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

Vicente Palacios (1) , L. David Mech (2, 3)

1 Instituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva
2 US Geological Survey [Jamestown]
3 The Raptor Center, 1920 Fitch Avenue

We attempted to study predation on various-sized prey by a male and female wolf () 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 () fawn and yearling, a beaver (), ruffed grouse (), and fisher () 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.

Mots clés: Global positioning system (GPS) collars; Predation; Telemetry; White-tailed deer; Wolf

Vicente Palacios, L. David Mech. Problems with studying wolf predation on small prey in summer via global positioning system collars. European Journal of Wildlife Research, 2010, 57 (1), pp.149-156. ⟨10.1007/s10344-010-0408-7⟩. ⟨hal-00601638⟩