Problems with studying wolf predation on small prey in summer via global positioning system collars

• Main Authors: Palacios, Vicente, Mech, L. David
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln 2011
• Subjects: Canis lupus; Global positioning system (GPS) collars; Predation; Telemetry; White-tailed deer; Wolf; Animal Sciences; Behavior and Ethology; Biodiversity; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Environmental Policy; Life Sciences; Recreation; Parks and Tourism Administration; Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology
• Online Access: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/usgsnpwrc/402; https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/usgsnpwrc/article/1396/viewcontent/Mech_EJWR_2011_Problems_with_studying.pdf

We attempted to study predation on various-sized prey by a male and female wolf (Canis lupus) with global positioning system (GPS) collars programmed to acquire locations every 10 min in the Superior National Forest of Minnesota. During May to August 2007, we investigated 147 clusters of locations (31% of the total) and found evidence of predation on a white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawn and yearling, a beaver (Castor canadensis), ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus), and fisher (Martes pennanti) and scavenging on a road-killed deer and other carrion. However, we missed finding many prey items and discuss the problems associated with trying to conduct such a study.