Predator-Prey Relationships

Wolf–prey relationships are documented by observing wolf predation directly during monitoring flights and ground observations and by evidence available at kill sites. Data is recorded on behavioral interactions between wolves and prey, predation rates, the total time wolves fed on their kills, percent consumption of kills by wolves and scavengers, characteristics of wolf prey (e.g., sex, species, nutritional condition), and characteristics of kill sites. Studies of winter and summer predation patterns enhance under­stand­ing of sea­sonal variations, interactions with other wolf packs and other carnivores, movements with respect to dens during pup-rearing, and territory size, use, and overlap. To determine kill rate and prey selection, the wolves are intensively tracked during two 30-day winter study periods in March and November–December, in addition to the regular weekly monitoring flights.