His Summer. Visit Us! the International Wolf Center in Ely, Minnesota

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A PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER SUMMER 2002

Do Something Really W i l d This Summer. Visit Us! The International Wolf Center in Ely, Minnesota. Plan your trip to wild wolf country now.

meet our Ambassador Pack of wolves including two rare arctic wolves enjoy viewing the new wolf enclosure pond and rock DAILY SUMMER HOURS: landscaping trek through wolf habitat: track, hike, howl or May 10 - June 30 . . . 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. journey to an abandoned wolf den learn about the similarities and differences between wolves and dogs through daily programs in July July 1- Aug 31 . . . . . 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. and August romp with the kids in our Little Wolf children's exhibit learn all about wolves and wildlands through a special speaker series Sept 1- Oct 20...... 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

See www.wolf.org for information and program schedules. Phone:1-800-ELY-WOLF, ext. 25

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage PAID 3300 Bass Lake Road, #202 Minneapolis, MN 55429-2518 Permit #4894 Mpls., MN Red Wolf Pups Test Trapping Skills, page 4 Wolf Research Tools, page 9 Wolves Heading to California? page 12 Cover 4/22/02 6:05 PM Page 2

Carl Brenders Robert Bateman R.S. Parker Al Agnew Don Gott Jorge MayolMany NEW Frank pieces Miller of beautiful art just added! Educators: Bring Wolves Right Into Your Classroom

Our programs and resources provide opportunities Speakers Bureau: Robert Bateman, Hoary Marmot presentations tailored Carl Brenders, One-to-One for your students to learn about a great natural to age and interest Wolf Loan Box: treasure and about the wildlands that are its habitat. Save money on collectible wildlife art artifacts and activities and support the survival of wolves worldwide! Interdisciplinary curriculum helps students understand Curriculum Resources: Donated collection now available to the public. View our online gallery by the connections between ecology, economics, reinforce basic skills, visiting www.wolf.org fulfill national science- Extra savings, low prices! government, technology and more. learning standards For private inquiries, Education tools: Limited edition prints by celebrated artists. please call 763-560-7374 Call 1-800-ELY-WOLF, ext. 25 or visit track packs, wolf adop- Proceeds directly benefit the Any donation above the already The International Wolf Center is a non-profit tion kits, radio telemetry, low asking price is tax deductible organization dedicated to supporting the www.wolf.org for more information. plus videos, books, other International Wolf Center mission. to the full extent of the law. survival of wolves worldwide through education. classroom aides Bev Doolittle Robert Travers Lee Kromschroeder James Meger Bruce Miller (and many others!)

NEW RESTING WOLF JERSEY! (Cyberspace that is) This trendy jersey combined with one of our most popular designs incorporates a www.wolf.org

gray body w/ black sleeves and neck • NEWS AND EVENTS - the hottest wolf information available edge. Made of 100% soft combed cotton. • NOTES FROM THE FIELD - fascinating first person accounts by wolf Available in sizes S-2X. Priced affordably experts and program participants on extraordinary trips to Yellowstone National Park and the Canadian Northwest Territories at just $29.95! (L measures 44"at armpit) • LIVE WOLF CAM - bring our Buy it today online at www.wolf.org. ambassador wolves and their playful antics right into your home • OVER 700 PAGES of information, programs and products! IntWolf 4/22/02 6:39 PM Page 1

THE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER VOLUME 12, NO. 2 SUMMER 2002 Features Departments 4 2 As a Matter of Fact Cutting Teeth 3 From the Executive Director A litter of red wolf pups tested the trapping skills of a biological technician for the U.S. Fish and 15 International Wolf Center Wildlife Service’s Red Wolf Recovery Program. Notes From Home L eslie Schutte

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 18 Tracking the Pack

9 19 Wolves of the World A Brief History of Wolf Research: PART I 24 Wild Kids In the young field of wolf research, each new research tool or technique has allowed scientists 26 Book Review to find answers to new questions about wolves. 27 News and Notes Luke Eidenschink Steve Grooms 12 28 A Look Beyond Gray Wolves Heading to California On The Cover A proposal by wolf advocates to designate a region in Northern Photo by William Rideg, California as suitable wolf habitat has angered local residents, Kishenehn Wildlife Works particularly sheep and cattle ranchers. Michael McCabe ynn and Donna Rogers L IntWolf 4/22/02 6:39 PM Page 2

Publications Director Mary Ortiz Magazine Coordinator Carissa L.W. Knaack Consulting Editor Mary Keirstead Technical Editor L. David Mech Graphic Designer Tricia Hull

International Wolf (1089-683X) is published quarterly and copyrighted, 2002, by the International Wolf Center, 3300 Bass Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55429, USA. e-mail: [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 and merchandise. • Lone Wolf memberships are U.S. $30 • Wolf Pack $50 • Wolf Associate $100 • Wolf Sponsor $500 • Alpha Wolf $1000. Canada and other ynn and Donna Rogers countries, add U.S. $15 per year for L airmail postage, $7 for surface postage. Contact the International Wolf Center, How many states currently have known 1396 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731-8129, USA; e-mail: [email protected]; breeding packs of wolves? phone: 1-800-ELY-WOLF Breeding packs of gray wolves are known to exist in nine states (Alaska, International Wolf is a forum for airing Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Arizona facts, ideas and attitudes about wolf- related issues. Articles and materials and New Mexico), but there have been verified sightings of single wolves printed in International Wolf do not in several other states, including Oregon, Washington, North Dakota, necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the South Dakota and Missouri. International Wolf Center or its board of directors. Breeding red wolves exist in North Carolina and several island propagation sites off the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. ■ International Wolf welcomes submissions of personal adventures with wolves and wolf photographs (especially black and What are the jaw pressure white). Prior to submission of other types of manuscripts, address queries New Question and number of teeth of a wolf to Mary Ortiz, publications director. compared to a human’s? International Wolf is printed entirely with soy ink on recycled and recyclable paper (text pages contain 20% post- consumer waste, cover paper contains 10% post-consumer waste). We encourage you to recycle this magazine. VISIT PHOTOS: Unless otherwise noted, or www.wolf.orgwww.wolf.org TODAY! obvious from the caption or article text, photos are of captive wolves.

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INTERNATIONAL From the Executive Director WOLF CENTER

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nancy jo Tubbs Chair espite the challenges we are facing in these belt-tightening times—especially Dr. L. David Mech Vice Chair for the not-for-profit sector—I am particularly pleased that the International Wolf Center is proceeding with several initiatives that will strengthen our Dr. Rolf O. Peterson D Secretary education work in support of wolf survival. Paul B. Anderson Norm Bishop, a highly respected educator, adds to our outreach efforts in the greater Treasurer Yellowstone region as the International Wolf Center’s Field Representative (see Notes From Home, p. 15). Norm’s mission is to provide accurate information on wolf matters Dr. Larry D. Anderson in an arena where opponents of wolf recovery are perpetuating urban (or should I Phillip DeWitt say rural) myths, especially those involving the wolf’s impact on the elk population. Thomas T. Dwight Norm’s fact-based articles, talks and letters to editors help keep the Nancy Gibson heated debate in that region of the country grounded in solid science. Helene Grimaud Also on the western front, the Center (along with representatives Cornelia Hutt Dr. Robert Laud from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, The Denver Zoo, the Pueblo Zoological Mike Phillips Society and the Albuquerque Biological Park) joined a newly formed Dr. Robert Ream wolf information network for the Southern Rockies. These five Paul Schurke organizations have merged their education forces to serve as a clearing- Teri Williams house of scientific information and a forum for diverse viewpoints on the possibility of wolf recovery in that region. A grant from the Turner EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Endangered Species Fund and support from the member organizations Walter M. Medwid Walter Medwid will aid the public’s understanding of the issues as advocacy groups MISSION press for the wolf’s return. The zoos reach hundreds of thousands of people annually and provide an unparalleled education opportunity. The International Wolf Center supports the survival Closer to home, thanks to recent restricted grants, we will be establishing the posi- of the wolf around the world tion of outreach educator, based in our Twin Cities office. The goal of the position is to by teaching about its life, its associations with other strengthen our education programs in this population center of the state and build a species and its dynamic foundation of support for our outreach beyond the state’s borders. And in a related relationship to humans. matter, we are exploring a possible new home for the Minneapolis office. This site Educational services and would give us a more visible face, facilities for conducting workshops and providing informational resources information to visitors, and a base for our outreach efforts. are available at: Reading articles about wolves and noting the distortions that Norm Bishop is 1396 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731-8129, USA addressing in his new role remind me that although we have made great strides in wolf 1-800-ELY-WOLF recovery, the ongoing educational challenges remain. Your support in the form of 1-218-365-4695 memberships, contributions and even purchases from our online store has helped us e-mail address: weather a challenging period. My sincere appreciation to you for that past support and [email protected] Web site: http://www.wolf.org my hope that we can count on it in the future as we see these new initiatives enhance our work on behalf of wolves. ■

International Wolf Summer 2002 3 IntWolf 4/22/02 6:39 PM Page 4 Cutting Teeth by LESLIE SCHUTTE U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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t is winter in northeastern North Carolina. The tourists are gone, the fishing is good, and this year’s red wolf pups are old enough to be captured and radio- I collared. I am the newest addition to the field team working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Red Wolf Recovery Program. I am the youngest and currently the only female, and I am just learning the art of trapping. Capturing the wolves is the primary duty of the field team, so each day is a learning experience for me.

y opportunity to prove myself This time we strain hard to see She has wrapped herself around Mnow stands in front of me on something, anything—a mound of the trunk of a myrtle tree and is private property south of the newly turned-over dirt, drag hook lying at its base, watching our every Alligator River National Wildlife marks or, better yet, a scared-stiff wolf move. As I approach her, she tucks in Refuge. During a radio-telemetry pup poised on the side of the road. her tail and just lies there, waiting. flight in the summer, as many as Then, suddenly, there is something! Like a cat with a toy, she bats at eight pups have been sighted with I slam on the brakes and pull over. We the catchpole that I push toward her. their parents and older siblings. are using drag hooks on our traps in She snaps once at the pole for good These 9-month-old bundles of joy lieu of staking them down solid, and measure and then becomes passive. need new radio collars, just like their the last thing we want to do is obscure I place the catchpole loop around her parents’. We have less than three the drag marks. I get close enough to neck. Then I muzzle her, take the days to accomplish the trapping, to see the hole where the buried trap trap off her and examine her foot. We accommodate the land manager’s had been and glance back at Amy pop her into a kennel and tote her to schedule. The pressure is on. with a nervous We set 18 foot-hold traps and but ecstatic nod. draw a map of their locations. We see Along the edge of a lot of wolf sign, and we hope these the road are the youngsters, like most inexperienced unmistakable wolf pups, will jump right into our marks of a drag traps. Three days just isn’t very long hook sliding to catch a litter of pups. I am going through the dirt. to be first on the trapline in the Then the marks morning with the help of Amy, our take a sudden trusty intern. It will be my first right turn into a trapline check without one of the fallow field. senior biologists. Whatever happens, We cross the I will have to handle it and not let field, following a anyone down. And people expect me trail of pushed-

to sleep tonight? down grass. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service As we approach the first trap in the drag is shaped Leslie Schutte holds a captured red wolf pup. morning, our hearts sink. Nothing. like an anchor, A million different scenarios start and as it moves across the ground, it the truck. At the end of the day, a running through my head. Did the snags vegetation until there is a huge veterinarian and the field crew will animals move? Could they be sitting ball of grass at the end of the chain. weigh and measure her, affix the on a kill somewhere? Was the trap This trail leads us into a myrtle radio collar, vaccinate her, and draw not set well? Or were the wolves tree stand so dense we have to duck. A blood samples for heartworm and just not interested and walked on by? couple of meters away we see the wolf. other blood tests. I dare to hope I can Oh well, off to the next trap. repeat this success. Maybe the two

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We strain hard to see something, anything –a mound of newly turned-over dirt, drag marks or, better yet, a scared-stiff wolf pup poised on the side of the road.

kennels in my truck won’t be enough. kennel, I realize that some PR work is Better stop these thoughts! I’ll jinx in order. It turns out the audience myself and not catch anything else. is one of the landowners with his son As I am resetting the trap, a truck and some guests touring his land. comes into view. It is the land Bonus! He is impressed. It’s a good manager with the news that there is demonstration of what we are doing a “good-sized wolf with his foot in a and how we are doing it. trap in an intersection, gathering a In the next hour, we discover three crowd of onlookers.” So much for the more traps missing. The day is wearing jinxing! I have to ask the curious on, and I am out of kennels. It’s time crowd to back up away from the to call for reinforcements. Thankfully, animal so I can get a look at him. He my support arrives in under an hour, is a pup much bigger than the female loaded with extra kennels. We find and has wrapped himself in full one pup in a trap near a deep canal, view around a signpost. This wolf is but thankfully the pup is not wet. A not a happy camper, and I am none wolf dying in a trap from hypothermia too pleased to have an audience. in the dangerous December winds As I work to restrain the wolf’s would be, to say the least, counterpro- head, I realize I am straddling a red ductive to our mission. wolf pup with my back to the crowd, The other pups have taken the so our audience gets to see our best traps across open fields, leaving little sides. Then with the wolf safely in the sign for us to follow and making our

Sometimes a pup needs to be persuaded to leave the comfort of the crate.

After being radio-collared, this red Above: Karen Beck (left) and Leslie wolf pup is ready to be released Schutte try to direct the pup away from the crate. from the road.

Opposite: Having found its legs, the wolf pup runs off.

All photos: Courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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pup and put him across my shoulders because I am too tired to carry him. I can’t even imagine what I look like coming out of the brush, a red wolf pup across my shoulders. This is a Kodak moment for sure. By the time we kennel him and rendezvous at the trucks, it is late. The day has flown by! And this is my job! Someone please pinch me. I reset the traps for the night’s activities with the potential of catching three more animals. Then we all load up our precious cargoes searches long and exhausting. The wolf pup whose head is in a clump of and caravan back to the office to team splits up to make the search grass. It reminds me of that classic process the fantastic five. By the time more efficient. An hour passes before child’s game—If I can’t see you, you we arrive, it is dark. We unload the I finally see a recently traveled trail can’t see me. I can just hear the animals and set up to process them. heading into the overgrowth lining pup thinking, “She can’t see me, she I help with the first couple but then the banks of a ditch. It opens up into can’t see me.” gladly give up my position for a seat a slightly treed area. Where the grass By the time I manipulate the pup on the workbench. As I lean back and is matted down, it looks as if an up the side of the ditch, I am watch the team work, I reflect on this animal has been hung up but has exhausted. I muzzle and blindfold day and feel a surge of pride. From all freed itself. I follow along the ditch, him and press him to the ground. the trap sets, mine have taken four peering over every couple of feet. Then I attempt to cover his ears as out of the five pups caught. This is, Hearing something move, I cross my I yell to let the others know I have I learn, a new record. The rookie has fingers as I look down into the grassy found him. A team member comes to set a record! I am too tired to gloat, ditch. There I see the rear end of a assist me. She helps me pick up the but I reserve the right to do it later.

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There I see the rear end of a wolf pup whose head is in a clump of grass. It reminds me of that classic child’s game – If I can’t see you, you can’t see me.

We finish up and close down find her lying in the middle of a shop. The five pups will be spending flooded area, soaked to the bone. She the night with us to keep them out of is so cold that we put her in the truck the traps and to increase our chances and crank up the heat. As they warm of catching the last three pups in up, wet wolf pups do not smell so the litter. I am dying to get home, good. I can’t imagine what the inside take a shower and crawl into bed. I of that cab smelled like. am determined to be first on the But the dedication has paid off. In trapline again in the morning. three whirlwind days, we have caught The next morning we release the seven out of eight pups. Forgotten are pups away from the traps in a timber- the hours with no food, the raw line, where they will probably lie low December weather, the worry over for the day. Then it’s off to check the well-being of the pups. I have “cut the line. The first missing trap has my teeth” and earned the respect and good drag marks that lead right to a trust of my teammates. I shouldn’t pup crouched under some bushes. gloat, but I will. Just a little. ■ We quickly kennel her and find another missing trap. The drag has Leslie Schutte works as a biological left little sign, so off we go in search technician for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Red Wolf Recovery Program. of our lost pup, number 7. We finally Jennifer Gilbreath releases a red wolf pup wearing its new radio collar. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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A Brief History of Wolf Research PART I by STEVE GROOMS

Illustrations by Luke Eidenschink olf research is a young field of science. For many centuries, wolves were seen as a problem to be eliminated rather than as Wanimals that should be studied. Although wolves have only been studied for about seven decades, remarkable new technologies have given researchers amazing ways of understanding wolves. Each new research tool or technique has allowed scientists to find answers to new questions about wolves. Here is a brief history of research tools and techniques.

Snow Tracking HISTORY: Snowshoes were developed in Field Observation prehistory. Sigurd Olson, the Minnesota author HISTORY: Binoculars and spotting scopes are technology arising and wilderness advocate, may have been the from Galileo’s work in the 16th century. The first scientist to first trained observer to track wolves in winter observe wild wolves objectively was Adolph Murie, whose The and publish studies of what he learned about Wolves of Mount McKinley was published in 1944. Murie did their behavior. his work in what is now Alaska’s Denali National Park, where ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES: While wolves could be seen from a long distance by human observers. snowshoes are inexpensive, tracking wolves is ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES: Wolves live in low densi- costly in terms of the time and energy a ties and move quickly through dense cover during much of their researcher must invest. lives. Because wolves are so elusive and difficult to observe, field RESEARCH ISSUES: Tracking wolves observation has historically required great expenditures of time to allows researchers to see precisely where gain a few glimpses of wolves. Two major advantages of this tech- wolves travel and to indirectly observe some nique are that wolves observed this way behave naturally, and the behaviors, such as raised-leg urinations. equipment itself is inexpensive. Tracking gives insights into the ways wolves RESEARCH ISSUES: Field observations of wolves in natural hunt and how they utilize their kills. Now settings have concentrated on wolf dens, for they are the most and then a patch of gory snow marks the scene productive setting for observing wolves. Only when raising pups at where adjacent wolf a den or rendezvous site does a wolf pack center activities on a packs fought single location. Thus the technique of field observation has mainly for territory. produced findings about social interactions and pack behavior around dens.

(Note: The second part of this article will discuss fresh applications of this traditional research technique, applications that are producing stunning and unanticipated results.)

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Foot-hold Trap HISTORY: Foot-hold traps were developed around 1600 and have been modified frequently since then. Recent innovations reduce the stress experienced by a live-trapped wolf and decrease the likelihood of damaging the wolf’s foot. ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES: Live-trapping wolves is difficult work. Beyond that, trapping is both a science and an art. Successful trapping requires a canny sense of wolf behavior. Live-trapping remains about the only way to capture a live wolf for research purposes in areas too forested for darting or netting by helicopter. Studying RESEARCH ISSUES: A live-trapped wolf can be drugged and then quickly Captured Wolves weighed, measured and analyzed for physical condition. Drugged wolves can be blood-sampled for studies of disease, parasites and condition. The wolf is HISTORY: Wolves have been kept in then released, usually none the worse for the experience. Because trapping is zoos for centuries, yet the notion that an antecedent to other techniques, primarily fitting wolves with radio collars, their behavior could be studied is a the ancient foot-hold trap remains crucial to wolf recent one, perhaps dating to five or six research in many areas. decades ago. ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES: Studying confined wolves is inexpensive and convenient. Confinement, however, limits the range of behavior that wolves can exhibit. For example, confined wolves do not hunt, kill prey or disperse. The fact Necropsy that the living situation is artificial creates HISTORY: From the 1930s through the 1970s, a major thrust of doubts about which observed behaviors the scientific study of wolves involved examining wolf carcasses. are natural and which might be a result of Carcasses were available because of hunting, trapping and the unnatural setting. poisoning programs until wolves became protected, although RESEARCH ISSUES: Much can be wolves illegally or accidentally killed were still studied. Carcasses learned about social interactions and were examined for stomach contents, weight, size, condition, pack dynamics by studying wolves in parasites, litter size (from examination of reproductive tracts of confinement. Wolves are wolves, even if wolves that had given birth) and so on. they live behind fences. Researchers ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES: Studying dead wolves is studying captive wolves must always more convenient than studying living wolves, for obvious reasons. be careful to try to determine what The limitation of this technique is that the study of wolf carcasses behaviors are being affected by the cannot address most of the important and interesting issues about captive situation. wolf behavior. RESEARCH ISSUES: The study of wolf carcasses has taken two main forms. Early in the history of wolf research, taxonomists — notably E. A. Goldman — categorized wolves into a number of subspecies (“Arctic wolves,” “buffalo wolves” and so forth). Their work relied heavily on measurements of wolf skulls and bones. Many of their findings have been revised by subsequent research. Scientists continue to learn from the study of wolf carcasses. It is important today to examine carcasses to assess the health of specific populations of wolves.

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Scat Analysis HISTORY: Researchers have been examining scats, or droppings, since the 1940s. ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES: Scat analysis is relatively simple and inexpensive, although it is a limited technique. RESEARCH ISSUES: Scat analysis tells researchers what wolves have been eating. Although it is a technique that answers just one question, the question is a critically important one. Seasonal changes in the contents of wolf scats have taught researchers important lessons about the ways wolves depend on different prey animals at Howling different times of year. HISTORY: Howling to wolves probably dates to the 1940s. By one account, Wisconsin biologists Bill Feeney and Clarence Searles were assessing wolf populations one winter night in Iron Aerial Observation County. On an impulse, Feeney howled. HISTORY: Small aircraft became relatively abundant after World War II. When that howl was answered by two Hunters were using small aircraft to hunt wolves in the late 1940s. In the nearby wild wolves, the men were so early 1950s, researchers began hiring small planes for their purposes, often alarmed that one of them shinnied up employing the same pilots who flew for hunters. A pioneer in the use of a tree. Howling was later refined as a small planes for wolf research was Minnesota’s Milt Stenlund, a former board research technique by Canada’s Douglas member of the International Wolf Center. Pimlott and others. ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES: Using airplanes in winter enables ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES: researchers to cover great distances and find wolf packs in rough country Howling is fun and inexpensive, requiring where travel by snowshoe would be painfully slow and inefficient. Wolves no equipment and no great technique. It that have never been hunted from the air will ignore planes, even if they is a legitimate research tool, although one buzz around and follow the pack. Thus, airborne researchers can study with a limited range of applications. wolves behaving normally. Obvious disadvantages to aerial observations RESEARCH ISSUES: Howling is include the hazards, discomfort and expense of flying small aircraft. mainly used to assess wolf populations, RESEARCH ISSUES: Much aerial research has been done on Isle Royale, particularly to locate den sites that then a national park in western Lake Superior, where wolves have never been can be studied by other means. Howling hunted. Wolf pack size can be easily assessed from the air in winter. Airborne has helped researchers monitor the researchers have observed some dramatic predator-prey engagements. progress of wolf restoration by showing which formerly empty habitat has been colonized by wolves. Howling also teaches lessons about wolf howling behavior. ■

Steve Grooms has been writing about wolf management since 1976. He is the author of the book The Return of the Wolf, and Editor’s note: Part II of this article will appear in the next issue. It will serves on International Wolf magazine’s discuss how electronics has revolutionized wolf research, and the dramatic advisory committee. progress in field observations.

International Wolf Summer 2002 11 IntWolf 4/22/02 6:40 PM Page 12 nn and Donna Rogers Ly Gray Wolves Heading to Defenders Seek Protections as Ranchers Howl

This article originally Sometime soon, perhaps within the next couple appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, of years, gray wolves will make their way across Tuesday, February 5, 2002. mountains, valleys and streams into Northern Reprinted with permission. California looking for new territory. Wolf experts believe they’re already on their way.

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he migration is all but itself as the icon of their twin hunters shooting the first wolf inevitable, wolf lovers believe, tormentors: the faceless federal arrivals to the area, intend to weigh Tas inevitable as the push government and the effete, tree- in heavily when the U.S. Fish and westward by humans searching for hugging environmentalists. Wildlife Service decides within the new lives. next few months whether to reduce To prepare for the wolves’ stealthy Angry Residents protections for the gray wolf in arrival, an environmental group, Residents are already so angry California and other states. Defenders of Wildlife, has petitioned over federal efforts to protect the the federal government to designate spotted owl, the coho salmon and Growing Population 16 million acres of national forests two species of sucker fish—efforts The agency will consider down- and parks in Northern California they say have hurt their livelihoods— grading the wolf’s status from endan- and southern Oregon as suitable wolf that some are calling for secession. gered to threatened, or delisting it habitat for study and management Siskiyou County is sprinkled with entirely in some states, including purposes. They say the area—a signs proclaiming it the independent California, from the Endangered swath of land nearly twice the size state of Jefferson, a movement with Species list. With an estimated 3,500 of New Jersey—could support as roots in the early 1940s. wolves in the lower 48 states, officials many as 500 gray wolves. They are in no mood to greet still say the species has made a spectacular But the prospect of gray wolves another endangered species into their recovery in many parts of the (Canis lupus) returning to lands midst, particularly the wolf, which country, especially in Minnesota and where they have been extirpated— some recall their great-granddaddies Yellowstone National Park. trapped and shot—since the early going to great effort to exterminate. But when the wolf shows up on 1920s is provoking conniption fits in Ranchers, in particular, fear that California’s door, its supporters want a many parts of the Klamath-Siskiyou wolves will turn to their livestock for welcome mat of sorts. That is why region of Northern California, partic- survival, primarily picking off calves. they want a 16-million-acre region ularly among some of the region’s “To be honest I think it’s stupid to designated as suitable wolf habitat, sheep and cattle ranchers. bring wolves in these parts,” said coupled with the strongest protections Backed by studies by biologists Harvey Hagedorn, 67, whose family under the Endangered Species Act. and historians showing that wolves has ranched near Yreka for more Whether they and the wolves will get once roamed throughout much of than a century. “Wolves need to eat them is an issue that will help define California, wolf advocates insist the something, which is usually deer, rural Northern California’s future. animals are good for the environment: but the deer population is already “We think the wolf should remain way down thanks to listed as endangered because we don’t the overpopulation think the wolf can safely make it to of the cougar,” which California and form a viable popula- has been protected tion without these protections,” said since 1990. Nancy Weiss, California species California Scientists who study associate for Defenders of Wildlife wolf migration patterns based in Sacramento. “The problem by MICHAEL MCCABE say sightings of wolves is whether humans will tolerate in Washington and them, whether they will shoot them.” in Oregon are clear The likelihood of that happening Wolves create balance in the eco- evidence that they are headed into the apparently is high, to hear some system by, for example, dispatching Southern Oregon–Northern California ranchers and farmers talk. coyotes and aging elk. Additionally, region. In the last few years, environ- “These eco-terrorists who propose they argue, wolves would be a mentalists say, at least three wolves these things never think of the natural magnet, as they have been have made their way into eastern consequences—when the ranchers at Yellowstone National Park, for eco- Oregon from Idaho. Two were killed and farmers kill the wolves, there’ll tourists hoping at least to hear an by cars. One was shot, illegally. The be a big outcry,” Hagedorn said. authentic wolf howl or two. wolves in Washington had made For some ranchers in these their way down from Canada. Reimbursement Program economically depressed areas, Environmentalists, worried about Defenders of Wildlife has a however, the wolf is fast establishing the possibility of ranchers and program to reimburse any rancher

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for a documented loss resulting from and landowners living outside the a wolf kill, but most ranchers say that park remain on edge, although isn’t nearly good enough. others are reportedly becoming Marcia Armstrong, executive more relaxed about the program. director of the Siskiyou County Farm Today, more than 200 wolves thrive Bureau and the Siskiyou County in and around the park. Cattlemen’s Association, says the “We are not asking that wolves be problem is that cattle nowadays are reintroduced (in Northern California bred to survive and prosper in the or southern Oregon), by helicopter landscape and climate in which they or truck, from other areas, although are raised. Replacement cattle, she many people are interpreting our says, interfere with the genetic petition that way,” said Weiss of integrity of the herd. Defenders of Wildlife. “We are asking “Our last remaining industry up that the area be designated as one here is agriculture, and it is already good for wolves and then to do in trouble,” Armstrong said. “Many further studies to determine whether people here suggest that wolves and the best way to bring them back is by maybe grizzly bears be introduced reintroduction or natural dispersal.” into the streets of San Francisco and Patrick Valentino, executive Sacramento. director of the California Wolf It seems like the problems with Center based in San Diego, added: endangered species are always in the “Without protection from the federal rural areas, and people with all the government, anyone can shoot ideas about them live 400 miles away wolves on sight. from the rural areas.” “We think wolves should be In Yellowstone Park, where 33 allowed to recover naturally in their Canadian gray wolves were trapped historic range, but there should also and reintroduced in 1995 and 1996 be a management plan in place to amid bitter controversy, ranchers protect livestock—and the kids, if that Area in pink indicates worries people. But the record shows potential wolf habitat. that no one has ever been killed or eaten by a wolf in North America.” ■ ynn and Donna Rogers L

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INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER Notes From Home

Norm Bishop Joins Center’s Educational Efforts orman A. Bishop, of Retired from 36 years NBozeman, Montana, has with the National Park accepted the volunteer posi- Service, Norm served in tion as the International Wolf Yellowstone Park as an Center Field Representative educator for 17 years. for the greater Yellowstone He received the National region. Norm will focus his Park and Conservation efforts on providing accurate Association’s 1988 information about wolves Stephen T. Mather Award, in the face of significant the Greater Yellowstone

misinformation in the local Coalition’s 1991 Steward- Center International Wolf media, in which letters ship Award, and the Wolf Left to often distort the role of the Education and Research right: Jenny wolf and its impact on prey Center’s Alpha Award. Hall, Brenna O’Gorman, species. In addition to his Upon his retirement in Rachel Brintnall and Laura Luke dressed as a trapper, a raven, Little writing, Norm will make 1997, Norm received a Red Riding Hood and a wolf for the Wolf Week scavenger hunt at the Minnesota Zoo. presentations on the subject Meritorious Service Award from the Department of of wolves and Yellowstone, People and Wolves at and serve as a resource the Interior, and an out- on our wolf-viewing trips standing performance award the Minnesota Zoo to the park. as Resources Interpreter. He ver 7,000 people attended a very successful Wolf is a co-author of Yellowstone’s Week event hosted at the Minnesota Zoo with Northern Range: Complexity O International Wolf Center sponsorship last fall. and Change in a Wildland Ecosystem, published by Young visitors tried their talents at coloring and crafting Yellowstone National Park wolf masks. For older children and adults, a scavenger hunt in 1997. throughout the zoo was a highlight. Participants scoured “In the controversial the exhibits for wolf, raven, trapper and Little Red Riding hotbed of the greater Hood characters played by students from the School for Yellowstone area, Norm Environmental Studies in Apple Valley, Minnesota. The provides a critically impor- characters asked each participant a question about wolves. tant resource in helping ground the wolf debate When a correct response was given, a card was stamped, in science, not mythology,” and the hunt was continued. noted Walter Medwid, Ever heard of “Wolf Jeopardy”? Pick a category and level Center executive director. of difficulty was the name of the game, with many creative

Norm Bishop competes in Nordic winners. “If I were a wolf, how much would I need to eat skiing and has won Montana, at each meal?” was the next question. Weights on a scale western region and national masters cross-country skiing showed each human carnivore what a heavy wolf meal is age-group championships. really like: 22 pounds. For summer recreation, Norm enjoys hiking, running, Learning can be fun was the clear goal at this event, accom-

Dorothy Bishop cycling and canoeing. plished in grand style. We can hardly wait until next year!

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INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER Notes From Home

Thanks to a Dedicated Volunteer Heart of the Earth Visits the Center n International Wolf Center thank you goes to a Aspecial volunteer, Chuck Purdham. A retired minister f it wasn’t for this trip, I of the United Methodist Church, Chuck is married and “Iwouldn’t ever have known has three children. One of a few original any of this [information representatives, he has been a volunteer about wolves]. I had a great and participant in the Center’s speakers’ time and learned a lot of bureau since 1989. exciting things. I hope we “I enjoy teaching. When I add to can do this again,” wrote Ann that the excitement of talking about Marie Ratka from Heart of wolves, it becomes a very satisfying the Earth School, National International Wolf Center International Wolf experience. It is also gratifying Center for American Indian Andrea Lorek Strauss teaches to see the detailed prepara- Education, Minneapolis, Heart of the Earth students tion many teachers do Minnesota. Ann, six other (left to right) Angela Hanks, Alyssarae Dickenson and Rebecca before I come,” remarked 10th-grade students and LaChapelle how to use telemetry Chuck. Students and their science teacher, Mary equipment to find a radio collar. teachers alike enjoy his Beth Carpenter, visited the presentations, and he is International Wolf Center sled. That was my favorite often invited to return. in January this year. part of the activity. A few of Chuck’s Rebecca LaChapelle listed “My second favorite many volunteer activ- dog sledding as her favorite activity was learning about ities for the Center activity. “It was my first the wolves that live outside include giving camp- time, and I really enjoyed it. the Center. They have five fire talks at county At first I was kind of scared, wolves. Their names are parks, speaking to but then I got used to it after children at schools, about 10 minutes or so. I speaking at a booth at even got to mush the the Minnesota State sled, which means Chuck Purdam, long-time Fair and participating in take control, International Wolf Center volunteer Wolfin’ Down books, a and drive the program at libraries to educate people about wolves. His dedication to keeping up-to-date on wolf issues takes him often to classes, seminars, Web sites and piles of printed information. Regarding his volunteer experiences, Chuck reflected, Left to right: “I am pleased to have participated in the expansion of Angela Hanks, meaningful services to the general public during my years Rebecca LaChapelle as a volunteer. It has been a privilege to work with and Alyssarae the International Wolf Center staff and tell the story of Dickenson hold a radio collar and the the wolves.” We at the Center are grateful for Chuck’s telemetry equipment enthusiasm for education and sharing his knowledge with they used to find it. the world.

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INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER Contributors nk Yo Tha u! Lucas, Malik, Shadow, Major Donors Matching Gifts In Honor of Lakota and MacKenzie. My Ben & Barb Spears: John & Sandra Anderson Martha Champagne & favorite was MacKenzie Bonnie Pettijohn IBM Foundation because she is a black wolf, Anonymous Donor, and so beautiful. We didn’t Represented by the US Trust Co. Dick Coller & IBM Foundation In Honor of Monica Steele: of New York get to see Lakota. She’s a Frances Cone & Chris Steele lower-ranking wolf, which M. C. Davis ING Foundation means she gets picked on a In Honor of Wallace & Mary Lee Dayton Monica Frytak & Ruth William’s Birthday: lot by the rest of the pack. IBM Foundation John J. Doran & Sharon Braswell She was also injured two Susan F. Doran Family Nancy Kay Lyslo & weeks before we came to the Foundation US Bancorp Foundation I.W.C., so I think she just Memorials Tom Dwight Virginia Minor & needed time to heal, and IBM Foundation In Memory of Ralph Bailey: wanted to stay away from Caroline Gabel Dale Novak & PPG Industries James & Janet Shumway the other wolves.” Carol Geis Kevin Oliver & United Way Financial support for Frances Graham & In Memory of of Orange County participation in the program Robert Gumnit Walt Bannerman: was given to the school Richard Salz & Robert Halley Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hobbs through a grant from Heart IBM Foundation James LeBlanc of the Earth Survival, Inc., Gavin Schmitz & Microsoft In Memory of and winter clothing was Bruce & Lynn Lutz Matching Gift Program Winnie Bigelow: donated by Galyan’s of Dave Mech Gloria Sell & UFE Incorporated Jill & Peter Thelen Richfield, Minnesota. ■ Sarah Morris Jesse Wallace & In Memory of Bob Griffy: IBM Foundation Karen Pajari, M.D. Lenora Moses Ellen Sampson Honorary In Memory of Sue Schmitt Winfield Haycock: In Honor of Kylee Brockmann: Nathan Snodgrass Dick Gould Patty & Robert Thies Gary Stielow In Memory of In Honor of Gloria Davenport: The Harold W. Sweatt Christopher Kaiser: Foundation Bill Tomlinson James Monge Nancy jo Tubbs In Honor of Deb Rusnak: Kiana Memorial Fund: Turner Endangered Species Beverly Baridon Fund, Inc. Karla Jo Brockway Marcy Feller & Joseph & Cynthia Urbano Gabrielle Hanna In Memory of Jan Sandau: Joseph & Shirley Wolf Raymond Gehring Kathryn White Kathleen Marucco George & Carolyn Muhleisen In Memory of Jan Volkman:

International Wolf Center International Wolf In-Kind Donations Joan Gilman Richard Polhemus Janice Johnson Onward Realty Paul & Elizabeth Zimmerman David Zoretic

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Tracking the Pack

Caring for the Center’s Wolf Pack Captive Wolf Management Course by Lori Schmidt, Wolf Curator Would you like to learn more about any visitors During the visits, handlers the enclosure. If the wolves managing a captive wolf exhibit? If so, join the International Wolf inquire about the inspect each wolf for do not show signs of aggres- Center for a one-week session: daily care that the physical problems, such sion toward that person, M ■ Assist the wolf curator in International Wolf Center’s as bites or scrapes, and an additional three-month daily maintenance routines wolves, MacKenzie, Lucas, external parasites, such as probationary period of visits ■ Lakota, Malik and Shadow, ticks. Handlers also watch inside the enclosure begins. Review the protocols required to manage a socialized wolf exhibit receive. Their care is for behavioral issues and To continue participating defined in the Center’s Wolf record their observations in in the wolf care program ■ Conduct behavioral observations of captive wolves Curator Manual, which the wolf log, which are later after the probationary includes detailed protocols summarized and posted on period, the handler must ■ Assist with this year’s “Visiting Species” program, for staffing, training, safety, our Web site at www. receive a rabies pre-exposure comparing wolves and dogs wolf handling and facility wolf.org. vaccination series and a maintenance. This protocol We currently have eight tetanus booster. Sessions throughout July and August. Fee of $450 per person. abides by federal regula- people involved in the wolf If you would like to keep tions set forth in the Animal care program. New wolf track of the wolves’ daily For more information or for a program application, contact: Welfare Act administered handlers must spend at least care, go to the Web site at by the U.S. Department of three months making visits www.wolf.org and click on Lori Schmidt International Wolf Center ■ Agriculture (USDA). USDA outside of the enclosure so the Pack Page. 1396 Hwy. 169 veterinarians make spot the wolves get to know Ely, MN 55731 inspections of our facility them. After the wolves are 218-365-4695, ext. 34 [email protected] and review the Center’s familiar with the new Web site: www.wolf.org Veterinary Care Plan and handler, the the wolves’ medical records wolf curator and physical condition. The and another Minnesota Department of wolf handler Natural Resources requires escort the a permit to display captive person into wolves, monitors the exhibit for safe and humane confinement, and reviews protocols for emergencies such as natural disasters. As previous articles have discussed, the wolves at the Center are socialized to humans. To maintain this socialization and monitor the wolves’ health, a minimum of two handlers visit the Lucas is the alpha male of wolves in their enclosure the ambas- four to five times per week. sador pack. D. M. Dupras

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WOLVES OF CANADA The Wolves of Algonquin Provincial Park

by Neil Hutt

Will we do nothing, just n an August evening, their vehicles. No doors are Here the industrial urban- let it happen, lose the O1,600 people gather slammed; everyone speaks ization of southern Ontario Algonquin wolf, just at a campground amphithe- softly. They have come gives way to a natural ater in Ontario’s Algonquin when we have discovered to hear a sound that landscape of waterways and Provincial Park. After an for centuries has inspired forests. And here live its uniqueness? information session, a long awe and fear, reverence wolves that have been the —John Theberge motorcade winds through and hatred—the howling subject of long and intense and Mary Theberge, the darkness to a designated of wolves. research. Wolf Country spot, where the visitors park Park interpreters have Called the Eastern and climb carefully out of conducted these public Canadian wolf, or Canis howls since 1963, attracting lupus lycaon by some scien- hundreds of visitors each tists, the Algonquin Park year to the 7,725- wolf has been the focus of square-kilometer recent genetic study and (about 3,000- intense debate. Some work square-mile) indicates that this wolf park located may be more closely related four hours to the species Canis rufus, north of the red wolf, whose only The wolves Toronto. range in the wild is now of Algonquin Provincial Park in northeastern North are Eastern Carolina. Of grave concern Canadian wolves, in both populations is the or Canis lupus lycaon. potential for hybridization with coyotes. Although the Algonquin wolves are protected within the boundaries of the park, wolves that stray outside the perimeter are regularly shot, snared or trapped. Each year, 35 to 40 park wolves die in this manner. There is no Endangered Species Act

Mary Theberge in Canada, and Ontario remains, in the opinion of many, the worst jurisdiction in North America for wolf protection. Outside the park, wolves may be hunted at

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any time of the year by recently established a year- landholders or holders of a round moratorium on the small-game license. No bag killing of wolves in 39 limits or quotas are imposed, townships immediately and there are no require- surrounding Algonquin Park. ments for reporting the Field researchers estimate “taking” of wolves. An that half of the 34 to 38 wolf estimated 150 to 170 wolves packs within the park have live in the park, but research ranges extending beyond indicates the population is park boundaries. Thus, not self-sustaining; that is, Snobelen’s decision was mortality rates are higher greeted with enthusiasm by than birth rates. wolf supporters. However, In response to reports because the moratorium is that the Algonquin wolf population has declined by half since the mid-1960s, The year-round moratorium Minister of Natural on wolf killing exceeded the Resources John Snobelen seasonal closures on hunting Mary Theberge and snaring recommended by the Minister of Natural Resources Wolf Advisory •One night hotel stay, with meals •Base camp in the wilderness Committee, which scientists with canvas cooktent and and environmentalists Journey by Horseback individual pop-up tents to Through Wolf Habitat Deep in the sleep in for privacy. view as a conservation Heart of the Idaho Wilderness •Fully prepared home cooked meals success. For the full text of •Trips begin in mid-July and the committee’s recommen- end in late August dations, see the Ontario Mile High Outfitters of Idaho, Inc. Ministry of Natural Resources P.O. Box 1189, Challis, Idaho 83226 (208) 879-4500 Web site at www.mnr.gov. [email protected] visit our webpage at on.ca/MNR/csb/news/ www.milehighwolf.com nov6fs201.html.

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set to expire in 30 months, WOLVES OF THE UNITED STATES pressure is mounting among environmental groups to Testing Tolerance make the minister’s decision Wolf Y-206 and the Legacy of Yellowstone permanent. Dr. John Theberge and by Neil Hutt his wife, Mary, authors of he has a rap sheet and a male, was captured in June troubled past. As of late the book Wolf Country, Sreputation as a livestock 2001 and held at Ted February 2002, five of the have spent years researching killer. Her mate is dead, and Tu rner’s Flying D Ranch pups are still in the area the Algonquin wolf—its as the winter of 2002 turns south of Bozeman, Montana. where they were released. prey base (deer, beaver and slowly to spring in the Six months later, in The sixth pup is 25 miles moose), the high mortality Northern Rockies, Wolf December 2001, the wolves north, in Canada, and the rate and the environmental Y-206, the breeding female —all radio-collared— were yearling male, now nearly factors influencing its of Montana’s Gravelly pack, translocated to the remote 2 years old, has disappeared long-term survival. The is alone. The breeding male Yaak Valley in extreme into Idaho. Theberges pointed out that was shot legally by federal northwestern Montana, Y-206 didn’t stick around for the Algonquin wolves to wildlife officials in spring where, it was hoped, they long, either. She headed be protected, they need 2001 after the pack killed would not resurrect their west, presumably on a quest an adequate core. In John 35 sheep near Ennis, for a new mate. Her journey Theberge’s opinion, 30 Montana. Y-206, along with has taken her across the months are not sufficient. her six pups and a yearling state line and 80 miles into “It is not long enough for an isolated region in a significant population Washington with few sheep recovery; ultimately a and cattle and no other wolf permanent ban must be packs. The distance she has implemented,” Theberge traveled is not remarkable; said. “As well, if wolves are during much of the year, ever again subject to exces- wolves are constantly on the sive killing, humans, not move. Y-206’s presence in nature, will shape behavior Washington, however, is and other characteristics of newsworthy; the last the future wolf population, confirmed wolf sighting and that constitutes a failure in the state was in 1991 in park management.” (see International Wolf, Winter 1992). The author thanks Dr. John Theberge for his help in preparing this article.

For more information, see: Wolf Country: Eleven Years Tracking the Algonquin Wolves by John Theberge with Mary Theberge, McClelland and Stewart, Toronto, 1998. Algonquin Wolf Advisory Group Recommendations Fact Sheet, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/

csb/news/nov6fs201.html. William Rideg, Kishenehn Wildlife Works

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The presence of Y-206 conservation achievements. also provokes thought But Y-206, a daughter of the and discussion as wolves reintroduction success, is increase and expand their an example of the need to range in the Northern improve public under- Rockies. Wolves have standing of the problems always held symbolic roles. wolves can cause for people Humans have demonized who live near them and them as “beasts of waste and of the need to develop desolation,” symbols of evil. strategies for managing wolf Conversely, wolves have populations. been revered as paragons While many wolf advo- of strength, endurance and cates applaud the decision skill. “I am a hunter’s to allow Y-206 to wander hunter,” the red wolf says in freely in Washington, others Cherokee mythology. are less enthusiastic. Wolf Wolves are also symbols haters have long distorted of untamed places, of the truth about wolves, but wilderness. Y-206’s parents wolf advocates have also were brought from Canada created myths that do not to Yellowstone in the mid- reflect the real wolf. Y-206 1990s. They were symbolic represents the need to of a new attitude toward distinguish between wolf summit predators in general persecution and responsible and wolves in particular. To wolf management. an increasingly enlightened Meanwhile, as of late public, wolves were no February 2002, Y-206 is still longer viewed as vermin to in Washington, where her be ruthlessly exterminated movements are closely In late February 2002, Wolf Y-206 left Washington but as engineers of bio- monitored by U.S. Fish and State and crossed into British Columbia. Biologists diversity, necessary to the Wildlife biologists. If she located her near a highway about 20 miles north of ecological health of the remains in the state, she regions they occupy. will enjoy full protection the U.S. border. The juvenile male who had moved Y-206’s parents were part under the Endangered into Idaho shortly after his release in Montana’s of the Northern Rockies Species Act. Wildlife offi- Yaak Valley has also moved into Canada. wolf recovery effort, one of cials predict, however, that the 20th century’s greatest her travels will also take her to Montana or Idaho. In preparation for the wolf’s r emoval from the Endangered Species list, both states are attempting to construct management plans consistent with maintaining viable populations of wolves and their prey while at the same time addressing the challenges faced by people directly affected by wolves.

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WOLVES OF THE UNITED STATES area will probably be tremendous support for a expanded to include most northeastern DPS among Wolf Reclassification in the of the western states, with both the scientific commu- United States: An Update no change in the recovery nity and the general public, goals. The southwest calls by conservationists by Nina Fascione recovery area for Mexican for additional wolf recovery wolves may be expanded. areas, particularly in the f the past 30 years of wolf lower 48 states. It is Some aspects of the plan Southern Rockies and Pacific Iconservation efforts in the expected to be significantly will remain the same as in Northwest, and expectations United States have taught changed from the proposed the proposal. In the Great that an expanded recovery us one thing, it is that rule, released in July 2000 Lakes states, wolves are area in the Northern nothing is simple when it (see “Understanding the expected to be reclassified Rockies would lead to comes to this species. The Reclassification Controversy,” to threatened in Wisconsin increased recovery goals. current tortuous process is International Wolf, Summer and Michigan, where they None of these is expected to the federal reclassification 2001). For example, there are currently listed as be in the final rule. of wolves under the will likely be no distinct endangered. The service has Likewise, wolf opponents Endangered Species Act. population segment (DPS) indicated that it will initiate will find some aspects of Despite the release of a status for the northeastern delisting of the Great Lakes the rule unappealing. proposed reclassification states, as was proposed in wolf population soon after Livestock interests want to plan more than a year and a the earlier document, the reclassification rule is see federal protections for half ago, the final rule has reducing the number of finalized. wolves completely removed, yet to be released. The DPSs in the United States Wolf advocates are rather than lessened, volume and complexity of from four to three. In the objecting to aspects of the in Minnesota, Michigan the document, its political West, the boundaries for the final rule even before it and Wisconsin, as well ramifications, the change Northern Rockies recovery is released. There had been continued on next page in administrations and several vacant positions at the Department of the Interior, including Fish and Wildlife director, have all contributed to the delay. The wolf reclassification rule is presently under r eview in the Department of the Interior, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates the rule will be released late this spring, most likely to mixed reviews. The final rule will address gray wolf recovery throughout the nn and Donna Rogers Ly

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Wolf Reclassification plans for managing wolves in the United States post-delisting, and the federal government moves continued from previous page forward with reclassifica- as Idaho, Montana and tion. Regardless of the final Wyoming. rule, it is safe to assume One point on which these issues will not go everyone can agree is away. Rather than ending Open Wide! that wolf conservation and the wolf debate in the management are complex United States, reclassifica- by Kelly Burns tion might just be the begin- issues involving myriad emember your last visit to the dentist? Were ning of a new chapter. ■ perspectives. Questions such you sitting in a big moving chair, light as what constitutes wolf brightly shining, the dentist peeking into recovery and how do we Neil Hutt is an educator and R your mouth to examine your teeth? A dentist best manage wolves in an International Wolf Center board member who lives in checks to make sure your teeth are healthy. Each ever more-crowded world Purcellville, Virginia. tooth has to be inspected since each one plays an are just some of the key important job in how you eat your food. issues that challenge wildlife Nina Fascione is the director Your teeth are your body’s eating tools. Now of carnivore conservation for managers, scientists, wolf I know what you are thinking, “Aren’t my fork, advocates and the general Defenders of Wildlife and co- author of “Places for Wolves: knife, and spoon my eating tools?” These tools public. This subject will A Blueprint for Restoration help out before the food gets into your mouth. continue to dominate the and Long-Term Recovery in Your teeth take over after that. Animals, on the other headlines in the upcoming the Lower 48 States.” hand, have to do all the work with their teeth. year as states work to develop Teeth can do amazing things, like tear, hold, grind and rip. These actions help get food into an animal’s body so it can be passed on to the stomach Travel the protected waters of for digestion. The type of preparation a piece of SE Alaska’s inside passage. food must go through to be ready for the stomach depends on what food the animal is eating. This remote area of An animal eating grass or branches has to bite, mountainous islands, hold and pull. The front teeth performing the old growth timber and bite are called incisors. Molars perform grinding Wo l f Wa t c h tidal estuaries is home of the and chewing; they are teeth with big flat surfaces. Alexander Archipelago Wolf. A plant-eating animal is called an herbivore. Aboard the 6 day, 5 night trips, meals, If an animal has to catch another animal for food, it might need to hold the prey with long, lodging, daily shore excursions pointed teeth and cut it with sharp-edged teeth. MV HYAK into the best wolf habitat. These pointed canine teeth are tools for holding FOR A BROCHURE CONTACT: or tearing meat. A meat-eating animal is called Riptide Outfitters a carnivore. P.O. Box 19210 Sometimes animals have pointy teeth for Thorne Bay, Alaska 99919 tearing, and flat teeth for grinding. These animals www.hyakalaskacharters.com are omnivores and eat both plants and animals. 907-828-3353 Teeth are important keys to learning about an animal. By examining the teeth of an animal you can determine what kind of “eater” it is.

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Chew your food: Think about how you eat each of the foods on this list. Do you bite from the front or side or use your back teeth? Once you know what food an animal eats, you can guess how it finds its food. A carnivore must • Carrot hunt animals or find dead animals in order to eat. • Corn on the cob As long as the right plants are available, herbivores • Popcorn can graze or browse to get food. So the next time • Chicken wing you walk outside, think about the kind of animal Count them out: you would need to be to survive in your habitat. ■ • Apple Count how many • Ice cream cone teeth you have. ______Guess how many Be a dental detective: teeth a wolf has. Take a look in the mirror at your teeth and compare them to the diagram. Do you have ______canine teeth? Molars? Incisors? Based on what What difference you found, what kind of an “eater” is a human? does it make how many teeth an animal has?

Incisors

Canines Molars

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by Jakki Harbolick among dogs’ now-extinct ancestors breeds and the ways in which their were some that were genetically behaviors and bodies are shaped. Dogs: A Startling predisposed to living near human Within the scientific community, habitations. Being less fearful, these the Coppingers’ book will perhaps New Understanding “pre-dogs” were able to capitalize on spark debate and renew interest in of Canine Origin, their access to the three biological the examination of long-standing necessities for species success: food, theories. The broader readership Behavior and Evolution safety and reproductive opportunity. stands to benefit as well, because by Raymond Coppinger The genetic predisposition toward despite some inconsistencies and and Lorna Coppinger tameness also, as a side effect, resulted contradictions within the text, the Scribner, 2001 in the physical changes that make ideas and ideals presented are clearly dogs look like dogs, not wolves. intended to be educational. n Dogs: A Startling New Under- From this relatively tame population However, the chapters on house- standing of Canine Origin, of “village dogs,” humans began to hold and assistance dogs are certain I Behavior and Evolution, Raymond adopt and domesticate individuals. to provoke a far stronger reaction and Lorna Coppinger offer, by turns, Natural breeds evolved based on envi- from all readers. Here, the Coppingers charming personal ronment and human adopt a caustic, censorious tone, and narrative, objective favor shown to indi- their comments seem less critically theoretical treatise, viduals for good constructive than derisive. The and harsh ethnocen- job performance, views and attitudes tend toward the tric criticism. Serious and additional artifi- extreme and inflammatory, which is readers should prepare cial refinement of unfortunate since this apparent loss of themselves to be enter- these natural breeds objectivity will inevitably undermine tained and educated, has led to the the credibility that was so painstak- but also affronted by development of the ingly cultivated in previous chapters. this peculiar mixture modern dog. The message is jeopardized. of scientific detach- The roles played Raising awareness of the perils of ment and personal by genetics, natural improper breeding and training is prejudice. Initially the selection, environ- absolutely legitimate, but combative reader’s attention is ment and human language only incites anger and will captured by the book’s influence cum inter- not lead people to work together preface and by the ference are each toward a solution. And it is clear that unusual dedication, examined in the the Coppingers, having spent their which is a funny, enigmatic miniature light of anecdotal and scientific lives in the company and study of work of art. Readers who push on evidence. Particularly intriguing, as a dogs, are in pursuit of solutions. will find the tone rapidly shifting, possible parallel for the authors’ theo- Their eloquent, joyous portrayal of however, as the authors settle down ries on canine evolution from wild the science and theory of sled dog to the serious work of expounding wolf to village dog, is the account of sport alone is convincing evidence of their theories regarding the origin what happened when a Russian fox their ongoing enjoyment of and and evolution of dogs. fur farm began to breed its foxes for devotion to the world of dogkind. ■ The Coppingers’ basic premise is the characteristic of tameness. The that dogs and wolves evolved chapters on developmental environ- Dog-lover Jakki Harbolick is a language separately from a common ancestor, ment and on physical and behavioral arts and writing teacher. She lives in and that humans did not create dogs Leesburg, Virginia, with her husband, conformation are equally fascinating, Pete, and their two children. by taming wolves, but rather dogs providing an in-depth, if optimisti- created themselves. The theory is that cally biased, look at various working

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WO NEW WOLF THESES OLF MANAGEMENT IN WO WOLF CONFERENCES T have been produced. Sam WIDAHO passed a milestone as Twere held in April. The Midwest Merrill completed his Ph.D. disserta- the 17th draft of a wolf management Wolf Stewards Meeting took place in tion, “An Evaluation of the Use of plan was endorsed by livestock and Two Harbors, Minnesota, on April 3-4, Global Positioning System Telemetry ranchers’ groups along with some 2002. The Western Wolf Conference in Studying Wolf Biology,” and environmental organizations during met April 23-24, 2002, in Boise, Idaho. Dan MacNulty his master’s thesis, state legislative hearings. The plan, OLF ATTACKS ON “The Predatory Sequence and Patterns which advocates maintaining 15 WHUMANS is the subject of a of Risk-Sensitive Foraging in the breeding wolf pairs (about 120 January report by the Norsk Institute, Wolf.” Both students were advised wolves) in Idaho, has won approval Norway. The report includes by Dr. David Mech at the University from the senate and the house and summaries of the relatively few of Minnesota. now goes to the governor for approval. confirmed attacks by non-rabid WOLF IN AUSTRIA was killed “ OLF PACK KILLS LION wolves on humans around the world Aby a hunter who thought the WDOG” was a suitable title for and concludes that there have been animal was a dog that had killed a red an incident in which the Thunder more attacks in Europe and Asia than deer, according to the World Wildlife Mountain pack of nine wolves in North America. There are no Fund Austria. This is the first dispatched one of two mountain documented cases of non-rabid, wild wolf record in Austria since 1996. As lion–hunting dogs that were left wolves killing a person in North European wolf populations continue out overnight in the Northern America, and most incidents of to increase and proliferate, dispersers Rockies on February 1. Wolves have wolf attacks there involved wolves may be immigrating to Austria from killed several bear-hunting dogs in habituated to humans. the Czech Republic, Slovenia or Italy. Wisconsin and several livestock- WOLF COURSE in February guarding dogs in other areas. A at the Yellowstone Association Institute in the heart of Yellowstone’s wolf range got off to a good start. The course on “Wolf Interactions with Their Prey” was scheduled by instructor Dave Mech to begin at

nn and Donna Rogers 8:30 a.m. As the class assembled in Ly the parking lot of the Institute’s head- quarters, a pack of 13 wolves across the road began attacking a herd of 120 elk. Promptly at 8:30 a.m, the pack killed two elk while the whole class watched and Mech narrated! WOLF FROM FINLAND A immigrated into northern Sweden and was radio-collared on February 1, according to Anders Bjarvall, the IUCN Wolf Specialist Group representative from Sweden. This is the first wolf ever radio-tracked in that part of Sweden. Genetics tests on the wolf’s blood documented the animal’s Finnish origin. ■

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Wolf management zoning is Wolf Management Zoning versus underlain by Congress’s guarantee of Human Management Zoning wolves’ “right to live.” The concept is simple. A “primary” wolf zone of by Dean Johnson natural habitat is established where human intervention is minimal. A s a land use planner, I am So what is so odd or novel about “secondary” wolf zone is established familiar with terms like land wolf zoning? Absolutely nothing. on the fringe where wolves stray and A management and zoning. In fact, the concept is logical human activity is more prevalent. These are regulatory tools that have and should be far less complicated Wolves’ rights are more protected in been constitutionally upheld in this than “human zoning.” We find it the primary zone, while tolerance country for more than a century. I necessary and tolerable to protect for straying wolves is balanced with was initially bemused upon seeing an home owners with a barrage of humans’ rights in the secondary zone. article on “wolf management zoning” zoning techniques, such as enforcing In land use planning, we also in International Wolf magazine. Then minimum building separation and struggle with strays. Today we hear I recalled that this regulatory concept prohibiting incompatible land a lot about “smart growth,” a new was initiated by Congress over a uses. We also protect farmers from and overused term that implies a quarter-century ago. “frivolous” claims against typical magic potion may exist for an old We all get into our personal and farm “nuisances,” such as animal problem— sprawl. Smart growth professional comfort zones (pardon odors, late-night cultivating, and attempts to make urban areas more the pun) and often forget about the slow-moving vehicles, by enacting efficient and attractive, and a major need for tolerance, balance and good “right to farm” ordinances. lure for smart growth proponents judgment in the way we conduct is the prospect of containing sprawl. ourselves. In fact, we humans do Sprawl, of course, is caused by such a poor job of that that we have straying humans. to create rules to plan for better cities Humans need to remember that and neighborhoods, to zone for balance is the key to survival for compatibility and transition between all things. We need to ask ourselves, land uses, and to manage and protect “Who’s the intruder here?” After natural resources. invoking human management zoning to protect humans from each other, it is time we accepted wolf management zoning as a means to protect wolves from humans. ■

Dean Johnson has 25 years of experience in city planning in Minnesota. He is currently president of Resource Strategies Corporation, a land use planning and environmental planning consulting firm in Minnetonka, Minnesota. O.J. Volkman

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Carl Brenders Robert Bateman R.S. Parker Al Agnew Don Gott Jorge MayolMany NEW Frank pieces Miller of beautiful art just added! Educators: Bring Wolves Right Into Your Classroom

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A PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER SUMMER 2002

Do Something Really W i l d This Summer. Visit Us! The International Wolf Center in Ely, Minnesota. Plan your trip to wild wolf country now.

See www.wolf.org for information and program schedules. Phone:1-800-ELY-WOLF, ext. 25