Movements of translocated wolves in Minnesota

Published source details Fritts S.H., Paul W.J. & Mech L.D. (1984) Movements of translocated wolves in Minnesota. Journal of Wildlife Management, 48, 709-721.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Translocate predators away from livestock to reduce human-wildlife conflict Action Link

Translocate predators away from livestock to reduce human-wildlife conflict

A study in 1975–1978 of an extensive primarily forested area in Minnesota, USA (Fritts et al. 1984; same experimental set-up as Fritts et al. 1985) found that gray wolves Canis lupus translocated away from sites of livestock predation or harassment were less likely to return to capture sites if moved when younger or across greater distances. Of 15 translocations of <64 km, nine endpoints (sites of mortality, recapture or last radiolocation) were at original capture sites. Of 20 translocations of >64 km, no endpoints were at original capture sites. None of nine pups, whose endpoints were determined (following translocation of 64 km (two pups) or 111–321 km (seven pups), returned to original capture locations. Between February 1975 and May 1978, 62 adult wolves and 45 four- to seven-month-old pups were caught in an area of livestock predation and harassment by wolves. Wolves were ear-tagged and released into forests, 50–331 km from capture sites. Forty-one wolves were released individually. Sixty-six were released in groups of 2–6. Fifteen adults and four pups were fitted with radio-collars. Seventeen of these were tracked from an aircraft for 1–588 days. Thirty-five endpoints in total were determined from 32 wolves (23 adults and nine pups - second endpoints were determined for three recaptured wolves that were translocated twice).

(Summarised by: Alex Rudee, Vanessa Navarro & Matt Snider )