Gray Wolf Depredation Alert

[mudbrook]

Gray Wolf Depredation Alert

Caution Areas and Wolf Behavior

When wolves attack dogs in hunting or training situations, the Wisconsin DNR will create "wolf caution areas" to warn hunters that a specific pack has attacked a dog or group of dogs (see maps below). (What are Wolf Caution Areas?) Bear hunters are urged to exercise greater caution if they plan to train hounds or hunt bear with hounds near any caution area, especially if near an actual kill site. Table 1 contains a summary of the 2010 dog depredations by wolves with additional information and caution area maps shown below.

As with other wild canids, wolves are very territorial and will guard their territories from other wolves, coyotes, and domestic dogs. Wolves are probably most aggressive toward strange wolves and dogs at den and rendezvous sites when their pups are small, during the breeding season in January and February, and when they are protecting a fresh kill. Wolf packs have pups in spring and then later will use rendezvous sites from mid June to late September, after the pups are big enough to leave their den. Adult wolves are very defensive of pups at rendezvous sites and will attack other predators, including dogs, that get too close to the rendezvous site or the pups.

A pack will use from 2 to 3 to as many as 6 or more rendezvous sites during the summer. The exact locations vary from year to year and throughout the summer. The sites are usually forest openings or edge areas, with lots of wolf tracks, droppings, and matted vegetation. Move 2 or 3 miles from any rendezvous site, if possible, before releasing dogs. In addition, avoid releasing dogs at baits recently visited by wolves. When looking for bear sign at a bait, make sure to also look for wolf tracks. Be familiar with your own dog's tracks, so that you can distinguish it from any wolf tracks. If a specific bait site is receiving a lot of wolf use, discontinue using it until wolves have left, and concentrate on an alternative bait site. Some hunters have had success with bells on dog collars to reduce wolf attacks, but some dogs with bells have been attacked by wolves. For more options on reducing the likelihood of wolf attacks on hounds see:

http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/mammals/wolf/dogdepred.htm

[mudbrook]

Gray Wolf Depredation Alert Update

7/31/10     Burnett     Riverside     1 dog killed (Walker, female 4 1/2 yrs)

http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/mammals/wolf/dogdepred.htm#riverside

[mudbrook]

Gray Wolf Depredation Alert

8/2/10     Oconto     Peshtigo Brook     1 dog killed (Walker, male, 5-6 yrs)

http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/mammals/wolf/dogdepred.htm#peshtigo2

[mudbrook]

Gray Wolf Depredation Alert

8/8/10     Douglas     Lake Nebagamon     1 dog killed (Plott, male, 8 yrs)

Lake Nebagamon, Douglas County
On August 8th, Wildlife Services confirmed that the Lake Nebagamon Pack was responsible for killing a bear hound while training in the Town of Solon Springs. Killed was an 8 year-old male Plott hound. In 2009, this pack also killed another hound approximately 2 1/2 miles north of the current depredation (see map). All hunters and dog owners are urged to be aware of the caution area shown on the map below and to minimize conflicts with wolves and their dogs within this site. The caution area includes Highway 53 on the west, Highway AA & A on the south, Highway 27 & S on the east, and Highway B on the north.

 Map/Info   http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/mammals/wolf/dogdepred.htm#nebagamon

8/14/10    Oneida    Pelican Lake    1 dog killed (Black & Tan, male, 5 yrs)

Pelican Lake Pack, Oneida County
On August 14th, Wildlife Services confirmed that wolves killed a bear training hound while training in Town of Enterprise northwest of Pelican Lake in Oneida County. Killed was a 5 year old male Black and Tan hound. The Pelican Lake Pack was responsible for the attack, which consisted of 3 wolves last winter. Pups were likely produced this spring. On July 25th, another hound was killed 3.7 miles to the northeast. All hunters and dog owners are urged to be aware of the caution area shown on the map below and to minimize conflicts with wolves and their dogs within this site. The caution area follows U.S. Highway 8 and 45 to the north and east, County Highways G and Q to the south, and State Highway 17 on the west.
   
Map/Info   http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/mammals/wolf/dogdepred.htm#pelican2

[mudbrook]

Gray Wolf Depredation Alert 8.20.10

8/15/10     Jackson     Bear Bluff     1 dog killed (Beagle mix)     
Map/Info http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/mammals/wolf/dogdepred.htm#bear3

Bear Bluff Pack - Jackson County
On August 16th, Wildlife Services reponded to a call from a private landowner in Bear Bluff township, Jackson County. After letting the beagle mix dog out at 2:00 a.m., the dog did not return. When it became light, the owner discovered wolf like tracks in the driveway. The tracks were within 40 feet of the front steps and were mixed with the beagle dog tracks. After searching the area, no trace of the dog was found. This incident took place ~2 ? miles north of an incident where a wolf attack on a dog was verified by Wildlife Services on 7/24/10. After review of the evidence, Wildlife Services has concluded this was a probable wolf depredation by the Bear Bluff Pack.

[rlwagner]

Nice to see these efforts by the Wisc. Officials. And sure hope to see Michigan follow these efforts. Kudos

RL