Parasites of wolves, Canis lupus L., in northeastern Minnesota, as indicated by analysis of fecal samples

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Authors: Byman, David, Ballenberghe, Victor Van, Schlotthauer, John C., Erickson, Albert W.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1977
• Subjects: Canis lupus
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z77-051; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z77-051

Two hundred and four scat fragments of wolves (Canis lupus) were collected from December 1969 through August 1971 in northeastern Minnesota; 74 of these contained parasite ova or larvae. Helminths representing the following genera were identified: (Trematoda) Alaria; (Cestoda) Moniezia and Taeniidae gen.indet.; (Nematoda) Ancylostoma, Uncinaria, Trichuris, Capillaria, Toxocara, and Filaroides. Oocysts of sporozoa of the family Eimeriidae also were observed. The occurrence of Alaria, Ancylostoma, Trichuris, Toxocara, and Capillaria in Minnesota wolves has not been reported previously. The ecological significance of these parasites is discussed.