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4 Sally Irmiger 8 Melissa McGaw 11 Elke Duerr 14 Betsy Downey Now What? Two Views Where Have All the Take Only Photos, Leave The Grand Bargain: Address the Declining Red Wolves Gone? Only Footprints... Safely Time for Revision Wolf Population at Red wolves were returned to With nearly everyone in the In the fall 2013 issue of Isle Royale the wild in 1987, following wild armed with some type International Wolf, Mike Wolves and moose living on five generations of successful of camera, questions have Jimenez and Steve Grooms Isle Royale have been the topic breeding in captivity. The surfaced: What kind of conduct described the “grand bargain,” of studies for more than 50 wolves have established a is ethical when it comes to the deal on which wolf years. As of January 2013 small but robust population in wildlife photography, and reintroduction in the Northern there were only eight wolves northeastern North Carolina. what endangers the safety Rockies was based. This article with perhaps four females and But the hard-won success of and wellbeing of photographer, addresses two issues not four males. With extinction the recovery years is now wild and wildland? discussed in the earlier piece: possible, various views have threatened by the recent anti-wolf opposition to the By Elke Duerr been presented concerning loss of significant numbers “grand bargain” and the what intervention, if any, to of wild red wolves. need to revise the bargain take to stabilize the to protect Yellowstone By Cornelia Hutt wolf numbers. National Park wolves.

By Tracy O’Connell By Betsy Downey and Bob Landis

On the Cover Departments Sitting wolf pup at the Zürich Zoo, Switzerland 3 From the Photograph by Emmanuel Keller Executive Director To view more of Keller’s photography, visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tambako/ 18 Tracking the Pack 21 Wolves of the World Did you know... 24 Personal Encounter One easy way for you to help us conserve natural resoureces is to make sure we 26 Wild Kids have your email address. Simply email 28 A Look Beyond your address to [email protected]. International Wolf Center International Wolf Publications Director Tom Myrick

Graphics Coordinator Carissa L. Winter

Consulting Editor Fran Howard

Technical Editor L. David Mech

Graphic Designer Tricia Austin

International Wolf (1089-683X) is published quarterly and copyrighted, 2014, by the International Wolf Center, 3410 Winnetka Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55427, USA. email: [email protected]. All rights reserved. Publications agreement no. 1536338 Membership in the International Wolf Center includes a subscription to International Wolf magazine, free admission to the Center, and discounts on programs Color Sponsorship Ad and merchandise. Membership Levels: (in U.S. dollars) • Wolf Pup $25 (students • Wolf Associate $125 age 21 and under) • Wolf Tracker $250 • Lone Wolf $40 • Wolf Sponsor $500 (individual) • Alpha Wolf $1,000 • Wolf Pack $70 (family at same address) For those outside the United States, please add an additional $15 to Wolf Pup, Lone Wolf, Wolf Pack and Wolf Associate memberships. Please mail membership payment to: International Wolf Center Administrative Office, Attn: Membership, 3410 Winnetka Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55427, USA. Please contact the Membership department with questions: 763-560-7374 ext. 227 or [email protected]. International Wolf is a forum for airing perspectives, science-based information and personal experiences about wolves. Articles and materials printed in Inter- national Wolf do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the International Wolf Center or its board of directors. International Wolf welcomes submissions of personal adventures with wolves and wolf photo­ ­graphs. Prior to submission of other types of manu­scripts, address queries to Tom Myrick, magazine coordinator. PHOTOS: Unless otherwise noted, or obvious from the caption or article text, photos are of captive wolves. International Wolf is printed entirely with soy ink on FSC® certified paper. We encour- FSC logo here age you to recycle this magazine.

2 Spring 2014 www.wolf.org From the Executive Director

INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER On the Brink of Extinction… BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nancy jo Tubbs The Last Wild Red Wolves Chair Dr. L. David Mech ust to the west of the Atlantic Ocean beaches of North Carolina’s Outer Banks lives one Vice Chair of the world’s most endangered wolf species, the red wolf. Cree Bradley Since being restored to the wild in 1987, red wolves have been making a comeback, Secretary Jwith their numbers slowly increasing in this single, small portion of their historical range, Paul B. Anderson Treasurer which once included the entire southeastern United States. But the rise in gunshot mortality has slowed the population growth, and now, fewer than 100 red wolves live in the wild, all of Rick Duncan them in the red wolf restoration region of North Carolina. Nancy Gibson Debbie Hinchcliffe In recent months, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has Judy Hunter called for the assistance of the public for information leading to the arrest Deborah Wold Lewis and conviction of persons responsible for the illegal killings. In 2013, Dr. Rolf O. Peterson nine red wolves were illegally killed, and another wolf was found shot in Mike Phillips early January 2014. Concern over this issue is growing both in the region Debbie Reynolds and throughout the nation, and efforts are underway to prosecute the offend- Jerry Sanders ers—including the offering of a significant reward. Paul Schurke While the International Wolf Center maintains a neutral position on wolf Dick Thiel Rob Schultz issues, we are adamantly opposed to the illegal killing of any wildlife, includ- Ray Wells Teri Williams ing wolves. Poaching is a serious crime, and the effects are especially harmful to an animal like the red wolf, which is protected under the federal Endangered Species Act. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR As these events continue to unfold in North Carolina, the Center is monitoring the situation Rob Schultz and is supportive of efforts to stop the illegal killing of red wolves. In this issue of International Wolf, we’ve dedicated a timely article (pages 8-10) to draw MISSION attention to this situation and the USFWS request for The International Wolf Center advances the survival public assistance. of wolf populations by Please join us in calling for a stop to the illegal killing teaching about wolves, their relationship to wildlands and of red wolves in North Carolina. Over 26 years of work to the human role in their future. restore the species to a small portion of its original habitat Educational services and is in jeopardy of being lost and the survival of red wolves informational resources living in the wild is at risk if these crimes continue. n are available at: 1396 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731-8129, USA 800-ELY-WOLF 218-365-4695 email address: [email protected] Rob Schultz, executive director Web site: www.wolf.org © 2009 Melissa McGaw

International Wolf Spring 2014 3 Rolf Peterson

Now What? Two Views Address the Declining Wolf Population at Isle Royale

BY TRACY O’CONNELL

Editor’s note: Isle Royale is a U.S. national park and federally designated wilderness area in Lake Superior. Wolves and moose living there have been the topic of studies for more than 50 years. As of January 2013 there were only eight wolves with perhaps four females and four males. With extinc- tion possible, various views have been presented concerning what intervention, if any, to ensure survival of the population.

4 Spring 2014 www.wolf.org ntervention in the face of nature action in the form of the introduction options, offering a framework for deci- is usually discouraged by the U.S. of parvovirus and the impact of cli- sion making: While introducing cari- INational Park Service (NPS), John mate change, which has reduced the ice bou might add equally to the character A. Vucetich, Michael P. Nelson and on Lake Superior, eliminating the only of the place, the ungulates would not Rolf O. Peterson assert in a paper pub- access wolves have to the island and offer the educational or scientific value lished in 20121. The authors state that increasing stressors for the moose popu- that wolves do. wilderness policy is “not a simple, lation. Therefore, the authors argue that Using that same framework, these unquestioning, and inflexible dictate some type of intervention is warranted. authors balance competing values, such for nonintervention,” adding that “a Vucetich and his co-authors address as whether science is better served study- large body of wilderness policy treats the values including wilderness character, ing inbred populations, of which there conflict (as being one) between nonin- ecological health, science and education, have been many studies, or genetic tervention and other wilderness values.” and they find in each case that the argu- rescue, of which there have been few. With their paper subtitled “A Case ment for supporting the wolf population They address animal suffering induced Study on Wilderness Management in a on Isle Royale, in one of several proposed when inbreeding results in potentially Changing World,” Vucetich, Nelson and formulae, outweighs the argument for painful spinal deformities, noting that, Peterson cite an evolution in human nonintervention. Pointing to the char- “The unresolved relationship between response to wilderness over the past 150 acter of Isle Royale as being enhanced conservation ethics and animal welfare years, arguing that ethical challenges by having wolves, the authors suggest a ethics, in general, is evidence that this often come from conflicting values. diminishing of the sense of place should value should not be dismissed without They note, “The appropriate approach the carnivores disappear. They assert consideration.” is to acknowledge and understand all of that the health of an ecosystem, such Vucetich, Nelson and Peterson con- the values at stake and then develop a as the wolves help to maintain on the clude, “Wilderness areas have been perspective or position that would least island, should outweigh the concern reduced ... and human impacts on infringe upon that set of values. We for nonintervention and cite the value those areas have become pervasive. adopt this approach here.” of the research conducted there as well Anthropogenic (human-caused) cli- The paper was written following 2012 as a survey of Michigan residents that mate change and exotic species have reports that the Isle Royale population shows they want the wolves rather than altered the course of nature in nearly was comprised of nine wolves, with allowing them to vanish from the island. every protected area. Consequently, the possibly only two breeding females, Vucetich and his co-authors weigh principle of managing for naturalness is forming one pack. The authors report where to draw the line, if intervening becoming less coherent, and the value of that in 40 years, the wolf count had might open the door to other species, nonintervention as a means of preserv- never fallen that low. such as caribou, lynx and black bear. ing naturalness is becoming less useful.” Tracing the history of Isle Royale Both lynx and caribou inhabited Isle Responding in an article published moose and wolves for much of the past Royale within the past century. The in December 2013,2 David Mech draws century, the study points to human inter- authors urge a robust discussion of these on 2013 data, showing that while the Ann Mayo-Kiely

International Wolf Spring 2014 5 “This wealth of information about the most inbred, wolf population over- opportunity for wolf would weigh heavily in favor of nonin- all has been halved wild population of migration to the island. tervention because once intervention is from the 2011 num- wolves ever is unique Looking to the sci- imposed, that condition can never be bers, the number of and invaluable not entific advantages to undone, whereas nonintervention can breeding females had only to understanding be gained from various always be countered.” doubled by early 2013, basic wolf genetics courses of action regard- Vucetich, Peterson and Nelson in and the young popu- ing the wolf population, a later article3 respond to writings by lation seemed ripe for and behavior but Mech asserts one of the Cochrane4 who suggests the Isle Royale a comeback, making also to the entire key research findings in wolves are an invasive species whose it “the latest in a long field of conservation the decades of studies at demise should be celebrated. The authors series of recoveries from genetics.” Isle Royale is how well rebut, “Such an attitude is deeply misan- perceived crises.” a small population can thropic. It would be stunning to think Mech takes issue maintain itself, in spite that NPS policy would favor an absence with the previous paper’s assertion that of high levels of inbreeding. Arguing of wolf predation on Isle Royale on the population declines were caused by that skeletal abnormalities found in the wild speculation that they are an exotic humans. Tracking the population size Isle Royale population exist also in out- species or blighted because humans have over the years in question, he concludes bred wolves on the mainland, he notes, influenced them.” that dips in wolf numbers were caused “This wealth of information about the In that article, they further address by strife within the packs—seven wolves most inbred, wild population of wolves issues raised by Mech, noting lack of killed by other wolves in one year—and ever is unique and invaluable not only access to the findings that he asserts malnutrition. Pointing to a variety of to understanding basic wolf genetics and prove structural abnormalities are no studies indicating parvovirus was not a behavior but also to the entire field of more prevalent in inbred than outbred cause of population diminishment, he conservation genetics.” wolves. They cite studies supporting concludes, “Lack of pup production and/ Discounting the third argument, their view that Isle Royale wolves have or survival during those years would not that intervention is justified because high rates of inbreeding depression. be surprising in any wolf population.” of wolves’ roles in natural ecosystems, (Adams, et al.)5 Mech points to larger moose popula- Mech sees the concern as premature, Vucetich, Peterson and Nelson fur- tions elsewhere on the latitude at which pointing out the island “still harbors a ther note that mapping the path of wolf Isle Royale is situated, disproving the functioning wolf population that could extinction or recovery for scientific pur- assertion that warming temperatures are well persist for many years with or with- poses would be like charting the decline playing a role in smaller moose herds. out human intervention.” He concludes, of a patient in the last moments of life— While warmer climate could make ice “In the medical field, when a threaten- of little use to understanding the whole on Lake Superior unlikely, reducing the ing condition is detected that is not issue. By comparison, they assert, rel- chances of mainland wolves dispersing immediately causing distress, physicians atively little is known about how to to the island and expanding the genetic often counsel ‘watchful waiting.’ We implement genetic rescue, a potentially pool, another factor of climate change is have been watchfully waiting for (this) valuable tool for conserving populations increased likelihood of extreme weather, wolf population’s demise for almost across the planet. which could cause lake icing and the 25 years. The precautionary principle

1. “Should Isle Royale Wolves be Reintroduced? A Case 5. Adams, J.R., L.M. Vucetich, P.W. Hedrick, R.O. Peterson, tive judgment of experts in conservation genetics who Study on Wilderness Management in a Changing World,” and J.A. Vucetich. 2011. “Genomic sweep and potential are familiar with the Isle Royale case that inbreeding The George Wright Forum 29(1): 126–147, 2012. The George genetic rescue during limiting environmental conditions depression places Isle Royale wolves at considerable Wright Forum is a thrice-annual journal of the George Wright in an isolated wolf population.” Proceedings of the Royal risk of extinction. In scientific discourse, when two sets of Society, which is comprised of professionals working in or Society, London B (doi:10.1098/rspb.2011.0261). scholars (e.g., Mech, 2013; and us) disagree about the on behalf of parks and protected places. significance or interpretation of scientific evidence, the “To say that considerable evidence exists for believing solicitation of expert opinion in a robust manner from that inbreeding depression places Isle Royale wolves 2. “The Case for Watchful Waiting with Isle Royale’s Wolf a number of experts is an important basis for better at great risk of extinction is not to say that we alone Population,” The George Wright Forum 30(3): 326-332, 2013. understanding (Sutherland 2006; Martin, et al. 2012)” are impressed by the weight of evidence. We have also 3. “Discernment and precaution: a response to Cochrane solicited the views of others with expertise in conser- Sutherland, W. J. “Predicting the ecological con- (2013) and Mech (2013),” The George Wright Forum 30(3): vation genetics (e.g., L. Boitani, Univeristy of Rome; R. sequences of environmental change: a review of the 333-340, 2013. Frederickson, University of Montana; P. Hedrick, Arizona methods.” 2006. Journal of Applied Ecology 43: 599-616 State University; R. Lacy, Chicago Zoological Society; 4. “Island Complications: Should We Retain Wolves on Isle Martin, T.G., M.A. Burgman, F. Fidler, P.M. Kuhnert, O. Liberg, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; Royale?” The George Wright Forum 30(3): 313-325, 2013. S. Low-Choy, M. McBride, and K. Mengersen. 2012. L. Waits, University of Idaho; R. Wayne, University of “Eliciting Expert Knowledge in Conservation Science.” California Los Angeles). It also appears to be the collec- Conservation Biology 26: 29-38.

6 Spring 2014 www.wolf.org They quote naturalist Aldo Leopold, who said, “To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tin- kering,” and “A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise.” If an aspect of nature is valued, the authors conclude, it seems more appropriate to conserve it than to let it be lost with the hope that it can later be restored. For these reasons, genetic rescue appears to be the most appropriate response. One can see in this discussion that there are no easy answers, and that views will differ in the world of research, no matter how experienced the participants to the discussion or how broadly they agree on basic principles. Whichever path is followed, these colleagues who have studied the Isle Royale wolf popu-

lation for decades will continue to have Rolf Peterson a rich source of discovery. n

Tracy O’Connell is an associate professor of marketing communications at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and a member of the International Wolf Center’s magazine and communications committees.

This article addresses two views, presented in academic papers, one authored by John A. Vucetich, Michael P. Nelson, and Rolf O. Peterson, and the other by David Mech. Vucetich and Peterson are both with the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences, Michigan Technological University, and Nelson is with Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University. Mech is a senior research scientist with the Biological Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey and an adjunct professor in the departments of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, and Ecology, Evolution and Behavior at the University of Minnesota. Rolf Peterson

International Wolf Spring 2014 7 Brad McPhee Where Have All the Red Wolves Gone ? by CORNELIA HUTT © 2009 Melissa McGaw

Editor’s note: On January 7, 2014, a radio-collared red wolf was found dead southwest of Columbia in Tyrrell Country, North Carolina. This was the first red wolf death of 2014. iStockPhoto/Joe Potato

8 Spring 2014 www.wolf.org he familiar 1964 anti-war folk- Nine may seem like a small num- the blame, but the counterpoint to that song “Where Have All the Flowers ber until it’s pointed out that nine red accusation is that ethical hunters, who TGone?” illustrates the idea that wolves represent nearly 10 percent of abide by established regulations and who good times and bad times seem to occur all wild red wolves living anywhere in value wildlife and habitat conservation, in cycles. Reflected in Pete Seeger’s haunt- the world. For the first time in several are among the first to condemn the delib- ing melody and timeless lyrics are the red years, the free-roaming population is erate killing of an endangered species. wolf’s slow drift to extinction and long estimated to be fewer than 100. And the A significant number of people have struggle to regain a home in a portion dead wolves were all of breeding age, a more ominous theory regarding the of its historical range. Returned to the spike in illegal gunshot mortality. They wild in 1987 following five generations maintain that the fatal shootings of red of successful breeding in captivity, the wolves are no accident and not cases of red wolves have established a small but careless misidentification. The wolves, robust population in northeastern North they say, are being targeted. Carolina. But the hard-won success of This conclusion forces yet again an the recovery years is now threatened by examination of humankind’s bias against the recent loss of significant numbers of predators, specifically canid predators. A wild red wolves. The guns of autumn particularly ugly hatred for wolves and 2013 have taken a devastating toll. runs deep in the United States. Six red wolves were illegally shot It doesn’t take an exhaustive search to between the end of October and the discover Facebook pages devoted to the third week in November. Not one of conviction that humans are justified in these wolf deaths was reported to law exterminating these so-called varmints, enforcement by the shooter with the “pests” and nuisance species, often by legally acceptable excuse, “I thought it © 2009 Melissa McGaw the most savage methods imaginable. was a when I pulled the trigger.” meaning a reduction in the number of Other proponents of systematically Additionally, tracking collars worn by adults to produce offspring. eliminating wolves and coyotes from some of the wolves had been cut off Why the sudden alarming rise in the landscape cling to the belief that and discarded. Add that mortality figure gunshot mortality in the five-county red indiscriminate killing of canid predators to three other confirmed or suspected wolf recovery region? There is disagree- (particularly coyotes) will “control” and gunshot deaths since January 1, 2013, ment among the stakeholders, including reduce their numbers to an acceptable and the total is nine deaths for the year. both wolf advocates and wolf haters. level, whatever that is. There are data Justified or not, hunters get a big share of that demonstrate otherwise, but open season on predators with no limits and

International Wolf Spring 2014 9 no kill reporting required is staunchly being offered for information directly to report suspected offenders despite supported in many places including leading to the arrest and prosecution of the hefty reward. North Carolina. the people or person responsible. The final line of the song “Where Despite the Red Wolf Recovery Who are the poachers? Contrary to Have All the Flowers Gone?” is the old Program’s 26 years of management inno- myth, they are not desperate people lament: “When will they ever learn?” vation, some vocal critics have seized trying to feed their families. Some kill Given the present grim statistics from upon the six recent illegal gunshot deaths for profit, some for fun and thrills (the red wolf country, it’s hard not to respond as evidence of the program’s failure and most graphic and violent Facebook pages with the pessimistic answer, “Probably what they deem is now a waste of tax- never.” But the questions for us have to payer money. That argument ignores be: Will we ever learn to accommodate the fact that 26 years ago, the number predators? Will we ever learn to allow of wild red wolves was zero. Despite the them living space among us in a crowded killings, there are still perhaps 90 known world? Do we care enough to increase wolves on the landscape. But the loss of law enforcement surveillance and make it six prime adults in three weeks is fright- easier to catch and prosecute lawbreakers ening, especially if red wolves are being who commit crimes against wildlife— selected as illegal targets by poachers. including the endangered species that Poaching, a serious offense, is the belong to all Americans? Endangered common name for crimes against wild- means it’s not too late to save imperiled life. No one is sure how many game and species—unless people are apathetic non-game are illegally killed about the illegal killing of these animals. each year. But estimates indicate that The Red Wolf Recovery Program poachers rob legitimate sportsmen and continues to push forward despite © 2009 Melissa McGaw women of fish and game, taxpayers of years of challenges and setbacks. The hunting and fishing revenue and future confirm this) and some are opportun- wolves themselves are also resilient and generations of a priceless resource—our ists who kill animals any time they can tenacious. They have survived in spite national wildlife. Killing an endangered get away with it. And get away with it of ferocious persecution, functional species carries a stiff penalty, and the red they do. Law enforcement officers can’t extinction in the wild, a reputation clas- wolf shooters, whoever they are, have a be everywhere in the red wolf recovery sifying them as some sort of mutt $26,000 price on their heads, the amount region, for example. It’s a vast rural area and little widespread public attention with three national wild- until fairly recently. They can make it life refuges and large tracts if given a chance. of private land laced with Will we continue to provide them meandering waterways and the help they need? And will our col- stitched together by a laby- lective voice and effort be enough? rinth of back roads. Local We have to stop the bleeding in red residents aren’t often willing wolf country before it’s too late to save this southeastern native and before the song of the South, the howl of the red wolf, is silenced forever in the wild. n

Cornelia Hutt is chair of the Red Wolf Coalition (redwolves.com) board Both photos: US Fish and Wildlife Service A red wolf cuts across a farm field of directors. She is a adjacent to a wildlife refuge. former member of the International Wolf Center board and a member of the International Wolf magazine work team.

10 Spring 2014 www.wolf.org t is a privilege to watch and photo- animals is well and good as long as they graph wildlife in its natural habitat. and humans involved are not harmed INowadays, with nearly everyone in the process. We have all heard about in the wild armed with a camera, tourists who urge their children to inch whether it’s a camera phone or pro- ever closer to a bear, wolf, elk or bison fessional photography and videogra- for a “once-in-a-lifetime” photo op. phy equipment, new questions have In fact, I frequently witnessed this iStockPhoto/Cumulus Humilis come up: What kind of conduct is ethi- kind of behavior when I was visiting cal when it comes to wildlife photogra- Yellowstone National Park last summer. phy, and what endangers the safety and One day an old bison bull was grazing wellbeing of photographer, wild animal alongside a turn-off in the road when and wildland? a family stopped to take pictures of their Many of us are not aware of our son almost touching the large animal. natural sense of safe distance from and I was horrified and tried, to no avail, conduct toward wild animals. Some to get them back into their car and to people view wild animals as part of the stop teasing and daring the young man landscape, there for our enjoyment. More to move ever closer to the bull. and more people are starting to believe Meanwhile, the bull’s tail was mov- the concept of “personhood” should ing into “charge” position; it was held be applied to animals. Some form family aloft, which can only mean that either units similar to human families, often charge or “discharge” was about to building strong, lifelong bonds with one happen. Since he was at that point, another. They have roles to fulfill within eyeing the people, it most likely meant their family structure, no matter what that he was seriously considering charg- that structure might be, and in general ing. Luckily, the family retreated after are part of a picture larger than many taking enough pictures and drove away humans can comprehend. Enjoying wild in the nick of time.

Text and photos by ELKE DUERR

Viewing a bison from a not-so-safe distance.

International Wolf Spring 2014 11 This might be the extreme case. But the pups, we harm them. These types of The same holds true it frequently happens that humans mis- close encounters with humans are very for habitat. Without it take seemingly passive animals as safe to stressful for animals not accustomed to wildlife would not be approach. These animals might be ready having humans at close range. Crowding able to exist. We must to charge because they feel crowded. or encircling wildlife causes unnecessary treat the natural world We demand space between ourselves stress to their system, as does following with care, walk lightly and our fellow human beings. With an animal that has chosen to leave. on the land and leave wild animals, that space needs to be There are other things that we do, the area looking natural much larger. often quite innocently, that cause harm and undisturbed. Often After all, we are in their habitat when to wildlife. Somebody recently told me this can be accom- we are looking for opportunities to pho- about a young disperser wolf routinely plished by simply stay- tograph wildlife. Throughout the world fed by well-meaning humans who ing on established roads their habitat has been reduced to a sliver wanted to make sure he got enough to and trails. After all we of its former size. While we can go any- eat but who also wanted to be close to are not just a visitor or where in this world, from cafes to malls a wolf to take pictures of it. intruder but another to running on a track or driving on a Feeding wild animals for whatever member of the ecosys- highway, animals are often confined to reason could keep them from eating tem, the web of life. small areas where the pressure from the food that nature intended for them By heeding these encroaching humans adds more stress to eat. It can also cause animal con- pointers we can com- to their lives than they were formerly centrations, which could make them bine our love for wild- accustomed to. They need areas to which much more susceptible to disease and life photography with they can retreat and regroup, where they parasites and cause conditions such as our care for wildlife and feel safe to be themselves and do what tooth decay, gum infections and ulcers wildlands and make sure that the ani- they came here to do, namely fulfill their that occur when they eat food they are mals and natural environment thrive. role in the ecosystem, undisturbed. not accustomed to and which contains We can also share our photos with It is best to observe wildlife from a ingredients that are harmful to them. It one another. That way we can all be distance and never follow an animal or also, of course, habituates them to us, part of this wonderful adventure called approach it too closely. which often results in their being killed wilderness and create the personal con- I recommend viewing and photo- by humans for frequenting and defend- nections to it that will help us protect graphing from observation areas and ing their new food source. Feeding wild our wild places and animals for all the trails and using a telephoto lens, spot- animals along roadsides can result in generations to come. n ting scope or binoculars. Following wild their being injured or killed by cars or animals or blocking their line of travel or chased by . Following are some examples of wildlife their escape route is extremely danger- Always bear in mind that some places photography free for your enjoyment: ous—even when it is tempting to get a lend themselves to wildlife photography photo from close up. Direct eye contact more than others. Spending a few days http://wildwolffilm.com/Photos.html is often a sign of aggression to an ani- in Yellowstone National Park where mal, which is what it experiences when hunting is not allowed almost guar- http://www.izilwane.org/photos.html we are watching it through a lens. The antees you will see bears, wolves and same goes for walking directly toward a other large animals. In other places, http://weboflifefoundationn.fatcow. wild animal, even if it seems to not care where the pressures of hunting requires com/Web_Of_Life_Foundation/ Photos.html about our presence. animals to protect themselves by being It is of utmost importance to remain concealed, you might get the wilderness http://www.arkive.org/grey-wolf/ at a distance from nesting birds, denning experience of camping without seeing -lupus/image-G58556.html animals and newborn animals. Wild ani- any wild animals. mal parents, just like humans, are very I invite us all to look at our impact Source: Wyoming Game and Fish protective of their offspring and instinc- on wildlife. If we seek experiences with Department, educational section tively shield their young from creatures animals in nature, acquiring good, far- that in their eyes might be dangerous. reaching photo equipment is key. In Elke Duerr, an educator, filmmaker This is usually not the case with the words of one of the Web of Life and photographer, founded the Web wolves. Wolf mothers have been known Foundation volunteers, “I am so excited of Life Foundation, which is dedicated to leave a den with pups when a human about my new telephoto lens. Now I to a healthy coexistence between wilder- enters it rather than attack and drive can stay away from the animals and still ness and civilization, the reconnection the intruder out. Nevertheless, in our photograph them when the opportunity of humans to the natural world and the recovery of endangered plant quest to take a picture or get closer to arises without doing harm.” and animal species.

12 Spring 2014 www.wolf.org Wolves at a safe distance in Yellowstone National Park.

—General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, U.S. Army retired Wolf watchers in Yellowstone.

International Wolf Spring 2014 13 Veer.com/Wirepec Betsy Downey The Grand Bargain: Betsy Downey Betsy Downey

14 Spring 2014 www.wolf.org n the Fall 2013 issue of International Wolf, Mike In 1995, before the wolves were on the ground in Jimenez and Steve Grooms describe the “grand bar- Yellowstone National Park, anti-wolf groups began Igain,” the deal on which wolf reintroduction in the breaking the grand bargain with lawsuits to remove the Northern Rockies was based. They emphasize preda- wolves. They have been an effective lobbying influence tor control policies, which ranchers were promised, on agencies and policies ever since. They got Montana’s and criticize wolf advocates who break the bargain by legislature to reject a “no unit” bordering opposing control actions. We respect both authors but Yellowstone National Park. They got wolves in about want to address two issues they did not discuss: anti- 85 percent of Wyoming classified as predators that wolf opposition to the “grand bargain” and the need could be shot on sight. They sport bumper stickers to revise the bargain to protect Yellowstone National that say, “Smoke a pack a day” and “Shoot, shovel and Park wolves. We believe the bargain is not as grand as shut up.” Some boast on Facebook of targeting famous they portray it. Advocates and opponents got some of Yellowstone wolves and of patriotism and sexual plea- what they wanted, but they also got some things they sure in killing wolves. The scolding of extremes must didn’t want. Advocates didn’t want delisting and state go both ways, with critics condemning all destructive management, and opponents didn’t want wolves. This behavior and working toward a better bargain. continues to cause conflicts. The “grand bargain” was not written in stone; Attitudes toward wolves cover a wide spectrum, and it was designed to be flexible, protecting wolves as vocal minorities on both ends often use social media well as livestock and humans. In 1994 we could not irresponsibly. Jimenez and Grooms criticize the end know how rapidly wolf populations would grow, how of the spectrum that Jimenez calls “an urban public” much scientific research and knowledge would center for having “sympathy for wolves but little empathy for on wolves or how much wolves would contribute to livestock producers” and for being “utterly opposed Yellowstone’s visitor count and local economies. We to killing wolves for any reason.” We know some of also could not know how strong and powerful contin- these advocates and consider them an unrepresenta- ued opposition to wolves would be in shaping policies. tive minority. However, we think the rhetoric, behavior Unlike the advocates Jimenez and Grooms criticize, and influence of wolf haters on the other end of the we—and most wolf supporters we know—believe spectrum are more serious violations of the bargain that when wolves prey on or threaten humans and and more dangerous to wolves. livestock, control action, even lethal, is justified. But we believe livestock producers must take reasonable measures to protect their stock, particularly on public grazing lands. Agencies and individuals must effectively oppose fraudulent predation claims and the illegal taking of wolves. We are not hunters, but we accept hunting as long Time for as policies protect the continued existence of wolf populations, particularly those in Yellowstone National Park. We expect hunters to practice ethical hunting, obey regulations and respect the animals they hunt. Revision We believe trapping is inhumane and should be pro- hibited, especially near the park. We don’t reject the grand bargain, but we urge revis- ing it to ensure a healthy wolf population in Yellowstone. by BETSY DOWNEY Most wolf populations in the Northern Rockies appear robust today. The population of Yellowstone wolves and BOB LANDIS is a concern, however. It has dropped significantly, especially on the northern range, due to declining prey population, inter-pack conflict and stress and disease, as well as “human caused mortality,” resulting primarily from control actions and hunting. The park’s wolf population peaked in 2003 with about 174 ani- mals. In fall 2013 about 94 wolves remained. On the northern range, where wolves traditionally are most visible, numbers have declined by 58 percent—from more than 90 in 2003 to 38 in late 2013. Since wolf hunting began in 2009 in Montana and Idaho, and later in Wyoming, over a dozen wolves

International Wolf Spring 2014 15 from Yellowstone packs have been “harvested,” with were likely among the five taken in the fall 2013 hunt negative impacts on Yellowstone’s wolf numbers, pack outside the park in Wyoming. structures and dynamics, scientific studies and visitor Ensuring a healthy wolf population in Yellowstone experiences. In 2009 the Cottonwood pack disinte- National Park was, and must remain, an essential part grated after the killing of its breeding wolves. In 2012 of the “grand bargain.” Yellowstone’s wolves need hunters killed 12 Yellowstone wolves. Many were high- increased protection to ensure continued contribu- ranking members of their packs. Although Idaho and tions to the park’s ecosystem as well as genetic diver- Montana discourage taking collared wolves, six col- sity and to recruit support for the park. Yellowstone is lared Yellowstone wolves were killed in the 2012 hunt. an important national resource with a rare and intact The Lamar Canyon pack lost its breeding female–the ecosystem, thanks to the restoration of its top predator. famous 06–and its second-ranking male; the pack Yellowstone’s wolves play a vital role in maintaining may not survive. Only a few wolves from the Lamar the park’s natural habitat. Threats to the wolves endan- pack remain in Yellowstone National Park. The others ger a fragile ecosystem continuously under attack by changing human and environmental influences. Their population helps assess the impact of humans on the health of the whole planet. As Dr. L. David Mech wrote in International Wolf Spring 2013, Yellowstone is “a unique laboratory for watching, filming and analyzing wolf behavior.” The visibility and lon- gevity of individual wolves and packs are important tools for scientists, writ- ers and filmmakers who conduct long- term studies, tell stories and support education and interest in wolves and the park. Mech further states that field observation, collars and DNA stud- Betsey Downey ies provide “unprecedented detail of Betsey Downey

Yellowstone National Park visitors watching for the Lamar pack.

Yellowstone National Park entrance near Gardiner, Montana. Veer.com/Wirepec Veer.com/Fotogal

16 Spring 2014 www.wolf.org aspects of wolf behavior,” in relation to prey-predator Wenk recently noted that the park’s ecosystem has a relations, genealogy, the behavior of related wolves larger economy than many urban areas. Recent studies and the effects of pack size and individual age of pack indicate that around 50 percent of park visitors specifi- members. But with declining wolf numbers that vis- cally want to see wolves and spend over $35 million ibility is at risk. A decade ago we saw many wolves a year in the Yellowstone area. Protection of wolves is every day (Betsy’s record is 55 in one day). Now on a matter of economic self-interest for many who live many days we see no wolves. nearby because it assures jobs and business revenue. The harvest of wolves near the park has hurt these State wildlife managers must include this economic scientific studies, particularly studies of disease ecol- value among the variables they consider when estab- ogy and the impact and transmission of mange, bru- lishing hunt quotas. cellosis and chronic wasting diseases. It has made We believe it is time to create a new “grand bar- it difficult for dispersers to leave the park safely to gain” based on present realities. An interagency wolf find mates and assure genetic diversity. Disruption of organization is needed to make protective policies for packs has hurt the study of wolf behavior and social Yellowstone’s wolves. Membership should include fish dynamics. Removal of collared wolves has affected the and wildlife representatives from the states bordering understanding of prey-predator behavior and patterns Yellowstone National Park and representatives from and is detrimental to ranchers who could be warned Yellowstone’s administration and wolf project. This of wolves wandering near livestock outside the park. group should define a threshold below which the Declining numbers and visibility of wolves have Yellowstone wolf population could not drop, close negative implications for the park and the gateway com- an area around the park’s borders to wolf hunting munities of West Yellowstone and Gardiner, Montana, and trapping, ban taking collared wolves and create and Jackson, Wyoming. Studies show that “charismatic units beyond the closed areas with low wolf quotas carnivores” are drawing cards for visitors on whose that could be lowered or closed quickly in response continued support the park depends. to sudden drops in Yellowstone’s wolf population. A Since 1995, the numbers of photographers, indi- precedent similar to the no-hunt zone exists in the viduals, businesses, and educational programs offer- drilling buffer around the park, which was created to ing wildlife/wolf-watching tours have boomed. In the preserve its thermal features. Advocacy groups should Jackson area alone, at least 25 businesses and organi- create a joint task force whose only agenda is lobbying zations offer wildlife tours, and wolf sightings are an for these changes. important attraction. Yellowstone superintendent Dan As Jimenez points out, assuring the continuance of healthy populations of wolves in the western United States requires “public tolerance of wolves, particu- larly from those living close to wolf populations.” Irresponsible extremes obscure broad areas of agree- ment and distract people from urgent needs. The vast majority of people involved in conflicts over wolves in the Northern Rockies share the core values of the American West. They may differ in their views regard- ing predatory carnivores, but they all cherish and want to protect the heritage and culture of the West’s wild places—their unique beauty and character, their wildlife, their place in America’s past, their importance for the future. We believe a new grand bargain based on mutual respect and partnership can protect Yellowstone’s wolves and embody these values. We also agree with former Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Mike Finley when he said: “Some of our population can’t be enlightened. In that case, you need to be a defender.” n

Betsy Downey teaches history at Gonzaga University. She has written on Yellowstone wolf history for several of Bob Landis’ projects and wrote of her experiences with wolves in the Spring 2005 and 2006 issues of International Wolf. Bob Landis is an Emmy Award- winning wildlife cinematographer who has been filming wildlife in Yellowstone for the past 40 years.

International Wolf Spring 2014 17 Tracking the Pack

the ambassador wolves. Fortunately, A Study of Phenology and the wolves have a shedding pattern that Behavioral Patterns of Wolves eliminates their undercoat in a relatively short time. Contrary to dogs that can by Lori Schmidt, Wolf Curator, International Wolf Center shed throughout the year, a wolf typi- cally sheds its undercoat in a few weeks. By June, the wolves’ long guard hairs lie henology is defined as the study of find the temperatures too hot for activ- flat, making the animals appear signifi- plant and animal events influenced ity. Wolves have a dense undercoat for cantly thinner than when they were in Pby the seasons and variations in warmth and long guard hairs to repel their winter coats. climate. Observers have the opportunity water. The animal’s northern location Behavioral patterns transition from to track the changes of the seasons and favored the evolutionary development diurnal, active in the daytime, to cre- their influence on wolves, even those in of thick fur rather than sweat glands on puscular, active at dawn and dusk. As a captive environment. the skin. With no sweat glands to help the season progresses, nocturnal behav- Previous articles have documented regulate excessive heat, wolves adapt ior becomes the norm. Another behav- the hormonal changes that occur in fall. through modifying behavior. ioral influence observed in the spring is Dominance interactions among wolves As spring advances, frost leaves the the tendency for the wolves to increase increase into winter and seem to peak ground in open habitat but often remains their tolerances and engage in more by the late-February breeding season. In in dense conifer forests. Luna, having a social behavior. This behavior is likely the winter of 2013-14, Luna and Boltz darker coat than her packmates, tends to stimulated by the seasonal presence of neared maturity and looked for oppor- absorb radiant heat and often seeks cover prolactin, a nurturing hormone gener- tunities to show status, which provided under trees on partially frozen ground. If ally associated with pups. Prolactin is added stimulus for the pack. days are above 70° F (21° C), staff might produced in the pituitary gland and is However, as soils warm and the days need to look underground to glimpse present even in spayed and neutered increase in length, the behavioral pat- wolves. Its presence has been recorded terns of wolves begin to change. While in both genders, increasing the likeli- a 50° F (10° C) spring day might spur hood that strong social behaviors will people to zip up their windbreakers, the be displayed by both males and females. wolves, still in their winter coats, can Watching the Center’s weekly YouTube videos, one sees a major difference between the Exhibit Pack’s In the middle of the shedding behavior in January and June, and period, Aidan finds relief the behavior of the pack continues to in the cool dirt. shift as the seasons change. n International Wolf Center International Wolf

18 InternationalSpring 2014 Wolf www.wolf.orgWinter 2013 18 International Wolf dusk butnotinthemiddleofday. ofwolves,activeatdawnand pattern Aidan demonstratesthecrepuscular comfort from theheatandbugs. Sitting inthebrush,Lunaseeks Spring 2014 19 International Wolf Center International Wolf Center INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER Major Contributors and Special Gifts

SEPTEMBER 2013 – NOVEMBER 2013

Major Donors Memorials Honorary The Constance Robert Fund of Greater New Haven Michele Amacker Jheri McMillan In memory of In honor of the love and TE Connectivity Foundation John and Sandra Anderson Natalie Mohr Barbara Badger: justice of Kit and Awen Mildred Benjamin Briem’s marriage: Michael Briselli and Jason and Kate Mulligan Three Desert Winds Jeannee Sacken Julie Dean Andi Nelsen In memory of Loretta Bronk: Thrivent on behalf of: Sky Brooks In honor of Pam Churn: Dr. Adele Nguyen Deb and Dick Thiel Tim Meehan Cynthia Pett Dante and Lorianne Churn Lisa Nivens Peter Dante In memory of Bruce Byram: The White Pine Fund In honor of Josefina Clark: Brian and Ellen Dietz Denise O’Donnell Jean V. Ruth Josefina Clark In-Kind Donations Louis Dorfman Dana Pond In memory of Roy Deaton: Sylvia Bard Tanya Reiss In honor of Ashley Michaud: Alan and Sharon Fearey Deb and Dick Thiel Leslie Brown and Jim Glad Debbie Reynolds Anonymous C. George Fultz Jr. Lu Carbyn In memory of Jill and David Rogers Nancy Gibson and Paul “Bud” Holt: In honor of Milt and Jon and Sherrill Carlson Ron Sternal Daniel and Susan Schmitt Jean V. Ruth Althea Stenlund: Gerald Ireland, M.D. Nancy Dardis Amanda Giliotti Bradley Schumacher In memory of Gary and Doreen Deutsch Joe and Jody Greenhalgh Theresa Simpson Virginia Kadow: Matching Gifts Nancy Gibson Tim Heitter Eric Tesche Deb and Dick Thiel and Foundations and Ron Sternal

Debbie Hinchcliffe Constance Thomas Judy Hunter and Jerry Sanders In memory of Ralph Lueck: Albrecht Family Foundation Nancy jo Tubbs Deb and Dick Thiel Sindi Jensen Steven Houglum Ameriprise on behalf of: Suparna Vashisht Rebecca Jurgens Zenas Hutcheson In memory of Stanley Lipinski John and Donna Virr Robert Roseland: Deborah Wold Lewis Michael Huwaldt The Blue Heron Fund of Bruce Weeks James and Susan Adams Betty Magnuson Christopher Kennedy the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation Ray and Deb Wells James Edwards Dr. L. David Mech Murray and Jeanie Kilgour Raymond Wiegel Tom and Jan Lovell GRACO on behalf of: Andi Nelsen Dorothy Kirsch Lori Soldatke James Wiener Mark W. Putney Debbie Reynolds Larry and Sandi Maloney John and Cindy Erik Wilber Holthues Trust Cindy Rosch Sylvia Manning Schildberg III Paul Yakimovich Mike Ruzich The Merganser Fund Jerry Sanders and Microsoft on behalf of: Debbie Hinchcliffe Anonymous Audrey Sheffield Raul Garcia Kyle Smeby

The Pfizer Foundation on Nancy jo Tubbs behalf of: Ronda White Kathy Ernst Estates Edna Lamb

Kelly Godfrey Thank You!

20 Spring 2014 www.wolf.org Spirit Way, a community organization Experts From around the World that has raised nearly $1 million for Report on Wolves various pro-wolf initiatives, ranging from art installations to research, edu- By Tracy O’Connell cation and outreach. More details on these initiatives can be found at www. he International Wolf Center wild deer. The Japan Wolf Association thomsonspiritway.ca. symposium held in Duluth, has conducted surveys every 3 years for Minnesota, last fall brought the past 20 years to track public atti- THE STATUS OF WOLVES T IN CANADA together experts from around the world tudes toward wolves. Recent findings to present research on wolves in their indicate that only 10 percent of survey Elsewhere in central and west- areas of expertise. Some of the reports respondents held “unfavorable” attitudes, ern Canada, predator-prey rela- updated attendees on topics seen in while 40 percent each had “favorable” tionships have been widely previous issues of International Wolf. or “no” opinions. studied. Dr. Ludwig Carbyn, Also monitoring human attitudes the University of Alberta, has studied WORKING FOR ACCEPTANCE toward wolves, marketing consultant wolves’ impact on the size of bison herds For instance, a presentation Volker Beckmann has worked to turn and bovine diseases found in Wood by Narumi Nambu, a member his adopted home of Thompson, a com- Buffalo National Park. of the Japan Wolf Association, munity of 13,000 in northern Manitoba, In the boreal forest of northern addressed a proposed reintro- Canada, into one of the world’s most Alberta, where heavy resource extrac- duction of wolves to Japan to control wolf-friendly communities. Beckmann tion is affecting the lives of the threat- damage caused by overpopulations of is a volunteer project coordinator for ened woodland caribou and the wolves Nancy Gibson Edwin Winkel International Wolf Center staff International Wolf

International Wolf Spring 2014 21 that prey on them (Summer 2012 Park, finding poor survival of eastern Arctic. They are strictly protected in only International Wolf), Philip DeWitt, a wolves outside protected areas. 3 percent of their range with regulations research ecologist with Matrix Solutions, Tyler Wheeldon, Trent University, elsewhere varying widely. Livestock studied how predator and prey differed examined a sample of the bodies of depredation is a problem in the western in their approach to the packed snow wolves and coyotes harvested in a por- provinces, as is concern with the impact caused by oil extraction equipment, sug- tion of northern Ontario and deter- on wild ungulate populations, but the gesting that managing the distribution mined that they were genetically and number of wolves removed in response of packed snow could provide refuge morphologically distinguishable with to livestock complaints has declined. for prey in winter. little signs of hybridization taking place Dr. John Benson, Alaska Fish and in the study area. MEANWHILE IN MEXICO... Game, used GPS and telemetry sci- Taking a nationwide view, Dean Cluff, While the Mexican wolf rein- ence to study the interaction among Environment and Natural Resources in troduction is often viewed from eastern and gray wolves, coyotes and Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, led a the efforts taking place in the hybrids in Ontario’s Algonquin Provincial recent multi-part assessment of wolves American Southwest, three pre- Park, finding it likely that eastern wolves in Canada, finding that the canids here sentations addressed Mexican concerns would join coyote or hybrid packs, limit- as elsewhere elicit strong and polarizing about establishing populations south of ing their genetically distinct population. views from people, affected in part by the shared border. Dr. Miguel Armella, Benson assisted Dr. Brent Patterson, rural versus urban settings. Wolves in Autonomous Metropolitan University Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the boreal and tundra eco-regions are in Mexico City, authored an article on in a study on the dispersal of young relatively abundant, but insufficient data the subject in Winter 2011 International eastern wolves in Algonquin Provincial preclude study of wolves in the High Wolf, and updated those at the sympo- sium about his efforts to strengthen environmental education among the young, instilling in them an apprecia- tion for the role of the Mexican wolf. Jorge Servin, also from the Autonomous Metropolitan University, studied views and experiences with wolves in three remote areas of Mexico where Mexican wolves were slated for release. He found that factors involved in acceptance or rejection of wolf rein- troduction were influenced by age, education and economic activities. He identified that training and education of rural people can contribute to a change in attitude toward wolves, benefiting their recovery. He also found that wolves should be kept in the mountains with enough wild prey to avoid attacks on livestock and potential conflicts with farmers and local communities. Dr. Carlos A. González Lopez, Autonomous University of Querétaro, led a team that studied prey populations in northwestern Chihuahua. He reported that poor livestock husbandry practices in the region combined with the threat of poisoning did not bode well for the Mexican Wolf Interagency Mexican Wolf Field Team survival of the wolves released there.

22 Spring 2014 www.wolf.org WOLVES WITHOUT In Armenia, Serda Ozbenian, Australia. Examining the evidence for WILDERNESS executive director of the Armenian and against such an effort, he provided In much of the world wolves Environmental Network, surveyed 23 an overview of the scientific basis for have room to roam, but that communities in four regions about their the controversial proposal. of course is not universally experiences with human-wolf conflict. true. Dr. Juan Carlos Blanco, Many villages reported increased con- ’S THREE WOLF TYPES who coordinated the first wolf survey flicts in recent years and a need for Dr. Yadvendradev Jhala, in Spain, reported on how wolves in support. Ozbenian asks, “How can we Wildlife Institute of India, Spain adapt in a setting without prey. transform the current situation from reported on two of the three He noted that livestock dying of natural constant conflict to peaceful coexistence distinct genetic lineages exist- causes, left by shepherds in the fields, and stewardship?” ing in India. The Himalayan wolf, ancient were a major food source for wolves in and endemic, inhabits high altitude val- Spain. Extrapolating his results to other EXAMINING THE EFFECT leys across , , areas of the world where large ungulates OF BORDERS and and subsists primar- have been depleted, such as South and Yaffa Epstein, an attorney pursu- ily on blue sheep, foals, rodents Central Asia, Blanco notes that livestock- ing a doctorate in environmen- and livestock. Himalayan wolf habi- husbandry methods play a large part in tal law at Uppsala University in tats, mapped using presence data in human tolerance for wolves. Sweden, is looking at the effect MAXENT, are patchy. Wolf densities of legal borders in protecting large car- within these are low, and persecution ALSO IN THE REGION... nivores with ranges that extend over is high; therefore, the status of these Vincente Palacios, a wild- large tracts of land. She notes that it is wolves is precarious. life research biologist at the interesting to look at wolf management The peninsular wolf occurs in 13 University of Valencia, Spain, in northern Europe. Sweden and Norway Indian states and Pakistan. Countrywide studied Iberian wolf howls. share a wolf population, while the related wildlife surveys conducted in 2010 esti- Playback experiments demonstrate Karelian wolf population extends over mate 1,200 to 1,800 packs in India. that wolves discriminate changes in Finland and part of western Russia. Each Peninsular wolves prefer scrub-grassland the acoustic parameters of howls and country regulates wolf management habitats to thick forests, which are often confirm that wolves are capable of recog- under different international agreements. occupied by , and subsist primar- nizing individuals by the acoustic struc- Sweden is bound by the Bern Convention ily on blackbuck, gazelle, nilgai calves, ture of their howls. Results suggest that and Habitats Directive. Finland has no hare and livestock. Canine distemper wolves could obtain information about obligation to protect the wolf under and rabies often wipe out entire packs. individual identity, presence of pups and the Bern Convention and only partial Satish Kumar, Aligarh Muslim pack size from howls, and the analysis obligation under the Habitats Directive. University, studied the third type, the of howl recordings could prove to be a Norway, which is not a member of the in the state of Uttar Pradesh, useful tool to collect information about European Union, is only bound by the where it has been in conflict with humans ecological parameters essential for wolf Bern Convention. Russia is not a party to since 1996 and during the 19th century. conservation and management, such as either agreement. The conclusions drawn While the wolf population is unknown distribution, abundance and reproduc- about trans-border cooperation will be here, conflicts have grown alarmingly tive success. of relevance in the United States, she and include deaths and injuries to sev- notes, where management responsibility eral children under the age of 10. The TURKEY AND ARMENIA, for most wolf populations has recently natural prey base is extremely low, and STUDIES OF WOLF-HUMAN devolved to the states after decades of wolves survive primarily on livestock INTERACTIONS coordinated federal regulation. and by scavenging. About 100 wolves Dr. Hüseyin Ambarli, Middle still survive in a few districts in Uttar East Technical University, stud- WILL WOLF RECOVERY PLANS Pradesh, and Kumar noted that it is ied Turkish media reports on WORK FOR DINGOES? challenging to conserve and manage wolves over a period of nine Thomas Newsome, an this lesser-known wolf population due years to determine the types of inter- Australian Fulbright postdoc- to the rise in wolf-human conflicts. n actions and the attitudes they gener- toral student, explored whether ated. He determined, in addition to the effort to reintroduce wolves Tracy O’Connell is an associate professor livestock predation, that there were 8 in Yellowstone National Park and other of marketing communications at the human deaths and 46 injuries, some sites where they had been locally extinct University of Wisconsin-River Falls severe, with about 27 percent caused would work in other areas, such as and a member the International Wolf by rabid wolves. Center’s magazine and communications reintroducing the to portions of committees.

International Wolf Spring 2014 23 Two gray wolves were lying down Predator Diplomacy behind the carcass, and a black wolf was sprawled out to the side. The other Text and photos by Chris Crowe two wolves were chasing each other back and forth. One laid its head on ast September, I was lucky enough The sunrise revealed a spectacular the other’s shoulder as both wagged to observe an amazing encounter scene. Five grizzly bears and five gray their tails high. One briefly mounted Lbetween wolves and grizzly bears wolves were all at the carcass. The male the other as it squirmed until break- in Yellowstone National Park. Wide grizzly fed in earnest while a grizzly sow ing free. The wolf that broke free then awake with anticipation, I arrived in with three cubs of the year sat to the side, tried to mount its companion but did Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley before dawn and five wolves from the Junction Butte so by putting its front legs on the other’s to join a crowd on the steep slope below pack surrounded the carcass. I counted shoulders or side. Druid Peak. We squinted into the dark- 29 ravens and 12 magpies present as Then one of the resting wolves got ness beyond the “confluence,” where well. Three or four ravens at a time up and circled the carcass, placing itself the Lamar River and Soda Butte Creek were hopping to and from the carcass. right between the feeding boar and the meet, to the spot where a male grizzly I was amazed at how calm the scene now-approaching sow. The wolf faced the bear had stood atop a bison carcass the was and a bit worried about the safety sow, raised the fur on its hackles, lowered prior evening. of the bear cubs. its head and bared its teeth. The female

24 Spring 2014 www.wolf.org bear responded in kind and stomped the predators. Farther back, a sixth grizzly, the male grizzly returned in the evening ground with her front paws. The black a large male, came in from a line of cot- and peacefully retook the carcass. The wolf rose and stared at the sow, ready to tonwood trees but then retreated. Far to sow and her cubs headed toward the defend its packmate. The birds scattered, the right, two coyotes briefly appeared river for a drink. and it appeared tensions were about to before quickly, and wisely, sprinting away The male grizzly did not have the erupt. I imagined the bear battering the in the direction from which they came. carcass to himself for long. The ravens wolves with her massive paws and sharp The wolves stepped away from the returned to feed and linger alongside claws or the wolves distracting her to carcass and lay down to rest. The sow him. The wolves reappeared from kill a vulnerable cub. But then the wolf intently strode toward the carcass with the sagebrush, and the grizzly family and the sow both turned and walked her head held low and her cubs lined returned from the river. The boar reacted away at the exact same time. up in a row behind her. The birds flew to their return by stomping in vain at Another wolf began feeding on the off, the wolves rose to their feet, and the ravens that simply flew out of reach bison’s face. The feeding boar didn’t the boar ran away. The sow ascended and then bounced right back. As a wolf react at all. Then three wolves began the bison, and her family immediately approached to the right, the boar lunged feeding. The boar still kept eating but began feeding. The male grizzly headed a few feet toward it. The wolf arched its shifted to face the wolves by keeping his toward the river, and the wolves even- back and lowered its head as a second front paws on the bison while shuffling tually walked away in single file, dis- wolf pulled a long thin bone away from his back end around. Three wolves and appearing over a rise in the sagebrush. behind the grizzly. As the sun set, the a grizzly were feeding from the same Alone at last, the sow could relax. I sow and cubs fed on one side of the carcass at the same time! could only imagine her relief. She lay bison while the boar fed on the other. The growing crowds of people were down on the bison with her head rest- The wolves circled closer and closer not the only creatures watching. A prong- ing on her folded forelegs while her cubs to the bison and the feeding bears as horn buck paused in the background continued to feed. They had the bison darkness fell. to stare at the impressive gathering of to themselves for most of the day until With winter fast approaching, the bison’s death provided a crucial resource for the grizzlies and wolves. Yet these powerful competitors navigated around

each other with great patience and lit- tle aggression. I wondered if people could do the same thing. The future of these magnificent animals outside of Yellowstone depends on it. To watch the Yellowstone banquet, go to http://vimeo.com/79674331. n

Chris Crowe has been a field technician for the Yellowstone Elk Calf Mortality Study and an intern for the Red Wolf Recovery Program. He now works for the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.

International Wolf Spring 2014 25 Birthday Girl Mary O’Callaghan with her parents Raises Money at the International Wolf Center in for Wolves Ely, Minnesota. t’s not every day that a 10-year-old that they should drive from their home Iforegoes birthday presents, raises in California to Minnesota to deliver money to support wolves and con- the money she raised. vinces her parents to travel more than “I just said I really wanted to go,” Behavior:  How an animal 2,000 miles to deliver the donation Mary said. “They surprised me and reacts or acts under specific in person. said we would go there.” So in August, conditions. Last summer that’s exactly what the O’Callaghan family headed east to Mary O’Callaghan and her parents spend a week in Ely. Habitat: A species’ did. Mary became interested in wolves “It was really fun. We saw all the natural environment. in second grade and found the wolves having a snack of a deer leg. I Habitats provide the food, International Wolf Center online. “I liked it when Luna and Denali were playing tug of war with it,” said Mary. water, shelter and space an bought a bunch of things from the Wolf Den store,” Mary recalled. “My “Boltz and Denali were chasing Aidan animal or plant needs to parents got me a membership and a for his food. I had watched them on survive. Forests, deserts, cool necklace.” the Web cams, but it was cool to see and lakes are a few For her birthday this year, Mary them in real life. That was the first examples of habitats. asked for a wolf-themed party at time I’ve seen a live wolf act naturally an ice skating rink—complete with in its habitat.” Wildlife:  Animals that are party guests eating ice cream and cake Someday Mary hopes to be a wolf not tamed or domesticated. without utensils. “Like the wolves expert herself. “When I grow up I want Wildlife can range in size would do,” explained Mary. In lieu of to be a naturalist and study them. I gifts, the birthday girl invited her 15 want to be an intern [at the Center] from microscopic organisms guests to contribute money to support someday,” she said. to animals as large as the Center. The Center is grateful to Mary for whales. “I raised over $200 and my parents her generosity and enthusiasm and to were nice about it and doubled the her parents for supporting her inter- amount,” she said. ests and encouraging her philanthropic Then Mary convinced her parents spirit. Thank you!

Spring brings new discoveries and changes for wolves. The melting snow and ice reveal winter’s buried caches, such as bones. These caches often spark investigative behavior. As the spring pup season nears, the active, sometimes aggressive, behavior of the winter mating season quiets down. Not only does wolf behavior change by springtime, but wolves’ bodies also get ready for summer. In April and May wolves shed their thick undercoat, leaving behind a single layer of fur. This coat is comprised of guard hairs, which repel water. By summer wolves look much thinner than they did in winter. How do you get ready for spring and summer?

26 Spring 2014 www.wolf.org enali is the largest member of the DInternational Wolf Center’s Exhibit Pack. Many visitors mistakenly assume Denali is the dominant member of the pack due to his size. Denali weighs approximately 138 pounds (63 kilo-

grams) and is taller than his brother Center International Wolf Aidan. Despite Denali’s larger size, he remains submissive to Aidan in rank order. Denali has a playful nature. He often runs and plays with Boltz and Luna, the yearling members of the Exhibit Pack. n

Behavior Carnivore a t a t h i t Make-a-Wordh i t t h a t How manyt wordsh a can t you make from the CHALLENGE: FIND A FIVE-LETTER WORD FOR EACH PUZZLE! following terms? Try making two-, three-, and four-letter words using the letters found in each term below. If that’s too easy, see if you can make a five-letter word from each term. Dominance Predator Some of these terms have been used in a t previous issuesa of Internationalt Wolf. Can you remember them? h i t h i t Example: Habitat t h a t a t t h a t

h i t CHALLENGE: FIND A FIVE-LETTER WORD FOR EACH PUZZLE!

t h a t

International Wolf Spring 2014 27 “Recovery is based on the needs of Experts Debate Future of Wolf Recovery the species in question,” Phillips said. “If you set recovery against the eco- by Nancy jo Tubbs nomics of it, most of these species will lose. They cannot compete against the t the International Wolf Center’s From day one, Bangs said, the pur- almighty buck,” he said. “Sometimes Wolves and Humans at the pose of wolf recovery and wolf reintro- the almighty buck sits in the back seat. A Crossroads symposium in duction was to reach a viable population, Sometimes the innate right of an organ- Duluth, October 2013, three renowned delist it and turn management over to ism to exist is what’s most important.” wolf experts debated the subject of the states so wolves could be managed Voyles advised that people in con- wolf recovery. like mountain lions, black bears, deer, servation work need to be in it for the Mike Phillips, executive director of elk, antelope and other species. “Some long haul. “After less than 20 years into the Turner Endangered Species Fund, of the most successful wildlife restora- the Mexican wolf recovery effort, peo- led efforts to restore red wolves to the tion and conservation programs in North ple claim it’s a failure. But we have 75 Southeast and gray wolves to the Greater America happened under the states and wild wolves on the ground where less Yellowstone Ecosystem and has served under the guidance and help and money than two decades ago we had zero,” he on several Mexican wolf recovery teams. from sportsmen,” Bangs stated. said. “That’s a huge turning point in any Ed Bangs, former U.S. Fish and Voyles referred to the minimum recovery effort.” Wildlife Service gray wolf recovery coor- number of wolves needed for a viable Most important is to understand the dinator for the northwestern United population and the maximum num- nature of the conversation. “Conservation States, was involved with the recovery ber that could be sustained in an area. is at the crossroads. You look at the and management of wolves in Montana, “Any decision between minimum viable House-proposed budget that slashes Idaho and Wyoming. He led the inter- and maximum sustainable is a social state wildlife grants, that devastates all agency program to reintroduce wolves decision,” Voyles said. “You are manag- the conservation portions of the farm to Yellowstone National Park and cen- ing to social outcome.” bill, that cuts or guts the funding for all tral Idaho. Phillips noted, “Life is politics. I think of our national conservation organiza- Larry Voyles is director of the Arizona the states do a great job day in and day tions, and you realize that we have to Game and Fish Department, which has out, managing the tension between com- change this vitriolic discussion,” Voyles nearly 650 employees, a $100 million peting interests that express themselves said. “We need to reframe our dialogue budget and owns or manages about politically.” about how we bring people together to 274,000 acres, a portion of which sup- Bangs said people need patience to create a 21st century of conservation that ports a population of recovered but still better understand wolf recovery. “People has all the systematic structures it takes federally protected Mexican wolves. started talking about putting wolves in to be successful 100 years out, not just While the experts expressed wide- Yellowstone in the ’60s. We need persis- getting the wolf on the ground tomorrow.” ranging opinions on the success of the tence. It took 30 or 40 years and a lot of The group applauded Voyles’ state- Endangered Species Act and the work yet effort and persistence to have that hap- ment that a calm, rational discussion to be done to recover wolf populations, pen. And it would behoove us to listen needs to take place. “People like those their stances were remarkably similar on to the other side a little bit more—from in this room will have to be the ambas- the roles of science and social-political both sides—and realize that ranchers sadors that bring everyone together con- decisions in state management issues and hunters have legitimate concerns structively for conservation,” he added. like wolf hunting. about wolf restoration. People who like The symposium featured 100 pre- Noted for his pragmatic approach, to view wolves or see wolves in the wild sentations and attracted more than 450 Bangs said, “Science is only one small or just like to know that they are there participants and wolf experts from 18 part of conservation. If you look at wild- have legitimate … perceptions about countries. n life conservation across the globe, it’s what wildlife in North America should about people. It’s about what we do and be, and they should be heard.” Nancy jo Tubbs is the chair of the how we act and how we conduct our Phillips said people need to under- International Wolf Center’s Board of activities. It’s politics. It’s stakeholder stand the complexity of recovery; it is Directors. She adapted this article from her November 8, 2013, column in the Ely, building. Science does not answer the not simply the prevention of extinction. Minnesota, Timberjay newspaper. difficult social uestions.”q Recovery must include viable popula- tions that are widely distributed.

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If you haven’t been to the International Wolf Center recently, you’ve missed a lot. Wolf pups are growing into adults and new programs/experiences have been added. No matter how many times you’ve visited the Center you know anything can happen and something new can always be learned. Whether you are a member of a scout troop, family or group • Field Trips of friends, or just a curious individual, looking for a bucket-list opportunity, we invite you to craft your own unique experience • Day Trips in 2014. visit us online at www.wolf.org today and plan your • Overnights next adventure. • On-Site Programs • Specialty Activities • WildKids Day Camps

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