelts, bones and other arti- Minnesota WolfLink was recipient of some intense dominance behavior. To view facts with students. one of 71 individual projects the current status of the ambassador wolves, go to “I always like working funded around Minnesota www.wolf.org and view the wolf logs, YouTube videos, with the International Wolf from a total appropriation of and podcasts discussing the Center’s management of Center,” said Pete Royer, $26.1 million. the captive wolves. n director of the Little Crow “We’re honored to receive Telemedia Network, which this funding from the trust provides interactive televi- fund and the state of sion, Internet and video- Minnesota,” said Mary Ortiz, conferencing capabilities for executive director of the CORRECTION: 19 school districts in west- Center. “Our educators are n Amaroq Weiss’ article “Lookin’ for Wolves in All the Right central Minnesota. “I believe excited to present 100 free, IPlaces” (summer 2010) we mistakenly said: “In October 2006, the distance learning pro- interactive programs to at a female wolf and her pups captured in Montana for livestock grams may be the only way least 2,500 students, teachers depredations were relocated to northern Idaho, and from there, some kids would ever see and others from across the she migrated into eastern Washington.” The author had notified the Center. With declining state. Wolf curricula in other us that those wolves were actually captured in “February 2002,” budgets and fewer field trips, languages and the loan boxes but we missed the correction. We regret the error. distance learning fills a niche will help us reach out to new the students and teachers are audiences.” n

14 Fall 2010 w ww.wolf.org INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER Center Receives $193,000 for Major Contributors and Special Gifts Minnesota WolfLink Project MARCH 2010 – MAY 2010

Major Donors Christy Los Memorials Honorary CNA Foundation on behalf of: Robert Alvord Betty Magnuson In memory of Paul Beyer: In honor of Aidan’s and Sheila Jaimes Denali’s birthday: Justin Bard Cindy L. Manke Jane Bridges Kathleen Suozzo Hawksglen Foundation Robert Bell Seamus Metress, Ph.D. In memory of Robert Butler: In honor of Pam Churn: IBM Corporation Jane Bridges Bette Morse on behalf of: Jean V. Ruth Lorianne Churn Catherine Brown Jim Nystrom Brian Chizever In memory of Peter Insel: In honor of Lydia Zuk: Joanne Buynink, Thomas and Corey Roeder Marathon Sponsorship Victoria O’Connell Mr. and Mrs. Minnesota Department John T. De Vries of Human Services LexisNexis on behalf of: Donations Lance Olson Health Care Pamela and Craig Deubner Willard and Robert E. Patterson Operation Susan Cochrane Richard Holman Laura L. Lawson In honor of Dr. and Mrs. Rolf John and Ramona Davis Peterson Ronald Nauman: Macy’s Foundation Margaret Insel on behalf of: Gary and Trish DeYoung Patricia Pettis John and Margaret Doreen Deutsch James J. Gerber Debbie Reynolds Insel on behalf of In honor of Brian and Ellen Dietz Andree Leung Joyce Toenjes: Microsoft on behalf of: Ted and Linda Rockwell Nancy Gibson and Chapter L of the Bruce Toenjes Raul Garcia Ron Sternal Victoria D. Rosskam Gold Wing Road Anonymous Riders Association In honor of Principal Amanda Giliotti Gary Seevers Caridad Montano: The Pfizer Foundation Dennis A. Moore Johanna Goering Joel Slager and TERRA Environmental on behalf of: Joel Slager and Barbara Neily Slager Research Institute staff, Lois Nichols Joe and Jody Barbara Neily Slager students, and PTSA Greenhalgh Ted and Barbara Kay and Don Watson The Prudential Spaulding Foundation on behalf of: Melanie Grune Matching In memory of Kathleen Suozzo Laura D. Kavanagh Charles and David Morse: Gifts and Sharon Heck Frances Stofflet Donna DeFazio Foundations Sara Lee Foundation Amber Tamblyn on behalf of: Carol Hodges Judy Hunter American Express Steven Kent Fco Javier Sanchez on behalf of: Henry and Bette Morse Stephanie Howell Usera Linda D’Arcy US Bancorp Foundation Gregory P. Muennich on behalf of: Judy Hunter Rebecca Troth and and Liana Eng Nicole Boyt Christopher Wright Deborah Wankel Dean Johnson Muennich Jacqueline Bukovits Kay and Don Watson Jeanie and Robert and Bette Ameriprise on behalf of: In-Kind Murray Kilgour Niezgorski Kristine Elias Donations Barbara Smith Dorie Klein Cheryl Funk Amy Bromberg Funk Elsie Smith Bud Kraehling Erik Johnson Nancy Gibson and In memory of Ron Sternal John and Margaret Insel Milt Stenlund: Shannin Seeholzer Sharon Hibbard Dorothy O. Kirsch Gerald Ireland, M.D. JPMorgan Chase on behalf of: Mary Ortiz Geoffrey Shaver Lori Schmidt Chevron on behalf of: Estates Susan A. Myers Vincent L. Hillyer

Lori Rhodes Thank You!

International Wolf F a l l 2 0 1 0 1 5 A Case of Mistaken Identity?

by Ronald Schultz

have found from experience a stand as we approached. person cannot learn all there is One or both of the wolves I to know about wolves, or probably were, no doubt, feeding any other species, in one’s lifetime. on the kill and retreated to I have been working with gray wolves the creek bottom as we for more than 28 years, and every approached. year I learn and observe something The deer, which we later new about this great predator. I learned was female, had would like to share a unique obser- been mostly consumed by vation a co-worker and I made while the pair of wolves. All that checking out a wolf den in north- remained was the spinal central Wisconsin. column with skull attached, On a mild winter day in mid- rib cage and several leg February, co-worker and dear friend bones and hooves. It Randy Jurewicz and I were snow- appeared the wolves chased shoeing on an old logging trail through the deer into the thick fir a rolling hardwood stand bordered stand where she was unable by a ridge of hemlock to the west to fend off the attacks. and a creek bottom lined with alder As we searched the area, and balsam fir to the south. As we we discovered that the

approached the hemlock stand, we Photo courtesy of Ronald Schultz noticed deer and wolf tracks coming down the ridge heading into the thick stand of balsam fir. As we exam- ined the tracks, we could see two wolves had been in pursuit of a fleeing white- tailed deer. As we followed the bounding tracks of the Ronald Schultz makes three animals into the thick a unique observation while walking along balsam, we could hear what a logging road. sounded like an animal or animals departing the other side, heading toward the creek bottom. Shortly after entering the balsam stand, we found a very fresh deer that had been killed by the two wolves. This explained

what we heard leaving the Deb Wells

16 Fall 2010 w ww.wolf.org wolves had left the kill only to return wolf hair, and under the hair, it noticed the fetus while consuming the on several occasions. When we finished appeared that the snow may have been deer and thought it was one of their examining the kill site, we followed somewhat padded down. The deer own. They then took the scentless body the wolves’ tracks to where they had fetus was completely intact with the and buried it on their way to check left the kill earlier. The wolves’ tracks exception of several small cuts on its out the den, just like they may have were heading toward the den. The two nose. It appeared that that a wolf care- done with one of their own pups. n wolves then crossed the logging road fully carried the fetus to this site, gently down from where we had come. In packed down some snow, pulled out Ronald Shultz has worked for the the middle of the road, where the two some body hair, laid it over the prepared Wisconsin Department of Natural animals had crossed, we noticed a pile snow, laid the fawn fetus on the hair, Resources on the wolf program for the of snow. The basketball-sized snow covered it with snow, and then urinated last 28 years, trapping and monitoring pile had been constructed by one of the on the top of the snow pile. the population. He has an interest in nonlethal control techniques to prevent two wolves and the animal topped it off It has been documented that wolves wolf depredation and has tested shock by urinating on it. cache organs and food from their prey collars and scent marking. He is now As we both looked at the small pile and they have been known to bury testing the use of a simulated wolf pack of snow in wonder, I did what any their pups when they die at an early to move rendezvous sites away from curious person would have done; I age, but I have never seen nor read farms. He majored in wildlife manage- kicked the pile with my foot. As the about such an unusual cache as this ment and biology at Eastern New snow flew, mainly in one direction, to one. This could have just been another Mexico University and the University of our surprise, out came the fetus of a food cache the wolves planned to Wisconsin Stevens Point and holds an deer. We then began examining the consume at a later time, but I believe associate degree in machine tooling site with a less aggressive approach, there may have been more to it. With from Wisconsin North Central carefully using our hands to dissect the the careful preparation of this cache Technical College. pile of snow. We discovered that under site, I believe it could have been pos- where the fetus had lain, was a layer of sible that the wolves—or a wolf— Mary Anne Bourque

International Wolf F a l l 2 0 1 0 1 7 the nature of wolves presented unique circumstances. Wolves are both good diggers and climbers, so fencing had to be buried properly and without angles conducive to climbing. Larsen and her staff looked to others who have housed wolves to help with Lake Superior Zoo Opens Wolf Exhibit the project. “Some of the experts in the field pointed us to zoos that have good kennels or that have learned from by Holly Henry their mistakes in how they built their exhibit,” she said. “In the zoo field, it is he Lake Superior Zoo, in Duluth, had the opportunity to fill one of our our responsibility to our peer organi- recently acquired three male larger exhibit spaces with something zations to share this type of informa- TMexican gray wolves from the significant,” she explained. “Over time, tion. That way in the long run, we can Wildlife Science Center, in Forest our hoovestock yard suffered from all create the best possible living space Lake, Minnesota. The wolves were animals that enjoyed eating foliage, for our animals. We wanted to make born as part of a research project for which put undue stress on the soil, sure we did our homework.” testing a reproductive enhancement causing erosion.” Part of that homework involved technique for a Mexican wolf species When the St. Louis County Soil consultation with the International recovery program. and Water Conservation District con- Wolf Center. Larsen consulted with The wolves are now settling into firmed the erosion, zoo staff decided the Center when first exploring whether their new home in a specially designed to exhibit animals that can be viewed to exhibit parent-reared or human- exhibit at the zoo. Director of Education well on the hillside but not cause the reared wolves. “Again, it’s facilities and Animal Management Leslie Larsen same erosion as caribou or deer. like the International Wolf Center that said the wolves are a perfect fit for an Building an appropriate exhibit have been doing this for years that we area that used to be a yard for hoove- for the wolves was not without its should turn to as the experts to guide stock. “We wanted to have a new challenges. This was the zoo’s first us,” she said. The zoo decided to exhibit for the 2010 season, and we renovation of a space since manage- exhibit human-reared wolves because ment was transferred from the they are more acclimated to humans city to the zoological society last and may adjust to life in a zoo more year, so there was pressure to get easily than parent-reared wolves. it right. While Larsen acknowl- The staff at the zoo will continue edged on the surface it was a to learn about care of the wolves from relatively simple exhibit to create, other facilities, including the Interna- tional Wolf Center. The zoo’s veteri- narian will also spend time at the Wildlife Science Center to partici- pate in wolf exams to learn more about how to work with wolves specifically during physical exams and anesthesia

Photos courtesy of Lake Superior Zoo procedures. The Lake Superior Zoo recently acquired Larsen said the entire Lake Superior three male Mexican wolves for a newly renovated exhibit space. Zoo staff feels honored and privileged to have the wolves on exhibit. “It is our hope that through this exhibit we can educate people and help them better understand these symbolic animals,” she said. “Predator-prey relationships in nature are very complex. By being able to learn more about wolves, we can perhaps help people better under- stand them and their role in nature.” n

Holly Henry is a former journalist. She now works as the events and promotions manager at the Lake Superior Zoo. Jackie Fallon

18 Fall 2010 w ww.wolf.org Questions Remain about Fatal Attack A l a s k a on Alaskan Runner CANADA

as 32-year-old Candice Berner caught off guard Anchorage W while running outside the tiny village of Chignik Lake, Alaska, and attacked by animals March 8, Juneau 2010? Was this “small and mighty” Katmai special-ed teacher, as her father National Park described her, lulled by music and in a meditative state that prevented her Chignik Lake from trying to defend herself? What other creatures besides wolves could Carnegie, who died in Saskatchewan Mech, founder and vice chair of the have killed her? These and several in November 2005. Much evidence International Wolf Center. “Although other questions may never be answered. pointed to wolves in that attack, attacks by wolves not fed by humans or What is known, however, is that although some biologists believed a habituated to them are rare, they are the 4-foot, 11-inch-tall Pennsylvania bear might have been involved. (See not out of the question. Any large carni- native was found by snowmobilers International Wolf, summer 2006.) vores, including dogs, have the capacity soon after she died surrounded by “We know that wolves in other to kill or injure humans, and one must large canid tracks and with at least one countries, especially India, have regu- always be careful around them, espe- wolf seen nearby. larly preyed on humans, particularly cially when with children.” n Although large dogs would seem to children,” stated wolf authority David be the only other candidate for the attack, their involvement has been ruled out. Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologist Lem Butler, who spent eight days investigating the area, stated: “While I was in the village, all of the dogs stayed very close to town. All were friendly and well socialized.” After Butler checked the canid tracks in the area, he stated, “I found no evidence to support the idea that dogs roam loose away from the village, that dogs were using the area where Candice was killed or that dogs were at the site of her death. Based on my experience in the area, I also doubt that dogs would live long if they spend signifi- cant periods away from the village. Each winter I receive several reports of wolves killing dogs in villages.” Authorities have pretty well concluded that wolves were the culprits in this upsetting incident, and that appears to mark the second exception to the long-standing statement: “No fatal attacks by healthy wild wolves have been documented in North America.” The first exception, still disputed by some as a wolf kill, was that of 22-year-old student Kenton

International Wolf F a l l 2 0 1 0 1 9 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Weighs in on Hydatid Tapeworm

Editor’s Note: This past spring, folks opposed to wolves in the Northern Rockies proposed that because wolves (like coyotes, foxes, and dogs) carry the hydatid tape- Dear Constituent: worm (Echinococcus granulo- sus), the prevalence of this parasite would increase and endanger the Thank you for your letter of February 12, 2010, to Senator John Barrasso public. International Wolf carried regarding the tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus (E.g.), and requesting information a short Q & A about this parasite in its summer issue. Here we about the presence of E.g. in Wyoming and efforts to alert the public about possible present a more thorough summary human health risks. Senator Barrasso has asked the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of relevant information in the form of a letter written by the deputy (Service) to respond directly to you and we apologize for the delay. director of the U. S. Fish and Echinococcus granulosus is a small tapeworm (about one-quarter inch long) Wildlife Service in reply to that lives in the intestine of canids (wolves, coyotes, foxes, and dogs) as an adult a constituent. or in various tissues of ungulates (moose, elk, deer, cattle or sheep) in its develop- mental stage. Eggs shed by the adult worm pass into the environment in canine feces, are consumed by ungulates during grazing, develop into cysts (hydatid cysts, usually in lungs or liver, but can occur in other locations), and are returned to a canine host by consumption during predation or scavenging. The parasite poses no health risk to the canine host, and only rarely causes enough tissue damage to affect ungulate health. Although wolves reintroduced to Yellowstone and central Idaho were treated with drugs to destroy E.g., wolves in these ecosystems currently have a relatively high prevalence of the parasite. The source of the parasite in these ecosystems is not known. E.g. may have been already present at low levels in resident coyotes, foxes, and/or dogs, may have been brought in by dogs or naturally dispersing wild canids, or inadvertently brought in with reintroduced wolves. E.g. poses a very low health risk to people. Humans can be exposed

David Cartier through inadvertent ingestion of infective eggs (note that not all eggs are infective). This usually results from contaminated hands after working with infected canids or canine feces. Human exposure is most common in rural communities when dogs are fed or otherwise scavenge raw offal from infected domestic animals or hunter-killed wildlife. Once established in a dog-livestock cycle, parasite prevalence in areas close to humans can dramatically increase human exposure. The Centers for Disease Control indicate that most infections do not cause symptoms in humans, especially when exposed to a low infective dose. Hydatid cysts usually occur in the lung or liver, but can also occur in other tissues. E.g. is usually treated with anthelmintics (drugs to kill parasites) and surgical removal of the cyst.

20 Fall 2010 w ww.wolf.org Humans have existed with E.g. presence for decades, with very few human cases being reported, particularly in areas with better hygiene and education. E.g. is common in most sheep-raising areas of the world. Most North American cases are associated with native villages feeding sled dogs raw infected wildlife organs. Wildlife maintains the disease on the landscape, permitting infection of domestic dogs which pose the greatest risk to humans. Most outbreaks in humans are managed by education about the parasite life cycle and the important role of domestic dogs, proper hygiene, and appropriate veterinary care of dogs. Such management greatly decreases or eliminates human cases. The public should treat all wildlife, including canids, as potential vectors of disease. E.g. is just one of many zoonotic diseases (diseases transmissible to humans) in wildlife. When handling canids or canid feces, we recommend wearing gloves, not smoking, eating or drinking, and washing-up afterwards. These simple precautions decrease exposure to a negligible level. These types of public health advisories are appropriate for those engaged in wolf hunting or other wild- life pursuits that include handling of any canine species, tissues or scat. We also recommend not feeding uncooked wild or domestic ungulate organs to dogs and maintaining proper veterinary care of dogs and their parasites. State fish and wildlife agencies advise the public on these routine precautions in the handling of wildlife tissues and scat. For example, Idaho Fish and Game, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Washington Department of Wildlife all provide specific information aboutE.g. on their respective websites, which are easily accessible by the public. In order to further raise awareness of this issue, we intend to distribute this letter to our partners and post it on the Northern Rocky Mountain gray wolf website. I hope this information is useful. If you need further assistance, please contact me or Mr. Steve Guertin, the Service’s Mountain-Prairie Regional Director at 303-236-7920. n

Sincerely,

Deputy Director

cc: Senator John Barrasso David Cartier Elk, caribou, deer and moose are the usual intermediate hosts of the hydatid tapeworm.

International Wolf F a l l 2 0 1 0 2 1 it for them.” Erin receives $2.50 in Starting Young: Developing spending money per week and another an Affinity for Wolves $2.50 her parents send directly into a savings account. In return, Erin by Fran Howard keeps her bedroom clean, vacuums and dusts the lower level of the family’s home, vacuums out one of the cars and s a four-year-old, it didn’t take They kill cattle and stuff,” said Erin, cleans a bathroom. Erin Kelm long to figure out who lives in Charleston, South “I honestly struggled at times with Awolves were getting a bad rap. Carolina. She still feels bad for wolves, her decision to save her allowance She had been hearing about the big but she’s doing something about it. money for the $35 annual fee, which bad wolf for years. “All the children’s A member of the International was a lot of money for her,” said Erin’s stories had bad wolves in them,” said Wolf Center since 2005, Erin has been mother Jackie Kelm. “Erin’s brother Erin, now 11 years old. The wolves sending a large portion of her hard- would be buying Lego ships and toys, in fairytales such as Little Red Riding earned allowance to pay her member- and she’d be sending her allowance Hood and The Three Little Pigs ship dues since she was six years old. off to the International Wolf Center. It epitomized the stigma of the wolf as an Sometimes the money arrived in took her time to save that much allow- undesirable character. “When I was cash—both dollars and cents. “It’s not ance money. She would put birthday young, I felt bad for wolves because hard to part with the money,” Erin money with it, too, which helped. She people would say wolves are bad. noted. “I love wolves. I do was so insistent on using it to help the wolves that I just let her go ahead.” But how does a six-year-old find out about an organization like the International Wolf Center? Word of mouth. A friend of the Kelm family and member of the Center, Kate Piersanti men- tioned the International Wolf Center to Erin’s mother after Erin started to develop an affinity for wolves. Today, the blonde-haired, lanky Erin knows more about wolves than most adults. “I have tons of books on wolves,” she said. “Once a long time ago when the tribes hunted wolves, they would use the skins for clothes and blankets because they honored wolves.” A straight-A student, Erin was one of 150 students accepted into the Charleston School for the Arts this year out of an

Erin’s bedding sports a wolf design, and wolf posters plaster the walls of her room. Jackie Kelm

22 Fall 2010 w ww.wolf.org applicant pool of 700. Her favorite subjects to draw, not surprisingly, are A student of Charleston wolves. A fan of Animal Planet as well School for the as any show on wolves, Erin also gets Arts, Erin’s a lot of her information on wolves from favorite sub- International Wolf magazine and the jects to draw Center’s Web site. Erin’s bedding sports are wolves. a wolf design, and posters plaster the walls of her room, where a wolf paw impression also hangs. “A wolf’s paw can be as big as an adult person’s hand,” she beamed. Erin remembers her first wolf encounter, which was shortly after she became a member of the Center. She and her family had traveled to Ohio to visit an aunt and uncle. While there, they visited a private wolf refuge where Erin got up close and personal with a wolf. “We were with a group and had a tour guide,” she recalled. “We got to put our hands flat up to the cage, and the wolves would lick us. It was lots of fun.” Not long after that first encounter, Erin announced to her mom she was part wolf and began taking on a wolf’s persona. “I used to crawl around the room and howl like a wolf,” she said. “I liked doing it. It was fun.” “A member of the Erin’s interest in wolves, however, has evolved dramati- International Wolf cally since then. “I want to do Center since 2005, something that involves wolves and animals when I grow up,” Erin has been send- she noted. Her options include, but are certainly not limited to, ing a large portion becoming a veterinarian special- of her hard-earned izing in conservation medicine or a wildlife biologist. But for allowance to pay her now, she just plans to continue to help wolves through her membership dues membership in the Center. “The since she was six International Wolf Center is one of the best ways to help wolves,” years old.” she said. “I’m not old enough to help wolves on my own yet.” n

Fran Howard is a freelance writer and editor based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, specializing in science, wildlife conservation, business, veterinary medicine, and agriculture. She is also the consulting editor for International Wolf, a Minnesota Master Naturalist volunteer and the author of 30 children’s books on nature-related subjects.

International Wolf F a l l 2 0 1 0 2 3 A rare opportunity exists to recreate The Future of Wolf Restoration the evolutionary potential of wolves, as well as reestablish the role of wolves by Mike Phillips as a keystone species with strong ecological interactions throughout the he tremendous success with represents an outstanding opportunity Rocky Mountain West. Evolutionary wolf recovery in the Great Lakes to recover the animal throughout a sig- and ecological restoration will be Tstates (Minnesota, Michigan nificant portion of its range as mandated hindered if we limit wolf recovery to and Wisconsin) and the Northern by the Endangered Species Act. the success in the Northern Rockies Rockies (Montana, Wyoming and Moreover, these two reintroduc- and the Great Lakes states. Additional Idaho) indicates that recovering the tions would reconnect wolves along reintroductions in the Grand Canyon species in the southwestern United the spine of the continent—the Rocky and Southern Rocky Mountain eco- States (Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona Mountains and Sierra Madres—from regions are clearly called for as impor- and Utah) is doable. This claim is Mexico through Canada and into tant steps in returning the gray wolf bolstered by two recent studies that Alaska. Noted wolf biologist David to its rightful place as an important revealed tremendous potential for gray Mech concluded the following when and fascinating part of our nation’s wolves to occupy the Southwest in considering such a vision: “Ultimately ecological past and future. n numbers and with a distribution that then this restoration could connect the would more than satisfy the spirit and entire North American wolf popula- Mike Phillips has been involved in wolf intent of the Endangered Species Act. tion from Minnesota, Wisconsin and conservation since first working for Specifically, the studies determined Michigan through Canada and Alaska, David Mech in 1980. He currently serves that under current habitat conditions, down the Rocky Mountains and into as the executive director of the Turner probably more than1,000 wolves could Mexico. It would be difficult to over- Endangered Species Fund and serves inhabit the southwestern United States. estimate the biological and conserva- on the International Wolf Center’s board This area includes two refugia of high tion value of this achievement.” of directors. quality and highly secure habitat that is currently unoccupied: the Grand Canyon ecoregion and the Southern Rocky Mountains ecoregion. If one combines these with the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area, where efforts have been underway for over a decade to restore Mexican wolves, then more than enough high-quality habitat exists to restore wolf populations that would persist indefinitely. Reintroducing wolves to the Grand Canyon ecoregion, a place that enjoys the largest potential for wolves in the southwestern United States, and the Southern Rocky Mountains ecoregion

Author’s note: The essay above draws heavily on chapter 11 (Potential for and implications of wolf restoration in the Southern Rocky Mountains) of a new book about wolf restoration: Awakening Spirit: Wolves in the Southern Rockies (Fulcrum Press, Golden, CO). Dotty Weber

24 Fall 2010 w ww.wolf.org