PR (Wolf 2020): 060 - Population dynamics of wolves in northcentral Minnesota (ABSTRACT)

During September 1980-December 1986, 81 radio-collared wolves (Canis lupus) were monitored in and near the 839-km2839-km2 Bearville Study Area (BSA) in north-central Minnesota. Each year winter-territory size averaged 78−153 km278−153 km2; no territories had road densities >0.72 km/km2>0.72 km/km2. From zero to 30% of radio-marked pup, yearling, or adult wolves left their territories each month. Pups left natal packs during January-March and older wolves left frequently during September-April. Wolves temporarily leaving territories moved 5-105 km away and were absent 3-118 days; up to 6 exploratory moves were made prior to dispersal. Dispersing wolves traveled 5-100 km away during periods of 1-265 days. One disperser joined an established pack, but 16 others formed new packs. Annual dispersal rates were about 0.17 for adults, 0.49 for yearlings, and 0.10 for pups. Each year mean pack size ranged from 5-9 in November-December to 4-6 in March. Annual wolf density (including 16% lone wolves) ranged from 39−59 wolves/1,000 km239−59 wolves/1,000 km2 in November-December to 29−40 wolves/1,000 km229−40 wolves/1,000 km2 in March. Annual immigration was 7%.