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A Record Large Wolf, Canis lupus, Pack in Minnesota

L. David Mech

This report documents a pack of 22-23 Wolves (Canis lupus) in central Minnesota. This is larger than the largest pack previously observed on the mainland in the midwestern U.S. during 650 wolf pack-years. Because this record-large pack preyed on White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), one of the Wolf's smaller prey, it is evidence that pack size and prey size are not tightly related. It also indicates the size that Wolf packs can attain in the area if fully protected from human persecution.

Key Words: Wolf, Canis lupus, pack size, prey, White-tailed Deer, Odocoileus virginianus, Moose, Alces alces, Minnesota

This resource is based on the following source (Northern Prairie Publication 1117): 
Mech, L. David.  2000.  A record large wolf, Canis lupus, pack in 
     Minnesota.  Canadian Field Naturalist 114(3):504-505.

This resource should be cited as: 

Mech, L. David.  2000.  A record large wolf, Canis lupus, pack in 
     Minnesota.  Canadian Field Naturalist 114(3):504-505.  Jamestown, 
     ND: Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Online.  
     http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/mammals/recpack/index.htm  
     (Version 13JUN2001).

Table of Contents

L. David Mech, U. S. Geological Survey, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, 8711-37th St., SE, Jamestown, North Dakota 58401-7317, USA; Mailing address: North Central Research Station, 1992 Folwell Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA
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