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2018/2019 Moose-Wolf Report now Available
Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2019 8:11 am
by treeplanter
Re: 2018/2019 Moose-Wolf Report now Available
Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2019 8:23 am
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.)
Re: 2018/2019 Moose-Wolf Report now Available
Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2019 8:59 am
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.
Re: 2018/2019 Moose-Wolf Report now Available
Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2019 9:33 am
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.