2018/2019 Moose-Wolf Report now Available

Questions regarding the Flora and Fauna on the island.

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treeplanter
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2018/2019 Moose-Wolf Report now Available

Post by treeplanter »

Just released. Over 2,000 moose now on IR.
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https://isleroyalewolf.org/sites/defaul ... _Apr29.pdf
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Re: 2018/2019 Moose-Wolf Report now Available

Post by torpified »

it looks like the wolf population dropped precipitously (from around 50 to around a dozen) in the late 70s. What gives? Was it those epic winters? (I'm still reading the study--- if I come across an answer, I'll post it.)
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Re: 2018/2019 Moose-Wolf Report now Available

Post by Tom »

Canine parvovirus was widely believed to be the cause. It's one of the reasons dogs are forbidden on the Island without special permitting/process.
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Re: 2018/2019 Moose-Wolf Report now Available

Post by treeplanter »

Yep, Parvo back in the 80's/90's, inbreeding more recently. Also some unfortunate accidents (alpha male and female of one pack falling into an old mine maybe 10 years back). I found it interesting that some "mystery tracks" were spotted this winter. Apparently a wolf (or wolves) crossed over on the ice bridge and went back. There was a good ice bridge this year for the entire time the researchers were on the Island.
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