|
1854 Treaty Authority |
|
WOLF PROJECT PHOTO GALLERY |
|
Upon capture, wolves are immobilized and removed from foothold traps. Wolves are then given a physical examination to determine sex, breeding status, age, and body condition. Body measurements are recorded and biological specimens, such as blood, feces, hair, tissue, and ectoparasites (e.g. ticks) are collected for disease screening and genetics purposes. |
|
Throughout the examination, wolf vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration) are closely monitored, and a booster injection of immobilization drugs may be given to allow additional time for processing. All wolves receive two plastic, yellow ear tags which uniquely identify each wolf by number. |
|
Only adult, breeding wolves with a neck circumference greater than or equal to 16 inches are fitted with GPS/Argos collars due to collar specifications. Due to the limited number of collars available, only one adult per pack is collared. Collars are programmed to obtain two locations per day, at dawn and dusk, for up to 16 months. |
|
Once processing is completed, wolves are treated with penicillin, given the reversal drug, and are monitored from a distance until they are fully recovered. Collars transmit the six most recent locations every three days in the early morning. Location information ultimately arrives at our office in the form of an e-mail. Data are then converted and mapped to estimate wolf pack territory size. |
|
The 76 lb. adult male pictured above was collared on 23 October 2007. A GPS/Argos collar allowed us to track this wolf's movements until mid-January 2008 when the animal was found dead. Necropsy results revealed that this wolf was suffering from severe mange and enteritis (intestinal tapeworms) prior to death. |