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The Quarterly Publication of the International Center Volume 21, No. 1 SPRING 2011 Features Departments The Scientific Classification 3 From the 4 of : lupus soupus Executive Director How many kinds of wolves are there? And what are the differences? Tracking the Pack

eullette 17

O This is a really good question, and the answer is getting more

Joan complicated all the time. 19 Wolf Tracks by L. David Mech 21 Book Review The Wolves of Transylvania 22 Personal Encounter 8 The wolves of are “Eurasian Wolves,” Canis lupus lupus, a subspecies which prior to the 20th century 24 A Look Beyond ranged over most of the vast supercontinent, but now reduced in extent due to human persecution and loss of habitat, especially in the West. On the Cover . Sparks E Photo by Raymond Laible lan

A by Alan E. Sparks In the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park Wolf ’06 destined to be the breeding female of the Lamar Wolf ’06 of Lamar Canyon Canyon Pack, woos future pack 13 Yellowstone National Park is a paradise for wolf members 755M and 754M. watchers who get to know specific wolves, their personalities and their relationships to other wolves. This article details the Did you know... life of one of those wolves. one easy way for you to help us conserve Jimmy Jones by Laurie Lyman natural resources is to make sure we have your email address. Simply email your address to: [email protected] olland H Dave Publications Director he winter 2010 issue of International Wolf sparked several comments, Mary Ortiz both positive and negative (see executive director’s letter page 3). Magazine Coordinator Below are a few representative examples of the responses. Bruce Erickson T Graphics Coordinator Carissa L. Winter “While I do applaud the good works the “The articles written by Dave Mech International Wolf Center does for the and Jim Hammill caused this reader Consulting Editor Fran Howard welfare of our wolves, I do also have to to stop more than once and think about Technical Editor highly condemn the proposal of offer- what I thought I knew about current L. David Mech ing money for the blood of wolves. You gray wolf issues. The fact these articles Graphic Designer MUST know that anytime a bounty is presented concise and varying points of Tricia Austin put on any it is but a short while view on hunting/trapping was brilliant. International Wolf (1089-683X) is published before the situation gets out of hand. This issue of International Wolf will quarterly and copyrighted, 2011, by the Please try to put that one-plus million cause its readers to question current International Wolf Center, 3410 Winnetka Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55427, USA. dollars to better use.” — V. H. practices and possibly even think about email: [email protected]. what is best for the wolf. I welcome a All rights reserved. “L. David Mech’s article ‘Considera- healthy debate, even from our fiercest Publications agreement no. 1536338 tions for Developing Wolf Harvesting critics. This issue gets my vote as one Membership in the International Wolf Center includes a subscription to International Wolf Regulations’ was a shocking read. of the best, with the possible exception magazine, free admission to the Center, and Snaring and trapping might be a more of the issue.” —K. W. discounts on programs and merchandise. • Lone Wolf memberships are U.S. $35 acceptable method of wolf control, but • Wolf Pack $60 • Wolf Associate $125 in my opinion cause unnecessary pain, “Enjoyed your winter 2010 issue.” • Wolf Sponsor $500 • Alpha Wolf $1,000. suffering and distress. Suggesting that —C. N. and other countries, add U.S. $15 per year for airmail postage, $7 for surface killing of wolves should be allowed postage. Contact the International Wolf Center, through February, which would reduce “Hi Mary. Your question about films 1396 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731-8129, USA; email: [email protected]; populations as pregnant females could rang a chord with me. I used to be a phone: 800-ELY-WOLF be taken out, is abhorrent. Trying to fan of horror movies and books, and International Wolf is a forum for airing facts, ideas make killing of pups more publicly I’m losing my taste for them. The ones and attitudes about wolf-related issues. Articles and materials printed in International Wolf do acceptable by allowing them to grow like ‘Saw’ are fine, as humans are not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the larger so they no longer look like the only victims. But time and time International Wolf Center or its board of directors. pups is underhanded. I realize some again, I’ve read or seen depicted some International Wolf welcomes submissions of level of wolf control is necessary but kind of animal torture/killing in this personal adventures with wolves and wolf pho­to­graphs. Prior to submission of other am extremely disappointed the Inter- medium before the victims start being types of manu­scripts, address queries to national Wolf Center would publish human. It’s gotten so I worry with each Bruce Erickson, magazine coordinator. and advocate such ideas as are new story that I’m going to come across PHOTOS: Unless otherwise noted, or obvious from the caption or article text, photos are of contained in this article. Very disap- something like this, leading me to captive wolves. pointing.” —K. D. give up horror altogether. This kind of International Wolf is printed entirely with repeated image must have lingering soy ink on FSC certified paper. effects, especially on young adults and We encourage FSC logo here kids.” — T. H. you to recycle this magazine.

2 Spring 2011 www.wolf.org INTERNATIONAL From the Executive Director WOLF CENTER

Board of Directors Nancy jo Tubbs Chair rticles in the winter issue of International Wolf looked at controversy Dr. L. David Mech surrounding delisting wolves from the federal Endangered Species List. Vice Chair That controversy involves the probability that state management plans in Cree Bradley the will allow hunting of wolves as a game species. Secretary AThe articles caught readers’ attention and touched off some vigorous responses, Paul B. Anderson both positive and negative! Those who know the International Wolf Center well Treasurer understand the organization does not take positions on wolf issues. Some Center Dr. Larry Anderson members and others wrote in dismay, thinking the Center was taking a pro-hunting Amy Bromberg Funk stand. Others wrote to thank us for opening dialogue on this contro- Nancy Gibson versial topic. Thank you to everyone who responded to these articles. Hélène Grimaud To clarify, we publish information on many sides of wolf issues, Cornelia “Neil” Hutt including hunting of wolves. However, we understand three articles Linda Lemke in the same issue focusing on the topic of gave to some Dr. Rolf O. Peterson readers the appearance the Center supports wolf hunting. While Mike Phillips each of these articles presents information about some aspect of wolf Debbie Reynolds hunting, none of them represents an organizational position on this controversial subject. Jerry Sanders You may have noted Dr. L. David Mech wrote the article, “Consi- Paul Schurke Mary Ortiz derations for Developing Wolf Harvesting Regulations...” in his role as Paul Sletten a federal government wolf biologist. It was reprinted from another publication. While Ted Spaulding he discussed the realities of wolf hunting policy, he did not advocate for hunting. Ray Wells The article gave a picture of the issues wildlife managers will likely face in creating Teri Williams policy to manage wolf populations while satisfying the diverse interests of hunters, Executive Director wolf protectionists and the general public. Mary Ortiz The International Wolf Center’s work is to support the survival of wolf populations using science-based and objective education. We believe well-informed individuals, Mission including wildlife managers, can make the best decisions regarding the wolf’s survival. The International Wolf In the future, we will frame issues such as this one in more context. We will be Center advances the survival of wolf populations by clearer that articles do not express the opinions of the Center, and we will include teaching about wolves, their varying perspectives. Truly, an involved and educated public working with wildlife relationship to wildlands and the managers can make a difference in the survival of wolves. human role in their future. This dialogue is an essential one. I encourage you to keep reading, listening, writing Educational services and and talking about wolf issues. You will find more opportunities for discussion on this informational resources are available at: topic in future magazines. Please continue to send your comments and concerns to 1396 Highway 169 me via email at [email protected], or mail them to me at the International Wolf Center, Ely, MN 55731-8129, USA 3410 Winnetka Ave. No., Minneapolis, MN 55427, or call me at 763-560-7374 800-ELY-WOLF ext. 222. We value your contribution. n 218-365-4695 email address: [email protected] Web site: http://www.wolf.org

International Wolf Spring 2011 3 arvey H luff artin C M Dean Ethiopian wolf allon F Jacquelyn Deb Wells Gray wolf

4 Spring 2011 www.wolf.org ical characteristics. Thus some classifi- cation scientists (taxonomists) were “splitters” and others “lumpers.” Splitters tended to separate groups more finely, whereas lumpers tended to lump smaller groups into larger clus- ters. However, there was no objective basis for determining which approach might be correct or more informative. Scientists who classified wolves in North America were splitters. scientists had pretty well recog- nized that there were 8 geograph- ically distinct races, or subspecies of wolves in and Asia. However, North American scientists split New World wolves into 24 subspecies. This is how there came to be so many common names for North American wolves, for example, the eastern timber wolf, the arctic wolf, the Mexican wolf, the wolf, etc. Scientifically, the subspecies or races have three parts ray wolf, timber wolf, red wolf, to their name (Example: Canis lupus eastern wolf, brush wolf, arctic baileyi, the Mexican wolf), but all the Gwolf, Mexican wolf, maned subspecies are of the same basic gray- wolf, Ethiopian wolf, etc., etc. How wolf species, C. lupus. many kinds of wolves are there? And However, wolves are great travelers. what are the differences? This is a Ear-tagged or radio-tagged wolves have really good question, and the answer is dispersed from the natal packs in getting more complicated all the time. the range of one subspecies across the Let us start by going back a few ranges of two or three other races. The years to the way science looked at current record is a wolf in Finland wolves more traditionally— before the that traveled a straight-line distance of by L. DAVID MECH days of the new field of molecular 655 miles, or 1,092 kilometers. This genetics. Molecular genetics examines potential to travel calls into question the actual DNA of and tries the existence of so many subspecies to classify them according to genetic with small ranges. similarities. Thus it made good biological sense Before the advent of molecular gen- when in 1995 the eminent canid etics, scientists classified wolves (and taxonomist, Ron Nowak, published other animals) based on their physical a reclassification of North American traits (morphology). With wolves, it wolves. He lumped the 24 origin- was primarily coat color and skull ally recognized subspecies of North measurements. These characteristics, American wolves into 5. In reality, of course, basically reflect the animal’s whether one recognizes 24, 5 or 3 genetics but only indirectly. North American races of wolves, a One major problem with this older wolf is a wolf is a wolf. Science has approach is that there is a certain not demonstrated any basic behavioral amount of judgment in assessing phys- differences among any of these races,

International Wolf Spring 2011 5 nor has any scientist even proposed South America is not really a wolf; it dies, however, examine the actual DNA that such behavioral differences exist is still a member of the , or of animals and thus potentially reveal among wolf races. dog family, but it is not part of the wolf their true genetic relatedness. These So far I have only been discussing branch of that family, despite its genetic studies use chemicals to amplify the gray wolf, Canis lupus, which is common name. The Ethiopian wolf the DNA found in blood, hair, skin the most widespread wolf worldwide. (Canis simensis), on the other hand, or even intestinal cells that slough off The other type of North American wolf may actually be a wolf. Traditionally in feces. A special, high-tech machine that has traditionally been recognized scientists thought the animal was a then presents a sort of photo of parts of is the red wolf, Canis rufus, of the jackal (similar to a ), but recent the DNA that can be examined. southeastern United States. Scientists genetic study seems to indicate it is a Problems with the molecular-gene- still disagree about the true identity of wolf. Some scientists, however, still tics approach arise, however, from the red wolf. Some think the red wolf think it is a type of jackal. several sources. First the field is rela- is a cross between the gray wolf and So much for the less complex tively new and thus still being tested the coyote (Canis latrans—also called aspects of wolf . The com- by the usual scientific processes like the “brush wolf” in some places). plications have arisen because of replication, competing interpretation Others have proposed that the red wolf the relatively new field of molecular and the continuing addition of new is just another race of gray wolf, while genetics. Molecular-genetic studies are information. In addition, the issue of still others believe the red wolf is a a powerful and valuable tool to add subjectivity or personal interpretation valid entity of its own. incisive information about the related- of the data is still a problem. Related- From a worldwide perspective, we ness of one group of wolves to others. ness itself is a matter of degree. Except must also consider both the maned Mere appearances can be deceiving for twins or other multiple individuals wolf and the Ethiopian wolf. The as the similarities between fish and arising from the same egg and sperm, maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) of whales attest. Molecular-genetics stu- every individual is genetically unique. Greg Koch artier C Re d wolf David

Coyote

6 Spring 2011 www.wolf.org Every wolf pack is genetically distinct on a larger scale, and every wolf popu- lation is distinct on a still larger scale, Are the wolves with the two types etc. Thus where does one draw a line to group genetically similar entities as of DNA the same species? special enough to call them different? Furthermore, how much weight should be given to results of various genetic tests relative to physical traits such as skull measurements that have What if other genetics tests show a genetic basis but whose genetics have not been examined? For example, with they differ, but the animals show one genetic test, some 38 percent of 88 Minnesota wolves tested have a kind of DNA the same as, or similar to, no physical or behavioral differences that of . This particular type of DNA has nothing to do with any phys- and can freely interbreed? ical or behavioral trait. Wolves with this coyote-like DNA mate with those having wolf DNA and form packs like all the other wolves in the population. They look and act like all the other wolves. Are the wolves with the two types of DNA the same species? What if other genetics tests show they differ, skulls of red wolves can be distin- What does all this mean in terms but the animals show no physical or guished from those of eastern wolves of understanding basic wolf biology behavioral differences and can freely and of Minnesota wolves. and behavior? Actually not much. The interbreed? What if the two types also If this all seems confusing, that’s aphorism “a wolf is a wolf is a wolf” is inhabit different but overlapping areas? because it is. And adding to this con- highly appropriate in this regard to The last is precisely the case with a fusion is the fact that both the red wolf anyone except the taxonomist. proposed new species of wolf called and the eastern wolf can and do Regardless of what they are called or the eastern wolf (Canis lycaon). This hybridize with coyotes, but there’s no what differences the current genetic wolf lives from far southeastern Canada record of the gray wolf of western testing shows, wolves throughout the west to southwestern Ontario, northern Canada and Alaska interbreeding with world are pretty much the same in Minnesota and and is coyotes. (The experiment has never basic appearance and behavior. The currently referred to as the “eastern been tried in captivity.) The much strong implication here is that when wolf.” In northern Minnesota and in larger size of the it comes to the great majority of the adjacent Ontario, those wolves live compared to all other coyotes is a wolf genome that codes for basic wolf closely and mate with wolves whose reflection of these interactions. Also appearance and behavior—the DNA DNA (on this particular test) is the the fact that the eastern wolf and the that has not been tested—gray wolves same as those in Alaska and northwest red wolf can hybridize with coyotes are essentially all the same. As to the Canada. However, the eastern wolf has may be further evidence the three races or subspecies of gray wolves, or been proposed as a separate species. evolved together in North America or the proposed new species, time and Not only that, but also some of the at least are closely related. much more study will tell. Meanwhile, genetic tests indicate that the eastern Recently geneticists in India dis- the classification of wolves to most wolf evolved in North America, along covered that three genetically distinct members of the public will remain a with the coyote, whereas the gray wolf populations of wolves lived adjacent mystery and an enigma probably best evolved in Asia. Furthermore, the to each other with no physical barriers embodied in the not-so-scientific eastern wolf genetics examined were and no apparent interbreeding. The name, Canis lupus soupus. n identical to those of the red wolf. geneticists proposed that two of these So is the eastern wolf the same as types be considered new species. L. David Mech is a senior research the red wolf? If so, does the red wolf However, the scientists presented no scientist for the U.S. Geological Survey cross with the gray wolf in Minnesota? data or claim that these animals dif- and founder and vice chair of the That’s what this reasoning and those fered physically or behaviorally. Before International Wolf Center. He has tests imply. There is a hitch, however. the scientific community accepts new studied wolves for 50 years and published several books and many articles on them. The hitch is that the red wolf does species designations, it usually requires He is also a member of the International not look like Minnesota wolves, and additional research and information. Wolf Advisory Committee.

International Wolf Spring 2011 7 by ALAN E. SPARKS

A captive Eurasian wolf near Zarnesti, Romania. Promberger C & B

8 Spring 2011 www.wolf.org itting on rigid benches in the logy of wolves, bears and lynx from attack. There were no serious injuries stark, cold classroom, bundled 1993 until 2003 to help conserve the to humans. in winter coats and hats, the unique natural heritage of the region. At their presentation the students of S small group of sixth graders She has commissioned the students to Pestera report their results to a rather listens attentively as Simona Buretea investigate stories going around the boisterous and skeptical audience: describes ways to publicize the presen- village about wolf attacks on people. none of the wolf-attack stories could tation they will give to the village next No computer or Internet is available to be verified. Historically, however, there week. The meager heat from a wood aid this task—the children must query are significantly more official reports stove is lost in the immensity of the their relatives and friends, discovering of wolf attacks in Eurasia than in North large, whitewashed classroom. Hanging who told whom what, trying to trace America, possibly due to millennia of crookedly on the wall is a tattered map the stories back to the sources. wolves being habituated to the prox- of the world, depicting nations that The 27,000 square miles of forest imity of humans—including the scav- haven’t existed for half a century. carpeting the enging of human corpses left Through the tall windows, which of Romania, which cradle the Transyl- during frequent wars. But some rattle and sing as gusts of wind seek vania plateau like a giant arm, contain researchers believe most cases involved entry through the loose fittings and the most significant populations of rabid or captive wolves, or wolves cracked panes, can be seen the spec- large carnivores in all of Europe west of defending themselves. tacular panoramic view that graces this Russia. Around 2,500 wolves live in The wolves of Romania are “Eur- small Transylvanian mountain village Romania (over 15 percent of Europe’s asian wolves,” Canis lupus lupus, a of Pestera. Farmhouses are scattered wolf population, excluding Russia), subspecies which prior to the 20th on rolling hillsides or perched pre- and about 5,000 European brown century ranged over most of the vast cariously along the spines of ridges, bears and 1,800 Eurasian lynx live super-continent—from Western Eur- seeming to hang in the thin, invisible there as well, even though, with 22 ope and Scandinavia eastward air that blows cold from the snow- million people residing in a little more through Russia, , southern capped peaks beyond. As the students than the same area, Romania is about Siberia, Mongolia, the northern walk to school, which is an hour-and- four times more densely populated Himalayas and China—but now a-half journey for some, their hearts than Minnesota. reduced in extent due to human quicken from more than just the exer- It is commonly believed in Romania persecution and loss of habitat, espe- tion and the beauty of the scenery…for that wolves are dangerous to humans. cially in the West. The Eurasian wolf they hear stories. The fear is rooted in wolf-attack stories is believed to descend from canids that It is a thawing spring day in 2003. that circulate until they become un- migrated from the North American Simona is the public awareness officer verifiable folklore. An investigation of continent across the Bering Strait when for the Carpathian Large Carnivore 41 such stories in the last half century it was land or ice, possibly in multiple Project (CLCP), a non-governmental confirmed eight were based on factual waves beginning at least two million organization that conducted research events, but in every case the wolf was years ago. After evolving into wolves, in Romania on the behavior and eco- either rabid or injured, or trapped or some migrated back to North America, cornered and defending itself from possibly also in multiple waves. Like elsewhere, wolves in Romania help maintain the diverse composition and dynamics of the ecosystem. But also like elsewhere the long-term prospects for large predators depend on human values.

Clouds enshroud Carpathian Mountain peaks near the . Sparks village of Poienile de Sub Munte E lan

in the Maramures region of A northern Romania.

International Wolf Spring 2011 9 The wolf ’s ancestry The modern gray wolf subspecies of northern and central North America probably descend from a relatively recent wave, as gray and Eurasian wolves are more closely related to each other than to smaller wolves inhabiting the southern fringes of wolf range on each continent. As in North America, the average size of wolves in Eurasia varies geographically, generally increas- ing toward the north. The Romanian wolf is of intermediate size, most adults weighing between 75 to 130 lbs (34 to 60 kg). Average pack size (around five) and territory sizes (between 80 and 300 sq km; 50 to 186 miles) tend to be smaller than typical of most wolf populations in northwestern North America. After World War II nearly 5,000 wolves lived in Romania, ranging over most of the country. depredation was excessive, so the Com- munist government sought to reduce predators via hunting and trapping and the use of poisons and bounties. By 1967 the wolf population had rooks B fallen to about 1,550—although, like ob R coyotes in America, jackals began Eurasian Lynx to invade lowland areas where wolves had been eradicated. Then the new dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu, an avid bear hunter, instituted rigorous mea- The 27,000 square miles of forest sures aimed at promoting his quarry, including banning poisons and fire- carpeting the Carpathian Mountains arms and protecting habitat. Wolves and their wild prey bene- fited, and their numbers began to of Romania, which cradle the rebound. When the Communist regime fell in 1989 the protections ceased, and Transylvania plateau like a giant arm, the large predators soon faced the same pressures that had decimated their contain the most significant populations numbers in most of the rest of Europe. Conforming to European biodiversity and conservation goals, Romania of large carnivores in all of Europe restored protection to wolves in 1996, although limited hunting is allowed, west of Russia. and enforcement is problematic. Today the carnivores of Romania are relatively tolerated despite Roma- nia’s being a developing country (average per capita net earnings about $3,300 per year in 2008; lower in rural . Sparks

E areas) with an economy significantly

lan dependent on livestock. Agriculture A

10 Spring 2011 www.wolf.org accounts for about 12 percent of the Romania. Wolves and bears take about dogs and small animals such as hares economy, employs about 30 percent of 1.2 percent of the 5 million sheep that and rodents, the primary diet of most the labor force and in the Carpathians graze the mountain during wolves most of the time in Romania still sets the rhythm for an ancient late spring and summer. This loss is a consists of the three wild way of life. Rolling slowly along the significant burden to people so depen- species: (Capreolus capreolus), country roads are horse-drawn carts dent on livestock (compensation is not red deer (Cervus elaphus) and carrying towering loads of hay or provided). Antipathy toward wolves (Sus scrofa). There is no evidence bundles of sticks for firewood, or results, but a campaign to eradicate suggesting wolves in Romania are groups of peasants to work the fields. every last wolf never occurred in limiting wild at depressed Cows, horses, goats and sheep are still Romania. Wolves that attack livestock levels (although recent heavy poaching herded through the main streets of may be legally killed if evidence is may be); nevertheless, wolves can be villages and towns, frustrating the provided, and some are illegally shot, perceived as competing with human drivers of cars rushing to meet their snared or poisoned. However, the hunting (a source of much needed appointments in the hectic pace of the primary defense against predators is foreign revenue). “new economy,” which is just begin- the use of large, aggressive shepherd ning to challenge the ancient rhythms. dogs. Portable electric fences have also Managing wolves But whether marching to old been shown to be very effective, Romania is divided into over 2,200 rhythms or new, it is the attitudes although they are beyond the means game areas managed to maintain formed over centuries of coexistence of most shepherds. game populations at levels determined and conflict with livestock that still While wolves will prey on vulner- according to environmental and social dominate the feelings about wolves in able livestock, and occasionally on conditions. Hunting quotas are set

A captive male wolf keeps a wary eye on approaching human visitors near Zarnesti, Romania. eiprecht L Steffen

International Wolf Spring 2011 11 per area, and when predation of wild animals. Nevertheless, while there has leading to increased development of ungulates or livestock is considered been a modest decline recently (prob- infrastructure, roads and summer too high, wolves are also targeted. Yet ably due to increases in livestock and homes. managers do allow significant numbers poaching of wild ungulates), the wolf In southeast Transylvania lies the of wolves in the areas, consistent with population has been relatively stable ex-factory town of Zarnesti, which is at national conservation goals, and many over the past dozen years, and it is the center of recent efforts to realize hunters in Romania accept this, both the destruction of suitable habitat that economic benefits from the presence because they value predators as game is the greatest threat now facing wolves of wolves and other wildlife. To tap the and because they believe predation in Romania. lucrative ecotourism market, a tour- improves the health and trophy quality For suchFINLAND a densely populated guide training program and businesses of other game species. country, the amount of undeveloped such as guesthouses, horseback riding Like elsewhere, wolves in Romania land is remarkable. People primarily and mountain-bike rentals have been help maintain the diverse composition dwell in cities, towns and villages, and established. While a small beginning, and dynamics of the ecosystem. But suburban sprawl is rare. The forests, the local revenue generated by tourists

alsoNORWAY like elsewhere the long-term however, are permeated by access attracted to the region’s natural heri-

prospects forSWEDEN large predators depend roads for logging, hunting and live- tage—and especially the elusive large on human values. Viable wolf range stock, and many wolves live close to carnivores—already exceeds the costs

in Romania is essentially saturated. humans. In the late 1990s a radio- of depredation and livestock protec- Around 30 percent of wolf mortality is collared wolf ranging the forests tion. Consequently, local attitudes caused by intraspecific strife, about adjacent to the large city of Brasov toward wolves have turned more posi- 300 wolves a year are legally shot was discoveredLATVIA routinely entering the tive. However, as long as people bearing (the total hunting/lethal-control quota city at night with her pack to raid the costs aren’t RUSSIAalways the ones real- for 2009-10 was 466), an unknown a trash dump for food, most people izing benefits, controversy will remain number poached, and there have neverLITHUANIA aware of their presence. Since about the merits of this equation. been proposals to allow landowners to opening to the West, the natural The case of the real Transylvanian kill wolves regardless of whether they beauty of the Romanian Carpathians wolves, as opposed to those so hor- are actively depredating on domestic is attracting new residents and tourists, rifically depicted in mythic images, demonstrates an ancient, yet evolving, coexistence between people and wolves POLAND even under difficult economic circum- stances rife with potential conflict. CZ. REP. While the presence of wolves in Romania presents challenges, economic benefits are being realized and conflicts resolved through increased under- standing of wolf behavior and aware- MOLDOVA ness of the needs of the people who share the remarkable landscape. n Romania © 2010 Alan E. Sparks has lived and Pestera travelled extensively in Central and Zarnesti CROATIA Brasov , writing, teaching English, and working on wildlife research and ecotourism projects; he is the author BOSNIA and Bucharest of Dreaming of Wolves: Adventures in the HERZEGOVINA Carpathian Mountains of Transylvania.

SERBIA and MONTENEGRO Black Sea

MACEDONIA ITALY GREECE

TURKEY SYRIA

12 Spring 2011 www.wolf.org In late winter 2009, the hormone-driven howls of ’06 rang through the valleys. aible L ay R by LAURIE LYMAN ellowstone National Park is a para- A New Breeding Female dise for wolf watchers like me, We first noticed the ’06 female in so after I retired from teaching, my the fall of 2008 as her natal pack broke Y husband and I bought a house up, leaving her to survive on her own just outside the park, close to the fabled or perhaps to find a mate. When the Lamar Valley. We now spend most of 2008 breeding season began, the sur- our time there, and it’s a rare day we’re rounding valleys reverberated with her not out, no matter what the weather. howls as she begged for attention. She Aided by our spotting scopes, we can definitely attracted the opposite sex, step into the lives of wild wolves, and we spent days watching the males getting to know specific wolves, their fight over her. However, although we personalities and their relationships observed ’06 with five different males, to other wolves. she didn’t find a partner or produce The year 2010 may be remembered any known pups. for many things, but for us avid wolf In late winter of 2009, her hormone- watchers, it was the year of the ’06 driven howls rang again through the female. A granddaughter of the leg- valleys, this time reaching the ears of endary 21M and 42F of the famous wolf 755M, a black male spending time Druid Peak pack, she was born to with five females from the legendary the Agate Creek pack in the spring of aible

L Druid Peak pack. Ravaged and weak

ay ’06—thus her unofficial name.

R from mange, these females chased ’06

International Wolf Spring 2011 13 off, but they couldn’t persuade 755M to cocked her head, apparently hearing stay with them. She kept him in her Bear Problems something above her. With her concen- sight, even bedding one time on the (May 9, 2010 – tration off the bears, they took the yellow line in the middle of the Lamar pups 2 weeks old) opportunity to attempt escape, but Valley Road so she could keep track About 9:30 a.m., another wolf their route went back toward the den. of him and the females. The drama watcher called me on his field radio She was oblivious. She had found increased when 755M was joined by saying a grizzly sow and two yearling something she needed to roll in— his brother, 754M. We observed ’06 in cubs were in the den area—and ’06 probably bear scat! As she rolled, we close encounters with both, and the was attacking a cub! When the bear watched the bears get ever closer to wolves became a threesome. Wolf ’06 approached the den, ’06 torpedoed out the den. When ’06 realized she had had won two males, her status as of the entrance, right into the cub. The taken her eye off the ball, she took off a breeder and her own territory in the bear and the wolf rolled head over like a rocket. Lamar Valley at last! heels down the hill. “’06 was fully Launching herself into the intruders With the birth of four pups in late extended and looked like she was again, she got them to follow her to a April 2010, the Lamar Canyon pack flying,” reported the observer, adding meadow well away from the den. was officially established. Those of us he had never seen anything like it. But by now, the bears and wolf were lucky enough to watch this wolf fam- Mama bear hurried to defend her exhausted. Mama bear tried to bed ily knew the coming summer would baby, gently licking it after its scare. with her cubs, but to keep the bears make any wolf biologist envious. The wolf and all three bears moved moving, ’06 started lunging and Maturing into a strong leader, a mighty to the area below the den, and for barking again. A few yards farther hunter and provider and the good hours, the chase and standoff continued down, the bears relaxed a bit to enjoy mother of four rambunctious pups, with ’06 barking continuously in a some grazing, and ’06 sat down to ’06 ran the outfit. Hardly a day passed high-pitched tone. Running back and rest her weary body, content to watch without a memorable story. My close forth, she lunged at the bears to get them as long as they kept moving. comrades and I invite you to share them to chase her. After leading them Once satisfied they were leaving, she three ’06 adventures from our daily far to the left of the den, she suddenly moved up the hill where she could field journals. see both the den and the bears.

On May 9, 2010, a grizzly sow and two yearling cubs inspected the area of ’06’s den. urdic B ike M

14 Spring 2011 www.wolf.org As the bears disappeared from sight calf gave her more behind a forest, ’06 jumped up and trouble than the cow, she hustled down the hill into the trees. soon got it, too. Soon she emerged and headed for the Alone with a banquet den as the bears continued east. Satis- that would last the pack fied they were out of her hair, she several days, ’06 rested took the long road home, checking before she opened the every nook and cranny, searching and carcass and began her sniffing every rock. meal. The carcass was For seven long hours, she had on the creek edge, so successfully defended her pups and she had to stand in the worn out both the bears and her water to eat. The ledge observers! It was time for us to go home above the creek made and rest up for the next day—and her wary because she the next adventure of the great ’06 wolf. couldn’t see over the top. Several times she climbed the bank to look

around. Sure enough— élène van Dijk

A Remarkable H a coyote! Seeing that Hunt (July 26, 2010 – wolf all alone made the A slow start to the day changed suddenly as ‘06 came charging pups 3 months old) coyote courageous, and out of the trees, hot on the hooves of a cow elk and calf. A slow start to the day changed it boldly approached. suddenly as ’06 (the “stealth wolf!”) Chasing it off in a hurry, ’06 headed herself. When we left at dark, she was came charging out of the trees, hot on back up the hill to the den. still eating, but what remained of the the hooves of a cow elk and calf. She returned in a few minutes with carcass floated out of sight in back of Perhaps sensing wolves can’t attack no pups and what seemed to be a a small knoll. and tread water at the same time, the quizzical look on her face. Stomach The calf carcass was on an island elk ran for deep water in the creek. But bulging, she started caching food here and most likely would not drift away. she underestimated ’06’s tactical skill! and there, traveling to the trees east The wolf may have known that and Getting between the cow and her calf, and west of the den, choosing her left the remains there deliberately. We ’06 feinted toward the calf, drawing the hiding places carefully. She disap- hoped the two adult males would come mother elk in closer to her. In a flash, peared along a rocky ledge, but at 7:30 after dark and help her manage this ’06 caught and killed the cow and then p.m., she was back on the elk cow meal. In the past week, ’06 had made turned to the calf. Although the young carcass, noticeably smaller now than it three kills on her own, and I reflected had been at noon! Still alone, ’06 con- that those guys had better hurry and tinued to work this whole meal by step up to the plate. I wished ’06’s father, the legendary 113M, had been around to see his girl hunt. I like to think he would have been so proud. aible L ay R

International Wolf Spring 2011 15 With the birth of four pups in late April 2010, the Lamar Canyon pack was officially established. aible L ay R

and deciding he was too strong even a bear cub! And speaking of other Mother and Pups for her, ’06 broke off the chase. wildlife, the beautiful coyotes taking (August 2, 2010 – Now it was “hidey-ho-and-away- advantage of wolf kills get almost as pups 3.5 months old) we-go” back to the meadow flats with much camera attention from visitors reckless abandon. The pups raced as the wolves. A copy of the book I Am At first light, the pups led ’06 and down to explore the fascinating creek. Somebody, Too should be dedicated to the two males toward the creek. The Water play was great, but falling off the coyotes! adults intended to hunt, but the pups, the cut bank was even better. The adult Frequently ’06 crosses the public old enough now to show indepen- males, more serious about hunting, road without looking, paying no dence, had different ideas and would tried to get the pups back to the den, mind to cars and people, and I some- not be left behind. So it was “yahoo and but mom didn’t help! She kept romp- times fear for her safety. She has filled merrily through” the meadow below ing with her babes until at last, four our notebooks with thrilling wolf the den! As playful as her pups, ’06 pooped puppies straggled up the hill behavior—and she still does, almost showed the youngsters their mother’s and home. Finally the adults could every day! We have so much to look strength and speed. Svelte, fit and start hunting. forward to in the months ahead. n muscular, she ran like a greyhound, twisting and turning. What a mom! Laurie Lyman, a former teacher, is a A bull elk grazing to the east saw veteran Yellowstone wolf watcher. Her the wolves and went on alert, raising The Saga knowledge about the wolf packs and of his head to show off his six-point Continues the individual wolves of the northern antlers. When ’06 spotted the big (October 3, 2010 – tier of the park has made her a valuable guy, she went into a stalk with fewer assistant to Yellowstone wolf researcher than 200 yards (183 m) between them. pups 5.5 months old) and expert Rick McIntrye. Then the chase was on! Three of the It is 81 degrees today, but in the pups went right along with their bitter cold of winter, I will look back mom, thoroughly enjoying their first with longing for these warm days. Day hunt. But after sizing the old boy up before yesterday, we spotted ’06 eating

16 Spring 2011 www.wolf.org Tracking the Pack

resent wolves in the wild. captivity serving as breeding Planning for Pups Given the geographic distance stock for future release into between these subspecies the wild. The management by Lori Schmidt, wolf curator, in the wild, inter-subspecies of wolves used for release International Wolf Center breeding would not likely requires they not be handled occur in the wild. by people so they retain a he International Wolf size the word “calm” because The number of wolf strong aversion to humans. TCenter has chosen to as you know if you have been subspecies and the whole The management philos- rotate new pups through the following the wolf logs and subspecies concept is very ophy at the International Exhibit Pack every four YouTube videos during fall subjective. (See “The Scien- Wolf Center has always years, and while the new set 2010, spaying and neutering tific Classification of Wolves: been to socialize wolves to of pups is not scheduled to certainly does not eliminate Canis lupus soupus,” this maximize natural behavior, arrive until 2012, the plan- dominance aggression. issue.) However, currently allowing visitors to enhance ning for pups began in 2010. Second, we have been there are five recognized their knowledge of wolves The first management managing multiple subspe- subspecies of gray wolf in and making it easier for wolf decision relates to the wolves cies. The Center’s Retired North America: the three care staff to provide ambas- we will acquire. Since 1989, Pack contains arctic wolves previously mentioned, which sador wolves with veterinary the Center’s management (Canis lupus arctos) repre- currently serve as ambassa- care. The Center is currently policy has been to manage sented by Shadow and Malik. dors for the International researching captive facilities spayed and neutered wolves, The Exhibit Pack contains Wolf Center, and two addi- in North America for a repre- which requires we have an great plains wolves (Canis tional subspecies, the eastern sentative eastern timber wolf, alternative source for pups. lupus nubilus) represented timber wolf (Canis lupus which if obtained would We have adopted this man- by Grizzer and Maya and lycaon) and the Mexican wolf allow the Center to educate agement strategy for two northwestern wolves (Canis (Canis lupus baileyi). The the public about four of the main reasons. First, it has lupus occidentalis) repre- Mexican wolf is considered five subspecies in North been our experience spaying sented by Aidan and Denali. endangered, with approxi- America. If a facility is identi- and neutering calms some With multiple subspecies, mately 200 individuals in fied, a detailed analysis of the of the inherent rank-order our ambassador wolves rep- parents’ veterinary records aggression characteristics of will be conducted to ensure captive wolves. We empha- the pups receive strong anti- bodies from their mother. If an eastern timber wolf is not identified, the plan is to search for a great plains wolf with a black phase. The Center will also be selecting pup nannies for the 2012 litter. A prerequisite program is required unless people have previously parti- cipated in the nanny pro- gram. Check out the “Wolf Seminars” link under the “Programs” tab on the Center’s The Center has managed three Web site to learn more about enter subspecies since 2008. In this C the Planning for Pups semi- photo, Maya represents the great nars offered this summer. n plains subspecies, Malik represents the arctic subspecies and Aidan represents the northwestern subspecies. Could there nternational Wolf nternational Wolf I be four subspecies represented in 2012?

International Wolf Spring 2011 17 International Wolf Center Major Contributors and Special Gifts SEPTEMBER 2010 – NOVEMBER 2010

Major Donors Karsten Ulland and In memory of In honor of Microsoft on behalf of: Lisa Goss Ulland Sean Staelens: all my four-legged Anonymous Viktor Alfaro and guardian angels, Mark and Anne Tony’s Kwik Mart, John and Donna Virr thank you for loving me: Raul Garcia Staelens Grand Blanc, Michigan Daniel Vogel and Barbara Schmidt The Casey Albert T. Fred and Carol Breitling Jane Stackpole Vogel Honorary In honor of the pack: O’Neil Foundation Sandra Vonderembse Regina Carius In honor of our Joyce Wells The Pfizer Foundation David Williams B.C. Jack: on behalf of: Robert Carlson In honor of Thomas Gootz Barbara Chance Jenifer Zuber Anonymous Siobhan Pasternack: Thrivent on behalf of: Linda Connolly Memorials In honor of JoAnn Pasternack Jason Catalano: Tim Meehan Joe and Jody In honor of In memory of Greenhalgh Nicole Zaborsky Edward Thompson: Dorothea Arendsen: In-Kind In honor of Pam Churn: Carol Thompson Nona Hamblin Nelly Van Beusekom Donations Lorianne Churn Charles and In honor of In memory of Marilyn Vig Connor Birk Sharon Heck In honor of the Ema Annunziata: on her 80th birthday: lovely town of Ely: Leslie Brown Judy Hunter Mr and Mrs Robert Joan Oswald Emily McNeill Jon Carlson Jayne Kalk Kendall and Dale Vig In honor of Elizabeth and Murray and In memory of In honor of Nancy Gibson: Peter Ekholm Jeanie Kilgour Steve Connolly: Susanne Wentz: Code Sternal Brandenburg Gallery Bud Lackie Linda Connolly Christina Earley In honor of Judy Hunter: General Mills Dr. Mitchell Macenski In memory of Leonard Kmak: Matching Sharon L. Toogood Hoigaard’s Dave Messinger Ruth Ann Kmak Froehle Gifts and Judy Hunter Seamus Metress, Ph.D. In memory of Lakota: For Jody because Foundations she loves wolves: Jerritt Johnston John Mikolich Joyce Wells The Andrews Family Bryan Deluca Foundation Peggy Lauseng Jason Mulligan Doris Werner Linda Lemke Karen Ostertag In honor of CNA Foundation In loving memory of our Patricia Kmak: on behalf of: Deb Lewis Roger and Hollie Parsons pack leader, Kayla: Ruth Ann Kmak Sheila Jaimes Listening Point Foundation Richard Salz and Kevin Flavia In honor of Cooper Industries Kim Wolfgram Salz In memory of Florence McNamara: on behalf of: Lynn and Bruce Lutz Warren T. Parker: Jerry Sanders and Marilyn Anderson Tobin Sobaski Betty Magnuson Deborah Hinchcliffe Carolina West Shooting Club, Inc. The David Winton Andi Nelsen Martha Schoonover Bell Foundation Ray and Sonja Francie Nelson Adele Swenson Tonnesen Mary Ortiz Nancy jo Tubbs Wayne Wathen Lorena Palm Helen Tyson Stephanie Poole Anne Rasberry Cindy Rosch Jerry Sanders enter C Paul and Susan Schurke Pam Slosson Donna and Pat Surface nternational Wolf nternational Wolf Thank You! I The Minnesota Twins

18 Spring 2011 www.wolf.org heart of the park only by authorized On a Learning Adventure park buses. From here is where our trip in Denali National Park into true wilderness began. Imagine starting your Adventure by Jess Edberg, information services director, Learning Vacation with us in the boreal International Wolf Center forest of spruce, birch and aspen cre- ating a canopy of gold and green above you. The spruce trees seem to shrink isiting Denali National Park last displays and some of the only main- and a bull wanders the transi- September was an experience tained trails systems in the park. tioning landscape grunting in hopes a Vof the senses. The visual beauty After mile 15, travel by road is receptive female will respond and join of the region coupled with being restricted to park-contracted buses. his harem. Within a few short miles, the immersed in the daily ecological This often prevents visitors with limited boreal forest quickly transitions to tree- lessons we experienced urged us to time from leaving the main entrance less, arctic tundra. Migrating birds fill shed the trappings of modern society— area. However, if you have the time the sky with sound, motion and color. to unplug from technology and and resources, a trip outside the front A crisp, earthy scent is in the air. recharge with nature. country is highly recommended. As the tundra takes over, grizzlies Most of the 400,000 annual visitors Denali National Park has one road gorge on end-of-season blueberries, to Denali spend their time in what extending 92 miles (148 km) to the soapberries and crowberries, preparing is referred to as the “front country,” remote seasonal village of Kantishna, for the long sleep. At the next rest stop, the first 15 miles (24 km) of the park’s established in 1905 as a gold-mining you taste for yourself the fruits of the road (called Park Road). This area camp. The road winds its way through wilderness from shrubs bordering provides services to guests such as a the northeastern portion of the park the scenic view. visitor center, gift shop, interpretive leaving the rest of its roughly six million A Persian tapestry spreads out as far acres (over two million hectares) road- as the eye can see. It is woven with less: a true wilderness. gold, red and purple leaves from hardy Park Road is paved until mile 15 tundra vegetation. Complementing the where a vehicle turn-around is avail- bright colors are muted grays, oranges able. This is the end of the road for and greens from the myriad mosses the casual visitor. Beyond Savage River, and lichens. Accentuating the rolling the public is allowed to travel into the topography are tendrils of a silty glacial stream, braiding its way through the dberg E Jess

International Wolf Spring 2011 19 tapestry on a long journey to some Denali is one of the world’s best It is an amazing experience to visit larger body of water. Then in the back- places to see wolves. The wide, open a place like Denali National Park, ground at 20,320 feet, Denali rises up, expanse of tundra allows an un- let alone guide others in their own white and tall as if a giant asleep under obstructed view with or without the exploration. Cultivating an interest a beautiful fabric of tundra had awoken. aid of a spotting scope. In some cases, in these wild places where wolves live It is amazing the foothills and the wolves come to you. helps the Center fulfill its mission to valleys we traveled through can hide “Two wolves ran along the road, promote wolf survival. As an educator such a prominent feature as Denali, right toward our bus and passed us,” and guide for the Center’s Adventure or “The Mountain” as some call it. Part noted a recent visitor to the park. Learning Vacations, I am honored to of the 600-mile-long (966 km) Alaska “As the first wolf ran by, he looked be able to share such life-changing Range, Denali is the highest point in up at me, and for the first time I could experiences with participants. North America. see what a truly wild, dangerous, When will you experience— Uniquely adapted to the snow- beautiful animal he was—just from see, smell, hear, taste and feel—true capped mountains and hills—and the his eyes. That the wild, dangerous, wilderness? reason the park was created in 1917— beautiful world remains here Could it be on our August Isle Dall sheep graze on lichens as they unchanged is food for the soul, and Royale National Park backpacking nimbly navigate the high ledges and that is what Denali means to me.” expedition; immersed in wolf and granite cliffs. They are the only white This visitor’s statement encapsu- moose ecology, backcountry naviga- mountain sheep in the world. lates the effect Denali has on its human tion and camping? Or will it be on Fall has beckoned Denali’s inhabit- guests. There are few places like this a trip to Yellowstone National Park, ants to prepare for the long, bitterly left in the world, where true wilder- which not only offers the sensory cold winter. Caribou migrate to their ness exists regardless of the presence experience of being in a wild place but winter ranges deep in the park as the of humans. also the familiar amenities of home? wolf, ever a nomad, follows. The choice is yours. To find out more about the Center’s Adventure Learning Vacations, visit www.wolves.org. n ishop B orm N olf Peterson R

20 Spring 2011 www.wolf.org The World of Wolves: New Perspectives The material this work covers should be on Ecology, Behaviour and Management of interest to all serious M. Musiani, L. Boitani, and P. C. Paquet (eds.) students of wolf eco- logy, behavior, conserva- by L. David Mech tion and management. Although some of the olf populations have pro- both to the species’ ecological relevance reading might be beyond most lay liferated in several areas and to passionate human attitudes and people, enough of this book’s content Wand so have wolf books. The conflicts with wolves.” is suitable for the general reader that latest book is a good one. This com- I can recommend it. n pendium, The World of Wolves, covers The book is replete with figures, a variety of fast-moving and contro- maps, tables, very attractive pencil drawings (by Susan Shimeld) and 32 L. David Mech is a senior research versial areas such as canid genetics, scientist for the U.S. Geological Survey effects of wolves on ecosystems, climate pages of striking colored photos: and founder and vice chair of the change, hunting of wolves by snow- wolves fighting, feeding and fending International Wolf Center. He has studied mobile and non-lethal methods of off grizzly bears; wolves chasing wolves for 50 years and published several minimizing livestock depredation. elk and closing in on ; wolves books and many articles on them. He is A great deal of new and interesting scattering ravens; and wolves just also a member of the International Wolf information resides in this book, looking charismatic in their scenic Advisory Committee. far more than this review can cover. environments. The Several of the article authors are well book also has an experienced in their specialties: Luigi adequate index. No Boitani, Robert Wayne, Doug Smith, index is perfect, and Rolf Peterson, Paul Paquet, Dean Cluff, neither is this vol- and Olof Liberg along with numerous ume’s, but at least the associates. The material reflects that. book includes one. The editors’ own words nicely por- tray the mission and scope of this book: “Wolves’ future will depend largely upon decisions made by people that in turn are based upon attitudes and emotions, in addition to ecological find- ings. Our mission with this book is to contribute to the examination of the human/wolf interface. We wish to eval- uate the biological issues with the intent of providing counsel on how to ease conflict and promote the coexistence of wolves and humans. “This book uses research sample cases from Eurasia and North America to explain the key role played by wolves in community ecology of natural eco- systems and of systems where domestic animals and people are also present. It also analyzes the pivotal role always played by wolves in wildlife management and conservation biology programs, due

International Wolf Spring 2011 21 Keeping Wolves and Visitors Safe before them. A beautiful gray wolf stood shoulder deep in moderately in Yellowstone flowing water. An enormous antler arched over his head with the graceful by Nathan Varley tines facing upstream. His chin alter- nated drops of water and blood. hortly after we passed a wide gray male and possibly the white Camera shutters tittered with each flex bend in the Gibbon River, I saw breeding female would still be feeding. of his muscles, each ripple of tall guard Scars lining the sides of the road. I My experience with the Canyons led hairs flowing down his back, aloft and pulled the bus off and announced, me to expect the black, the breeding stubbornly dry above the current. His “This is it—what we have been waiting male 712M, to be gone. He was oddly gold eyes gleamed against the sparkle for.” About 45 minutes earlier, a happy timid and shied away from humans, of sunlight from the surface of the river. visitor mentioned an elk had been while the other two were among very “Which wolf is this?” someone taken down by wolves after a standoff few wolves in the park to actually asked. I whispered he has no name or in the river. The bus loading went tolerate people nearby. The gray was number. He’s just the adult gray male rather quickly after what had been a bold, except in matters with 712M, of the Canyon Pack. She looked slow and quiet September morning where he is decidedly the subordinate. perplexed, like no wolf of this stature with occasional distant glimpses of We pierced a wall of people who could be so generically described. I wolf pups wandering in tall grass. I stood silently in awe of the spectacle shrugged and recalled some folks I wondered what would, if anything, come of this visitor’s tip. The number of cars meant some attraction remained, and the gamble to build up expecta- Watch tions during the long drive over the Central Plateau of Yellowstone might just pay off. We hastened down a long row of tall lodgepole pines shielding the river. in Yellowstone National Park PS N Jim Peaco/ Photo: Dan & Cindy Hartman The information had seemed good. Small Groups Led by Local Wildlife Biologists The fellow said wolves had chased a bull elk to the river, and after some battle, succeeded in taking it down. www.wolftracker.com They were feeding when he left. He had seen three: a black, a white and a (406) 223-2152 gray. This color combination had to be the Canyon Pack—the very pack Naturalist’s reports on wolves and wildlife (subscription) whose pups we were watching 30-some www.YellowstoneReports.com miles (48 km) away. I was hoping the

22 Spring 2011 www.wolf.org knew had nicknamed him “Big Sexy,” oughfares because of attractions like As we loaded back into the bus, I but I didn’t mention it. this. We had watched only 10 or 12 pictured the wolves following their The wolf tugged at flesh on the side minutes, but it was a sight nobody noses toward the bull. I thought it of the bull and occasionally looked would forget. would be just after dark when the cool, around. As expected, he did not seem Where the rangers took the carcass damp air carried scent for miles to mind the onlookers. The white I did not know. It would be nearby through the forest. The white finds it female was gone. Holes along the I was told as the bull was winched first, I thought, leading out in front as haunches might have indicated she up the ramp into the back of a pick- is common for her. The gray follows had eaten, but we were too late to see up. Rangers have their hidden places and resumes rending flesh from the her. Deep in the spruce beyond the for such things, places only they abdomen where he had left off before river, I imagined the black hiding in and wolves know about. Despite inter- bounding out of the river. Lastly, the the shadows of the forest, waiting for rupting the feed, the new carcass black amorphously slips out of the darkness to eat while his packmate fed placement will ensure a full and thor- darkness to a place along the hind end to the delight of many in the full sun ough scavenging ecology with no risk where some of the most readily avail- and easy flow of the river. to the animals or people. These Canyon able muscles lie, and the three At that moment the gray wolf burst wolves have experienced this before, commence to swallowing the meat of from the water. Droplets fell around and would know where to look. The their kill. n him as he bounded to the far side, onto whereabouts of certain carcass dump- the grassy bank, and away. A clap from sites is a valuable bit of information Son of park rangers, Nathan Varley, the trees along the nearside preceded for a wolf living in a wilderness bi- Ph.D., is a wildlife biologist who grew up several rangers wading in. The boldest sected with roads. Unfortunate colli- in Yellowstone Park. With his wife Linda, wolf I have ever seen was just scared sions with automobiles may mean a he operates The Wild Side, LLC, a wolf- away by a loud clap. The show was bison, moose, or other easy meal may watching adventure company, described at www.wolftracker.com. Nathan’s over. The rangers looped a rope around appear at these sites, in addition to continuing adventures are chronicled the antlers and a winch tugged the their own relocated kills. at www.yellowstonereports.com. carcass to shore, over logs, to the edge of the road. It would be moved to a safer place for the wolves to feed. With thousands of traveling visitors, the park roads become hazardous thor-

A beautiful gray wolf stood shoulder deep in moderately flowing water. An enormous olland antler arched over his head with the graceful H tines facing upstream. Dave

International Wolf Spring 2011 23 Boreal Breakthrough mining how to manage forestlands into the future. Conservation Groups and Logging Companies The Conservancy will bring its Agree to New Protections on 178 Million Acres scientific expertise to the process of identifying which areas of the boreal by Matt Jenkins are most ecologically sensitive and in need of protection, as well as crafting Editor’s Note: This article was reprinted The 178 million acres covered a boreal-wide blueprint for sustainable from Nature Conservancy Magazine, by the agreement—an area larger forest management. “Science is going Autumn 2010, with permission. “The boreal” than —spans the continent from to be critical to the implementation of is slang for “the boreal forest.” Newfoundland to British Columbia. this agreement,” says Drever. “It’s what anada’s [b]oreal — a vast, 1.4 “It’s a huge piece of geography,” says is going to hold us accountable to the billion-acre swath of spruce, Conservancy forest ecologist Ronnie promises and commitments that we’re Cpine and aspen—extends from Drever. making today.” north to the edge of Ultimately, the land will be managed The Conservancy has helped broker the Arctic Circle. The forest is home to under a spectrum of levels of pro- several data-sharing agreements that woodland caribou and wolverines, and tection: Some lands will be completely will lead to the consolidation of scien- about a third of it is covered by wet- off-limits to logging; other areas will tific information from both logging lands that provide crucial habitat for be sustainably logged. companies and environmental org- migratory waterfowl. It is also a huge The Conservancy has been working anizations to create a database that can source of timber and pulpwood for with several of Canada’s First Nation be used for conservation planning global markets: Hundreds of millions indigenous groups to help create a throughout the boreal. of acres of the Canadian boreal are network of protected areas in the One big focus of the planning effort leased to logging companies, which Northwest Territories. The new agree- is an attempt to encourage forest use the trees to make everything from ment will allow for expanded coop- practices that will help in the fight to lumber to tissues. eration with First Nations—whose slow climate change: Scientists esti- Efforts to protect the boreal got a members live in some 600 towns and mate that boreal forests are the second- huge boost in May, however, when villages across the boreal—in deter- largest pool of stored carbon on the The Nature Conservancy and eight planet after the oceans, and that they other environmental organizations— hold 11 percent of the global carbon. n including Greenpeace and Forest Ethics — signed a conservation agree- ment with a group of Canada’s largest logging companies, including Weyerhauser and Abitibi Bowater. The deal calls for a three-year moratorium on logging and road building in more than 70 million acres of prime caribou habitat and for the development of a long-term strategy to balance timber

harvest and environmental pro- artier tection throughout the boreal. C David

A new conservation agreement in Canada has suspended logging in an area of forest larger than Texas. The deal will protect habitat for wolves, endangered woodland caribou and other species.

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