Wolf, Canis lupus, population characteristics and prey relationships near Simonette River, Alberta

Wolf (Canis lupus) populations and prey relationships were studied during 1975-81 in northwestern Alberta as part of an evaluation of Wolf predation of livestock. Density of Wolves increased from one Wolf/92 km? during the initial winter to one Wolf/42 km? during the population high in 1979. Overall, 12% were lone Wolves. Mean territory size of four packs over seven summers was 233 km? (100-276 km?) compared to 424 km? (198-850 km?) for four packs over nine winters. Average territory size of three packs over six years was 572 km? (296-878 km2) compared to 2191 km? (607-4900 km?) for ranges of lone Wolves. Of 26 live-captured Wolves, 54% were females and 23% were pups. Mean over summer increase from late winter populations was 60% while overwinter loss averaged 30%. Minimum consumption rate for one pack during 51 days in winter was 0.12 kg/kg Wolf/day. Of 61 kills examined, 39 were Moose (Alces alces), 17 Elk (Cervus elaphus) and 5 deer (Odocoileus spp.). Old Moose (= 9.5 y) were represented in Wolf kills more often than in hunter kills while the opposite was true for younger Moose. Among Elk, Wolves killed primarily calves and young cows. Wolves selected Elk over Moose. Wolf predation was not limiting the Moose or deer populations; however, natural and human predation (hunting) approximated Elk recruitment.