SLQ Spring Issue

breaking News!

PG. 7

Are We

Living in the Age of Extinctions

?

SPRING 2015 Featuring: Summer Celebration (pg 4) • Ghosts of the Forest (pg 8) Recovery of a Species (pg 14) • NW Wild Heritage Awards (pg 24) Ask the Biologist (pg 28) • Wolf Behavior 101 (pg 34) • And much more...

Spring 2015

breaking News!

Table of Contents

7

8

1 Letter from the President 4 Summer Celebration 2015 8 Ghosts of the Forest 14 Recovery of a Species 19 Pixingo 21 Are We Living in the Age of Extinctions?

24 2015 NW Heritage Awards 27 Adoptions 28 Ask the Biologist 32 SLF: The Great Predator Debate 34 Wolf Behavior 101 39 Gray Area Project 42 Howls & Hows of the Intern Experience 44 Northwest Wineries

24 The Sawtooth Legacy is a publication of the Wolf Education & Research Center (WERC). The purpose of the magazine is to provide interesting and engaging information to children and adults about the gray wolf species that promotes a broader understanding of wolves, wolf recovery, their place in healthy ecosystems, and the state and federal policies that impact their survival. Â

Board of Directors

Sharon Lander, Treasurer Danielle Hawthorne, Secretary Jamie Burch, Board Member Dennis Olson, Board Member

WERC Staff

Chris Anderson, Staff & Board President Jeremy Heft, Sanctuary Manager/Biologist Jessica Collins, Assistant to the Biologist Lori Prichard, Gift Services /Reservations Steven Urke, Editing Team Alan Lacy, Mexican Gray Wolf Education

Dear Friends,

Top: Over 300 guests from Beaverton, Oregon gather to learn from the Wolf Center at the World Forestry Center.

Bottom: 2015 Award Winners included Wolf Haven, DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital, Salmon-Safe, Dogs for the Deaf, and Forward Stride.

Recent news includes word that we now have more than 77 wolves in Oregon, including the wildly popular Rogue Pack. The pack’s founder, OR-7, traveled across three states to settle in the Siskiyou National Forest in SW Oregon where he not only found a mate but now boasts pups several months old.

That’s good news for Oregon, but, as you can imagine, the public relations machine of those who oppose wolf recovery are hard at work creating patently false narratives about predation, risks of disease, and diminishing elk and deer herds.

This is why organizations like the Wolf Center are so vital.

With your help, we have been at the forefront of this issue for nearly two decades and never has our role been as critically important as today. Six years ago when we held the 2008 NW Wolf Conference, it was difficult at best to get the support of area conservation and education organizations. Wolves simply were not on folks’ minds and, when they were, it was a far off issue that Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming faced.

Many organizations were slow to get on board with the often divisive issue, wary of diluting their support.

We continually find a challenge ahead of us. Coming off of our successful inaugural 2015 NW Wild Heritage Awards and Benefit Concert, we remain committed to building community in the Northwest region and beyond. We made many new friends through this event and have already locked up our February 2016 venue SL - SPRING 2015 1

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Letter from the President

at Oregon’s World Forestry Center. The World Forestry Center was our host for almost 300 seventh graders from Beaverton, Oregon schools. The day’s activities, included a collaborative and fascinating presentation from our friends Darrell and Lorna Smith of Western Wildlife Outreach.

Spring at Wolf Camp includes preparing for the care of the Owyhee Pack and training interns for our summer visitation season where the interns will interact with over 4,000 people. I’m excited to share about our partnership with Idaho State Parks which celebrate Winchester Lake’s 50th Anniversary in June and have invited Summer Celebration to be a part of their revelry. Read about the event titled “People, Place, & Purpose” later in this issue.

Already, we’ve reserved campsites for over 75 people from Pasco, Washington’s Tierra Vida Leadership Community.

Regional speaking opportunities continue to arise out of interest in our first film, The Great Wolf Divide.

On April 22, Earth Day, Jeremy and I will present the film and facilitate a discussion with the members of the Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River, Oregon, again leveraging this great communitybuilding tool.

We couldn’t have chosen a more important time to bring back the Sawtooth Legacy Quarterly and to make you aware of these many activities.

I’m very proud of this issue—it’s substantive and informative. Thank you for support that allows us to continue building important bridges to an uninformed and indifferent public. If we can get it right on this issue, we’ll get it right on many others.

Those are good outcomes from your investment.

Howling Regards, Chris Anderson Connect with us at Facebook.com/WolfCenter, Facebook.com/SawtoothLegacy, Facebook.com/OwyheePack, or personally at LinkedIn.com/in/ccanderson.

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Public Outreach Efforts

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Do you care about endangered species?

Are you interested in ideas about the recovery and conservation of keystone species that are critical to healthy ecosystems? What about learning what other entrepreneurs are doing to make an impact in their businesses?

Find the RadioWild icon on our web site at wolfcenter.org, or tune into blogtalkradio. com/radiowild at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month. Topics include Mexican wolves, red wolves, and large carnivores of the West. RadioWild also interviews authors such as Running for Home’s Marilyn McGee and Gail McDiarmid!

If you’re a business or individual who’d like to sponsor our messages, contact info@ wolfcenter.org for more information. Hear your name on RadioWild!

Just one more way WERC is striving to inspire the public toward greater outcomes.

The Wild Artist Guild will use artwork and film to introduce new audiences to wolf conservation on April 22, 2015. Earth Day marks the start. Join us in Hood River, Oregon at the Columbia Center for the Arts where Chris Anderson and Jeremy Heft will collaborate on a film preview and science discussion about wolves.

Wild Artist Guild The Art of Survival

Wild Artist Guild is an outreach of the Wolf Education & Research Center.

Also in April, we’ll begin hosting monthly talks in Portland, Oregon at the Madrona Hill Cafe at 5937 N. Greeley Avenue. During these WAG Talks, our team will present artwork, show films and host discussions on the subject of wolves and other predators—animals that need an informed public to make important decisions on their behalf.

Look for the WAG Talks icon on our website to access our full event schedule. Guests can learn more at Facebook.com/wildartistguild or at our website WildArtistGuild.org.

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Summer Celebration: People, Place and Purpose

Campsites are filling up for the 2015 Summer Celebration on June 12-13th with the theme: People, Place, & Purpose. As our planning group begins to prepare for this annual weekend of fun and inspiring presentations, treks to the Visitor’s Center to see the wolves, and other exciting activities, we’re continuing to employ all we’ve learned over this near-decade of day-and-a-half family reunions.

PEOPLE PEOPLE • • PLACE PLACE • • PURPOSE PURPOSE

What does the theme mean? To our team, it means three things and more.

People Wolf Camp believes that there are three areas that our outreach should uphold. First, we cannot get it done without people–you. While many of us think it’s we humans who messed up the planet in the first place, we also believe that humans are the solution to some of the complex issues facing the next generation. With the proper inspiration and motivation, we think we can mobilize people of all ages for a better and healthier future.

PURPOSE We want to encourage you in your efforts.

Sometimes our sense of place will intersect and often we’ll be on entirely different planets! But if we can inspire you to dream and then accomplish that dream, then we’re all so much better off. Purposes can be as diverse as we are–and should be. Many people who’ve accomplished great things describe having had a distinct “calling” or sense of meaning.

While we’d love each person to identify our mission as their calling, what matters most is that we help equip others with tools to find their own purpose.

It’s a greater vision.

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PLACE

Most of us romanticize the idea of living in the woods caring for wolves. Sounds exciting. And it is.

It’s also a lot of hard work; those who do it realize that it’s a 24/7 commitment and there’s little rest for the weary. The rest of us who make that work possible, however, have our place as well. We share the same level of responsibility in making a difference toward greater understanding and education. It might be on other important issues— but it’s our sense of place that helps us launch profound efforts to impact our world.

Summer Celebration: People, Place and Purpose

People, place, and purpose. What do these three words have to do with wolves?

They are everything.

Most parents raise their children with the hope that the next generation will have a better standard of life, with better financial, spiritual, and physical health than the previous. And, in many ways, many achieve this. I live better than my father and mother who, in turn, lived better than their parents.

Without protecting that future with the right leadership of humans who hold regard for our wild places, we risk calamity.

WERC’s ambitions include a confident investment in a future that embraces productive attitudes at a very personal level; we endeavor to lead through everything that the Wolf Education & Research Center does.

This brings me to some specifics of this year’s Summer Celebration.

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Planning to attend? We’ve reserved the entire A-Loop at Winchester Lake State Park for those who camp. Don’t delay, because sites are already filling up. Contact Lori today for details. Call or write.

Phone: 661-993-9827 Email: Lori.Prichard@WolfCenter.org

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Summer Celebration: People, Place and Purpose

We’ll be together as a family on Friday night. That night we’ll hear from our team and meet the summer staff and special guests–including our keynote speaker.

Following entertainment from a member of our group, a regional musical group will perform and send you all off to dream about the following day...unless you’d like to hang out late by the fire with our team under Idaho’s stars.

Saturday will begin bright and early.

There are two exciting tracks that will unfold over the weekend–one that caters to the active folks who can’t sit still for 30 minutes and one for those of us who are continuing our education about wolves

and other important species.

Saturday will include two morning tours and two evening tours to meet the Owyhee Pack. Between these tours will be two hour-long nature hikes–one at Winchester Lake State Park and the other on the Discovery Trail at Wolf Camp. During each hike, our team will describe what makes this terrain good wolf country while describing the flora and fauna that support that important ecology.

Those on the educational track will enjoy hearing from Darrell and Lorna Smith from the Western Wildlife Outreach (formerly Grizzly Bear Outreach Project).

They’ll be teaching us about the region’s

We are very excited to announce that our Summer Celebration this year coincides with the Idaho Parks and Recreation’s 50th Anniversary Celebration on June 13! WERC and Winchester Lake State Park are working together to bring a fun and informative weekend to everyone while we celebrate together! The park will provide anniversary cake and punch, and offer tours of the park most of the day.

Last year, we learned the park has more room for our ever-growing attendance. We will enjoy the park’s comfortable amphitheater for our presentations. It’s just a short walk from the guest campsites. This year, Ponderosa Point will be used for our meals and activities.

This large day-use area is covered by some of the largest Ponderosa Pine trees in the region and has a large lawn and spacious cooking areas with picnic tables. It will certainly be much more comfortable than last year and it’s only a short walk from the main park.

For more information, see the park’s site here: http://parksandrecreation. idaho.gov/celebrate-50-years-winchester-lake-state-park SL - SPRING 2015 6

Summer Celebration: People, Place and Purpose

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breaking News!

Our team could not be more excited about learning that Casey Anderson will be speaking at our Summer Celebration!

Casey is a fifth generation Montanan who was born and raised in East Helena, Montana.

He has been involved in film and television production for over sixteen years. As a wildlife naturalist, host and actor, Casey has worked on numerous feature films, television wildlife documentaries, and non-profit educational programs. Casey is the host and executive producer of the Nat Geo WILD Channel series “Expedition Wild” and “America the Wild”. He is the trainer and best friend of Brutus the Bear and the co-owner and director of the Montana Grizzly Experience, a grizzly bear sanctuary in Bozeman, Montana.

Learn more about Casey at www.grizzlyencounter.org large carnivores such as wolves, bears, lions, and some others that might surprise you! If you’re unfamiliar with Western Wildlife Outreach, this is the organization founded by Bear Trek’s Chris Morgan.

WERC’s very own biologist, Jeremy Heft, will discuss his time caring for the Sawtooth Pack: Wolves of the Nez Perce. Each year, Jeremy finds some great pictures to share, so you don’t want to miss out. You’ll also meet this year’s Intern Experience participants. There will be a Friday and Saturday night musical guest to finish each day. The food will be camp style.

As if that were not enough to howl about, we have some returning stars, including Marilyn McGee and Gail McDiarmid. Authors of Running for Home, these SC veterans return to share with all age groups their exciting message of conservation and to give us news on efforts to save the Eastern Red Wolf.

Producer and filmmaker Alan Lacy will

share his experiences filming Gray Area: Wolves of the Southwest. Alan and Dean Cannon have had remarkable experiences while filming a particular pack and they will put you on the front-lines through their remarkable imagery. Last year, we saw a film of the puppies, one of which was recently collared as part of a conservation effort to preserve that species.

And finally, our team will share our trailer for the next Sawtooth Legacy Films project titled The Great Predator Debate: A Nation’s Dilemma.

It’s an action-packed and inspiring weekend set against the remarkable backdrop of Idaho’s wilderness. Look for a completed agenda in May and follow the event development on our website and on our Facebook page.

It’s important to know that the date has changed. See Jeremy’s inset article for that exciting explanation. But first, mark your calendars for June 12-13.

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Ghosts Forest of the

by Kyle Owens Fisheries and Wildlife student, Oregon State University

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n my lifetime I have seen seven cougar–while most people who cherish Oregon’s backcountry have never seen a single one. I spend a lot of my time outdoors, alone, and mostly looking at the ground in deep thought.

Perhaps I look like an easy target? In the forest I think about how everything in nature is an interconnected network.

The energy transferred within this web of life is finite and therefore never wasted. Every organism has a purpose and an ecological role. There is always a reason for a behavior.

So why do cougars waste energy stalking me if they are not going to eat me?

My last cougar encounter took place near Saint Helens, Oregon where a forest meets the Columbia River valley and provides an interesting mix of flora. The brushy oak savannah areas that pepper this landscape are encapsulated by Douglas fir old growth forest and springfed mud bogs. Most elk and deer trails lead to these arid oak savannah islands. I remember walking through the largest savannah and quietly snaking my way through a vast network of tall, narrow corridors of scotch broom and blackberries. Periodically, the brush maze opened up

Ghosts of the Forest

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and I found myself in grassy elk bedding areas that were centered within the cool shade of mature oak trees. The musky stench of elk urine, mixed with the aroma of skunk cabbage from a nearby mud bog, was overwhelming at times.

In one of these grassy openings I stood Why do cougars and thought about my next move while sipping from my water bottle. On which oak waste energy should I hang my remote camera? This place stalking me, smells the most elk-y, maybe they bed here more? Something made me turn around. I if they are not don’t remember what it was, but I turned going to eat me? nonchalantly and focused my attention on a shaded log not more than twelve yards away. There was no fear in the first instant I saw the “log,” I was just staring at the ground in front of me while pondering elk thoughts. Then, a stump-shaped cougar shot up on four feet. It glanced at my startled reaction and dove into a thicket of brush. I instantly went into a wrestling stance with clenched fists and I listened as it quietly slipped through a mass of tangled branches. I could

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Ghosts of the Forest

I screamed, “Hey cat!” and followed this with every swear word I could think of.

hear its padded footsteps and followed them with my eyes while simultaneously digging for a pocketknife I had in my jean pocket. I saw the lion’s waist-high, cinnamon-colored body and characteristic long tail for a brief moment before it disappeared back into the scotch broom.

When you see a cougar, you’re supposed to make noise. I screamed, “Hey cat!” and followed this with every swear word I could think of. A moment later the lion jumped over a stump in the distance before vanishing into a neighboring Douglas fir forest. It never ran. It knew it had the upper hand. If I had kept my back SL - SPRING 2015 10

turned, would the lion have attacked?

Cougar attack their prey using the element of surprise. A cougar will ambush its prey using a short burst of speed, hit its target with a dramatic force, bite down on its prey’s neck and either suffocate or sever the spinal cord with its canines for an effective kill. A cougar’s physiology is simply not adapted for long distance sprinting like a cheetah or an African lion. Their lungs are comparatively small and a majority of their body mass is composed of oxygen-consuming muscle.

Instead, cougar depend on precision stalking in order to close the distance

Ghosts of the Forest

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between their victims and themselves. of human presence than a vast majority

There is a common belief that cougar of cougar in the study and they spent prefer attacking prey from higher vantage a considerable amount of time in rural points, such as a boulder or large stump, forested areas within close proximity to but there isn’t much evidence to support humans. It can be safe to assume that this notion. There is some evidence that residential deer do not go unnoticed cougars prefer stalking along ecotones, by cougar, especially if a residential or where two habitats come together and development is bordering a wilderness form an edge environment. The area where area. an oak savannah meets a Douglas fir forest There are very few studies that is an example of this. On a much larger examine cougar kill rates, because spatial scale, forested areas, canyons and acquiring data on such a cryptic animal is rugged mountainous terrain are common an extremely difficult process. The kill rate cougar habitat denominators. Essentially, studies that are available typically focus any area that has suitable their attention on cougar cover for stalking and an cache sites–areas where a abundant prey source cougar will stash its prey can be seen as a sufficient and periodically come back cougar niche.

Urban to feed. By analyzing these development that borders sites, it has been estimated forested areas is also an that a single cougar will ecotone and occasionally consume between 1,896 to will harbor cougar that are 2,866 pounds of large prey interested in urban wildlife. animals annually. Numerous Residential developstudies have found that ment can host deer adult female cougar populations that feed on generally kill more deer Cougar depend green grass, fruit trees, than males and that males shrubbery, bird feeders, will focus their attention on on precision etc. In a cougar habitat larger prey, such as elk and stalking in order moose. selection study, carried out

by A. Knopff et al. (2014), A cougar’s diet is not to close the it was found that cougar limited exclusively to large distance between ungulate prey, like deer avoided anthropogenic features during daylight their victims and and elk. A cougar will also hours far more than they consume a wide variety of themselves. did at night. During the other vertebrates including squirrels, porcupines, day most cougar showed snowshoe hares, and reluctance to travel within 270 meters of a building, but during night mice. Large ungulate prey is, however, an hours they demonstrated less avoidance extremely critical resource. In a ten-year and that number dropped to less than 210 study performed by K. Knopff et al. (2010), meters. The study also revealed outliers; it was documented that ungulates made some cougar were significantly less afraid up an astounding 96% of total biomass in a SL - SPRING 2015 11

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Ghosts of the Forest

It’s probably best to assume every cougar is hungry.

cougar’s diet. In a similar study, White et al.

(2011) analyzed the difference of prey-use between nine adult male cougars and nine adult female cougars in Washington State between 2003 and 2008. It was determined that females killed two times more adult mule deer and males killed four times more elk. The disparity in prey selection likely is due to size differences between cougar sexes. An adult male cougar weighs between 125 and 192 pounds and an adult female cougar weighs between 80 and 132 pounds. It is hard to fathom that, working alone, such an undersized animal can take down an adult elk–a mammal that can exceed 1,000 pounds. I would think a human would be an easier meal option (pocket knife included).

Cougar use a lot of energy traveling long distances to find prey and mates. They therefore need to eat frequently, especially if they have young to feed. In a southeastern Wyoming study performed by Anderson

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and Lindzey (2003), they found that, on average, an adult female cougar will kill a large prey mammal once every seven days and an adult male cougar will kill a large prey mammal once every 7.8 days. Female cougars with young were found to consume a large prey mammal once every 5.4 days.

These statistics are variable according to a cougar’s sex, age and reproductive status, along with weather (meat spoils faster in warmer temperatures), competition with other predators, and scavengers.

According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), in 2003 there were an estimated 5,101 cougars in the state of Oregon and in 1960 their statewide population was estimated to be 200. This is a dramatic difference. Up until 1967 cougar were classified as a predatory species and consequently were unprotected and exploited with bounty programs. It is speculated that if the cougar had not become game mammal certified

Ghosts of the Forest

by the Oregon State Game Commission in 1967, they would have been eradicated from Oregon by 1970. Their certification and predatory role in Oregon is crucial for ecosystem sustainability. But considering how many ungulates a cougar eats, is 5,101 cougar sustainable on a state level? In the 2006 Oregon cougar management plan, ODFW estimated that if every cougar in Oregon weighed 110 pounds, the maximum number of cougar that could be supported in the state would be approximately 7,644,– given a deer population of ~560,000 and an elk population of ~121,000. If the Oregon cougar population becomes unsustainable, perhaps different management objectives will be set in place.

Currently, there is a substantial number of cougar in the state of Oregon; maybe more than there have ever been in historic past. As Oregon’s human population rises and more residential areas encroach on cougar habitat, an increasing number of people will inevitably encounter cougar.

From my personal experiences, I know that seeing a cougar does not indicate death.

I will admit that I did not find a cougar behavioral study that offered any details on why cougar stalk me and do not choose to eat me. I would imagine researchers would have a difficult time getting people to participate in such a study. It is important to note that cougar are cats, and therefore curious and instinctual creatures. If they have a cache of meat hidden, then I can imagine they have some extra stalking time and, perhaps, energy to waste. It’s probably best, though, to assume every cougar is hungry. If you encounter a cougar, make a lot of noise, make direct eye contact and try to make yourself look as large as possible. If ever attacked, fight back.

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If you EVER encounter a cougar: 1. Make a lot of noise.

2. Make direct eye contact.

3. Make yourself look as large as possible.

4. If ever attacked, fight back.

a Get outt!!! here CAT

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Recovery of a Species:

Genetic Survival

by Alan P. Lacy – SW Wolf Recovery Outreach

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ne of the biggest challenges in rescuing the Mexican wolf from a once-certain extinction is ensuring the genetic survival of the species. Scientists and biologists have had their work cut out for them from the beginning, starting, as they did, with just seven individual animals.

Today, with more than 80 wolves in the wild and around 300 in captivity, the scientists’ hard work has proven successful. However, there are still valid concerns about the genetic rescue of this species, and whether or not the Mexican wolf is endangered because of its population status or that of its genetic status.

In 1976, the Mexican wolf was listed as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. It had been at least six years since the last Mexican wolves had been shot on US soil in Arizona and Texas, and reports of sightings had dwindled as well. Sightings were SL - SPRING 2015 14

also becoming less frequent in Mexico, following one of the largest campaigns in North America to extinguish wolves once and for all. Yet, there were still a few reports and sightings of these wolves, commonly referred to as “lobos,” coming from Mexico.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service, along with their counterparts in Mexico, agreed to send a professional trapper into the remote Mexican wildernesses in hopes of capturing any remaining lobos. This was the beginning of recovery.

Roy T. McBride, a skilled and professional trapper, was sent into Mexico with one goal: capture any wolves he could find. From 1977 to 1980, McBride scoured the hills and mountains in search of any signs of wolf activity or presence. At the end of those three years, he was only able to capture five wolves in the wild.

Luckily, one was a pregnant female. These original five wolves would form what is

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Desert Museum in Tucson where the pregnant female gave birth to five pups.

Unfortunately, the only female pup of the litter died just four days after birth. After several unsuccessful attempts were made at breeding these wolves in captivity, they were transferred to the only facility capable of breeding wolves in captivity at the time; the Wild Canid Survival and Research Center in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1981, the first successful captive-bred wolves were born, a litter of four; three of them female. This was the beginning of the Captive Breeding Program. In the two years following, two successful litters produced a total of 15 pups and a healthy start towards recovery.

Alongside the McBride wolves, the Ghost Ranch and Aragon wolves were also successful in producing pups. They were kept separate from the McBride lineage of wolves because, at the time, it was uncertain if they were pure Mexican wolves. known as the McBride lineage of Mexican By keeping these two lineages of wolves wolves. Another two wolves were “found in separate, they could accomplish two tasks. captivity” in Mexico city at the San Juan de One, they could ensure the purity of the Aragon Zoo. Genetic testing later confirmed McBride lineage until further testing could them to be pure Mexican wolves. These be completed. Two, if the Ghost Ranch and/ or Aragon lineages proved two wolves would be the to be pure Mexican wolves founders of what is known Recovery of the after genetic testing, as the Aragon lineage.

Mexican wolf then these two lineages Additionally, another pair would become valuable of wolves were located at involves more than in increasing the genetic the Ghost Ranch in New just increasing fitness and health of the Mexico and would become McBride lineage. the founders of the Ghost its numbers In 1995, after an Ranch lineage. These in the wild... extensive study of the wolves were also tested wolves’ specific genetic and confirmed to be pure markers, the two lineages Mexican wolves. of wolves were in fact determined to be The McBride lineage was the official purebred Mexican wolves. After comparing certified lineage of Mexican wolves. their DNA against a vast library of various Following their capture from the wild canid species, it became evident that between 1977 and 1980, the wolves were brought to the Arizona-Sonora Mexican wolves were a distinct subspecies SL - SPRING 2015 15

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Recovery of a Species: Genetic Survival

A Mexican wolf at the Brookfield Zoo, a participant in the Species Survival Plan.

Photo by Larry Bohlin.

of gray wolves, and that the Ghost Ranch and Aragon lineages were pure Mexican wolves, with zero percent chance of hybridization between either coyotes or dogs. It was therefore determined that these two lineages should be included in the Captive Breeding Program along with the McBride lineage, managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

One of the biggest challenges for the genetic rescue of the Mexican wolf population is starting with only seven founders. This means that inbreeding will occur and that it must be managed as safely and directly as possible. All Mexican wolves in the wild or in captivity today can trace their heritage back to these original seven founding individuals. Especially at the onset of the Captive Breeding Program, inbreeding was inevitable with such a low number of wolves. Even though there were officially nine original wolves at the SL - SPRING 2015 16

very beginning of the Captive Breeding Program (five Mcbrides, two Ghost Ranch, two Aragon), only seven are considered founders. This is due to the importance of their genetics. Two of the male McBride wolves bred with the female. It was later determined however, that one of the males could have been the offspring of the original female, therefore it was not as genetically distinct. This left only the female, the other male, and the uncaptured wild father of the original litter of McBride pups as the founders of the McBride lineage. The McBride lineage consisted of only three founding individuals.

Over time, the Aragon and Ghost Ranch lineages grew highly inbred.

However, an interesting fact about genetics allowed these lineages to actually improve the overall health of the Mexican wolf population. If two unrelated and inbred individuals produce any offspring, their offspring will not be inbred. In fact, the crossing over of genetics actually improved the overall genetic fitness of the species. The offspring would in fact be healthier and more genetically valuable than their inbred parents. Therefore, geneticists and scientists determined that

Recovery of a Species: Genetic Survival

they should strive for a goal of representing approximately 80% McBride, 10% Aragon, and 10% Ghost Ranch lineages in the captive population of Mexican wolves.

The goal of the Captive Breeding Program, as managed under the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), was to establish a captive population of at least 240 wolves, and 17 breeding pairs.

These wolves would serve as a source population for genetically fit and valuable wolves that would one day be released into the wild.

In 1996, a draft environmental impact study was completed with the recommendation to release Mexican wolves back into a portion of their historic habitat in Arizona and New Mexico. In 1997 a plan was approved by the Secretary of the US Department of the Interior Bruce Babbitt to release wolves back onto the landscape. The Captive Breeding Program had been successful, and biologists worked with geneticists to determine the best fit wolves for release into the wild. In 1998, a total of 13 captive-reared wolves were released into the White Mountains of Arizona near a place called Hannagan Meadow. This marked the first time in over 30 years that wolves roamed the wilderness of the Southwest.

Over a span of five years, from 1998 to 2002, 74 Mexican wolves were released into the wilderness of Arizona. But, by the end of 2002, only 41 Mexican wolves were documented as part of their minimum population count. The wolves had begun breeding in the wild, producing pups and slowly increasing their numbers.

However, during these five years, there were 25 documented mortalities within the population—13 of which were proven illegal. Ten wolves during this time period were permanently removed from the wild

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by authorities. It had been hoped that by the end of 2005 there would be a viable and self-sustaining population of at least 100 wolves in the wild, however only 49 were documented. (At the end of 2013, only 83 Mexican wolves had been documented in the wild).

During the years up to 2008, wolves were removed from the wild, often lethally, for any livestock depredations according to the 3-strike rule, or for any nuisance behavior. During these years, 90 Mexican wolves were removed from the wild. Most of these removals occurred in New Mexico.

During this same time, the Bluestem Pack in Arizona had been extremely successful at producing many litters of pups over the years. As wolves were removed from the population in New Mexico, dispersing wolves from Arizona would take their place. Unfortunately, most of the dispersing wolves were from the Bluestem pack, resulting in an over-representation of

Alan Lacy with USFWS Biologist Justin Martens collaring a young Mexican wolf in New Mexico in October of 2014.

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Recovery of a Species: Genetic Survival

Bluestem genetics across most of the wild population.

This created another genetic challenge for wildlife managers, scientists, geneticists, and biologists to tackle.

One of the fears in an already fragile genetic population is to oversaturate the population with specific genetics from one source like the Bluestem pack. This means that a genetic bottleneck could occur, resulting in a loss of valuable genetics, or, even worse, a genetic extinction. Some of the fears include a decrease in litter sizes, increased pup mortality rates, and genetic deformities (such as crooked tails) in the wild population. Luckily, these conditions have not been documented yet. However, the fears remain real.

Between 2008 and 2013, only two wolves from captivity were released into the wild to help bolster the genetic crossover of valuable genes. This created a heightened sense of urgency from the scientific community to release new, genetically valuable wolves into the wild

Mexican wolves in the snow at the Brookfield Zoo. Photo by Larry Bohlin.

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to help boost the overall fitness of the wild population. Attempts were made in 2013, and again in 2014, to release genetically valuable, captive-raised wolves. Of three females released, only one remains alive; the other two were found shot (one legally).

The female that is currently alive had a litter of six pups in the spring of 2014. Biologists used this female to cross-foster two of her pups into an already wild pack. This revolutionary technique will allow wolves to mix genetics.

There are still very serious concerns about the overall genetic health of the wild population of Mexican wolves. With new wolf releases, groundbreaking techniques like cross-fostering, and the proposed rule changes designed to increase the recovery area size, the genetic rescue of the species appears to be headed in the right direction.

However, it is very challenging to manage a wild population’s genetics when wolves will be wolves and choose whomever they want as a mate. In captivity, it is all predetermined based on the best pedigree and lineages of wolves for the most optimum genetics.

Recovery of the Mexican wolf involves more than just increasing its numbers in the wild; it’s about ensuring the genetic longevity of the species for generations to come. In 2014, the Mexican wolf population finally passed the century mark for the first time since their reintroduction, with 109 wolves on the landscape and at least 38 pups surviving until the beginning of 2015. Mexican wolves are well on their way to becoming a viable and self-sustaining population of wild wolves. It remains to be seen if we will let them do so.

Pixingo

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Have you purchased a greeting card lately?

Prices could have you howling with surprise!

That’s why we’re howling about Pixingo!

It’s easy to understand. When we need a card, we need a card! Birthdays, anniversaries, and those sentiments we want to share with our loved ones are best expressed with a personal note.

Would you like a solution that will cut the cost of sending greetings in half? Would you do a happy dance if every time you gave or mailed a greeting card to someone you love, a percentage of what you spent went to a favorite charity?

We use an online solution called PIXINGO (pixeen-go) that allows us to share our gratitude and sentiments with you. It’s creative, cost-effective, and best of all, it’s easy! You can put your own images on cards and mail them right from your desktop. Within about 3 days, your loved one has a personal card; it can even have your signature on it.

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Pixingo

You might recognize some of the cards we’ve posted with this article. Whether we’re inviting you to give, thanking you for giving, or responding to your kind emails and notes, PIXINGO allows us to mail real greeting cards to you for about half (or less) of the cost of a retailer’s card —including postage! You can even put your company’s brand on the back.

Choose from small and large postcards, small and large greeting cards, and more. So much more!

The best outcome is that while you’re saving money, when you sign up through the Wolf Center, our budget is injected with 5-10% of what you spend! If you own a small business, this is a perfect opportunity to build in a gratitude campaign while supporting your favorite charity!

Learn more today at www.pixingo.com/wolfcenter/ personal or write to pixingo@wolfcenter.org today!

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Are We Living in the AGE OF EXTINCTIONS?

by Chris Anderson President

Standing 20’ wide and 10’ high, viewers are drawn to the artistic and historical depiction of human progress and its intersection with the decline in

Earlier this winter, one of our most ardent supporters awarded us a grant to be used for educational messaging.

Upon receipt of this infusion of capital, our thinking caps went on to determine what we wanted to accomplish from the initiative. Our 2015 goals include more outreach in the form of regional speaking engagements.

Between the Wild Artist Guild and our Ask the Biologist programs, we have no shortage of inspiration.

To that end, it was decided to use the grant funds to build a display that poses the rhetorical statement, “Are we the age of extinctions?” It has a clear message and builds on one of our earlier articles that explored whether or not our generation is writing the eulogy for North American wolves. The new display, a 10’ x 20’ serpentine stand, is artistic and impressive. Viewers follow the timeline across, beginning at the dawn of man and following human progress to the contemporary age.

The implied question is unavoidable. Is human progress leading to the destruction of the world’s iconic species?

top predators.

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Are We Livinig in the Age of Extinctions?

The Fall 2009 article can be read at http://issuu.com/ wolfcenter/docs/slq09_fall/1

Related article posing a similar question in Fall ‘09 issue of SLQ. SL - SPRING 2015 22

These questions are important. They make us think.

They help us to imagine with critical perspective what our future will be. They alarm us to what our children’s future will be.

Are We Livinig in the Age of Extinctions?

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Follow along this year as we unfold this essential narrative and engage with the public on the substantive subject of what age we are living in. At the Wolf Center, we believe it’s not to late to change the outcomes.

What do you think? We’ve posted the image here for you to consider “Are We Living in the ‘Age of Extinctions?”

Above image from the traveling display titled, “How will human progress influence the future?”

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2015 NW Wild

Heritage Awards

This year brought exciting new initiatives for our team at the Wolf Center. Among them was the inaugural year of the Wild Artist Guild’s NW Wild Heritage Awards & Benefit Concert, held on February 6 at Portland’s Leftbank Annex.

In the event’s foundational year, we hosted more than 100 guests and awarded six beautiful pieces of artwork created

by Wild Artist Guild member Scott Doying of Malad, Idaho.

The event was promoted by fellow nonprofits Western Wildlife Outreach, Wolf Haven, Oregon Wild, World Forestry Center, and underwritten in part by Infinity Images, Minam River Lodge, Camera World, Kidwings, and the contributions of artwork by WAG members. Those contributing artists included John Martinotti, Michael Dustin, Kathleen Flanagan-Kresa, Scott Doying, and Jake Barber.

The entire day’s ambitious schedule had a remarkable outcome. We’re coining the term Wild Heritage Day for the morning portion of the event. This very successful outreach to Oregon’s Beaverton School District saw us hosting 330 students, teachers, and chaperones. They joined us at the World Forestry Center to view The Great Wolf Divide and hear Darrell and Lorna Smith from Western Wildlife Outreach share about large carnivores in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The morning was capped by our Q&A session, “Ask the Biologist”; WERC’s Jeremy Heft and SL - SPRING 2015 24

WERC Supporter Scott Doying created a one of a kind image for this special event. Can you name the five iconic predators represented? Answer on pg. 26.

NW Wild Hertiage Awards

WWO’s Darrell and Lorna Smith fielded questions from the audience.

The evening began with a dinner honoring the recipients of this year’s NW Wild Heritage Awards and recognizing three charities that epitomize the important bond between animals and humans. Those three organizations included DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital in Portland, Oregon; Dogs for the Deaf in Central Point, Oregon; and Forward Stride in Beaverton, Oregon. Each organization was awarded the Scott Doying totem pole artwork.

We also presented awards to three others who our selection committee recognized for: Leadership in Journalism – George Plaven, Eastern Oregonian; Leadership in Teaching – Dr. Robert Butler, Professor of Geology, University of Portland; and Leadership in Journalism – Dan Kent, Founder and Executive Director of Salmon-Safe. Each received their own framed copy of the Doying print featuring the signature totem pole. The dinner conversation included a discussion about building community between nonprofits.

It was the start of a great ongoing dialog.

Following dinner, WAG invited guests to view donated artwork, and bid in our silent auction, while listening to the band Moody Little Sister. The crowd also got to hear from our presenting experts Lorna and Darrell Smith of Western Wildlife Outreach and from Jeremy Heft of the Wolf Education & Research Center. At the end of the evening, awards were presented and silent auction winners were announced. Auction proceeds totaled more than $3,000 from 12 pieces.

As if this was not enough for our team, we celebrated well into the night with more music by Moody Little Sister.

What a special band! The band members are as generous as they are creative and artistic. Lead singer Naomi Hooley’s contagious spirit filled the room as guests swayed, danced, sang along, and enjoyed the spirit of their art.

It was an evening to remember and it set the foundation for our 2nd NW Wild Heritage Awards & Benefit

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Young people had the opportunity to ask our experts about wolves and other carnivores.

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NW Wild Hertiage Awards

Concert, scheduled for the first Saturday in 2016 and hosted by the Wild Artist Guild at the World Forestry Center near Portland, Oregon. We aim to take everything we learned in 2015 and grow this amazing outreach. We will continue to build community with new audiences on behalf of wild wolves across the country and the world.

Special thanks to the planning group, the artists, sponsors, and our two financial supporters who helped make this event possible. It’s only up from here.

And on that note, we have a bead on 100% funding for next year’s event - great outcomes of your confidence and our hard work.

Upper left: Jeremy Heft shares his experiences. Upper Right: Dinner topic included building community among charities.

Lower Left: Lorna & Darrell Smith of Western Wildlife Outreach. Lower Right: Lori and Lis welcome guests.

Answer from pg. 24: Owl, Mountain Lion, Man, Wolf, and Bear.

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WOLF CENTER

ADOPTION PROGRAM

$165,000

Caring for four ambassador wolves costs nearly $165,000, including their health and upkeep, food that is not donated, and the maintenance of the Wolf Camp. You can make a significant impact in our programs by adopting one or all of the Wolf Center’s wolves. Preserve the legacy of the Sawtooth Pack by giving an adoption to someone or a local classroom.

e for mor

e giving op

portuniti

te olfcen w w w.w

See websit

$25

es!

Juvenile

r.org

$50

Yes!

• Poster of history and benefits • DVD • Photo Pack of Owyhee 8x10 Running • Certificate for

• Piyip photo for each child while supplies last • Info kit with individual adoption form and fundraiser challenge

CLICK HERE

$25

Yes!

Adult

• Photo pack 5x7 • Wolf plush with name tag • Certificate

Classroom- Juvenile

Visit our website to see photographs of each wolf.

Adopt one of the Owyhee Pack, or ALL of them!

• Photo of adopted wolf 5x7 • SLQ • Certificate • 1 free adult admission to WERC

$100

Adopt the Pack

Yes!

Yes!

• Photo pack of Owyhees 5x7 • SLQ • Choice of 1 Owyhee Pack name t-shirt • “Running For Home” Book • Certificate

Home

$250

Can you find the book, hidden animals in this including the two on this cover?

by Gail McDiarmid &

Marilyn McGee

Illustrated by Durwood

Coffey

Yes!

Sawtooth Memorial Adoption • Photo pack of • DVD Owyhee 5x7 • Tribute Poster 11x14 • SLQ • Running For Home book

n

• Certificate • Choice of 2 Owyhee name t-shirts • Free admission for a family of 5

$500

Yes!

Sawtooth Memorial Adoption • All 11 wolves photo pack 8x10 • Tribute print 16x20 • Choice of 4 Owyhee name t-shirts • Premium Certificate

• SLQ • DVD • Free admission for a family of 5 • “Running for Home” book

Please mail the Adoption or Gift Adoption Packet to the following person, business, or school:

Member Number_______________________________________________________ Name _________________________________________________________________ School/Business_________________________________________________________ City_________________________________ State__ Zip________________________ Email________________________________ Phone (____)_______________________ Please mail completed form with check or money order to: WERC, P.O. Box 12604, Portland, OR 97212 or Visit: www.wolfcenter.org, click on the “Adopt a Wolf ” menu.

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Ask the BIOLOGIST

1. How do wolves avoidveling becoming wet while tra ter? through rain, snow or wa ming A life within wilderness involves beco

plus t, even lar regu a is wet at times. Precipitation te crea s lake and ds, endless streams, rivers, pon life. wild r othe and wet obstacles for wolves , who must All animals—particularly mammals —are challenged with ture pera maintain their internal tem ing effects of cold, wet conditions. cool the by avoiding hypothermia caused tain s and behaviors to help them main Wolves have several physical trait

are they all, of First s. ition ing due to wet cond dry skin and limit the effects of cool d prise com , coat fur r laye ves maintain a doublewearing a raincoat at all times. Wol are s hair rd gua The ath. dense undercoat underne of the outer guard hairs and the vidual. More ide the visual coloration of the indi prov and hollow to aid in insulation r layer of fur oute this es mak rd hairs secrete oil that importantly, the follicles of the gua back s of the on lying r wate mon to see snow or virtually impervious to water. It is com down to ing seep from r wate as the oil prevents the wolves during heav y precipitation, r skin thei ing keep ally, odic e off the wetness peri the skin. Wolves, just like dogs, shak tly tigh is it ever how n; latio main function is insu dry. The dense, compact undercoat’s r laye hair rd gua the te etra any water that may pen woven against the skin, so it catches is wolf the of n latio insu the as the skin remains dry, before it reaches the skin. As long not compromised. ugh often do not hesitate to travel thro Wolves are good swimmers and

the nd beyo r wate with fur r iously saturate thei bodies of water. Doing so would obv m, strea the if that ze reali to ever, it is important repellency of their guard hairs. How to ugh eno cold not y likel is ambient temperature river, or lake is not frozen, then the all bodies of water cause hypothermia. During winter, , making travel solid en froz in Northern territories are es. wolv for er easi across the landscape much

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Ask the BIOLOGIST

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2. How do wolf packs avoid inbreeding?

Gray wolf packs primarily live in family groups, where most individuals are related. This situation could complicate the mating process in wolf society, as it is understood that incestuous relation s are deleterious to offspring. Wolves overcome this predicament through several physiological and behavioral adaptations. First, only the alpha pair typically moves through the courtship behaviors, which minimizes the chances of siblings producing offspring. The alpha-male intensely patrols the breeding rituals within the pack, and aggressively prohibits others from mating. Secondly, if a sub-adult wolf is determined to find a mate, but prohibited by the alpha-male, the eager wolf has the option of leaving the pack to seek out a disperser from another pack and begin their own, new pack together. We find this usually occurs with younger (about two-yea rold) wolves, both male and female, who then are lone wolves until they find a suitable mate. However, once a mate is found and they produce puppies , the offspring now carry genetics from two lineages, thus improving the genetic stability of the population.

Unfortunately, a circumstance may arise where either an alphamale or alpha-female unexpectedly dies, leaving a related wolf next in line to breed with the established alpha that survives (typically a mother or father). To the best of our knowledge, mating between relative wolves may occur under these circumstances. Although not optimum, survival of the pack is paramount compared to the best selection of mates.

The genetic code of wolves is very resilient, and can endure inbreeding for long durations. Examples of isolated populations, such as Isle Royale, have shown this. The wolf population on the island of Isle Royale has been intensively studied since 1958, and only recently have researchers begun to observe potential negative impacts of the inbreeding that has been occurring for generations.

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Ask the BIOLOGIST

lated to wolves?

3. Are domestic dogs re

lves. No matter ginated from gray wo ori gs do stic me do all lf lineage Yes, in fact,

were born from gray wo s have become, they all ed bre g dogs by do e d ers ate div cre w y ho . Humans essentiall ago rs yea 00 5,0 0-1 h human societ y. approximately 12,00 traits that would fit wit ble sira de for s lve wo sbandry— selectively breeding greatly through this hu size of dogs has varied ine has can the of gy Although the physical —the physiolo ahua to a Great Dane desired , on iati var e siz from a Tea Cup Chihu likely selected for ers ed bre ly Ear . cal nti chose breeding remained nearly ide table behaviors. They ep acc y, ntl rta po im st e and welcoming appearance, and, mo iors, such as being tam hav be ly nd rie n-f ma hu wly created while pairs that possessed rn domestic dog was slo de mo the us, Th ip. nsh eding. Predatory of human companio rations of selective bre ne ge of ns llio mi gh ou was increased. the “wild” was lost thr ile social compatibility wh d, sse pre sup re we wolves that have and territory instincts entary behaviors from im rud r ove ld ho l stil ard. This behavior However, most dogs rying a bone in the backy bu as h suc gs, do stic ere food is stored little benefit to dome known as caching, wh ior hav be lf wo nt rta from stealing it. comes from an impo vent avian scavengers pre to er ord in s pit nd biologists have in shallow undergrou dogs from wolves; hence g tin ara sep nce ere diff aning the “familiar Behavior is the main nis lupus familiaris, me Ca to e nam ific ent sci reclassified the dog’s or domestic wolf”.

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Ask the BIOLOGIST

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4. How strong is a wolf bite?

The shor t answer is VERY, VERY STRO NG! The jaws and teeth of a wolf are the only weapons they maintain to grab and suppress their large prey , then cut the body apar t to feed. Since most wolf prey outweigh wolves by hundred s of pounds, wolf jaws and teeth must be form idable. Hence, wolves have evolved an intense bite pressure and jaws filled with very strong, specialized teeth. At full exer tion, bite pressures have been documen ted to reach 1,500 pounds per squa re inch! By contrast, a German Shepherd is kno wn to exer t only 750 pounds per squa re inch, and we humans can only manage a mea sly 300 pounds per square inch. The incredible pressure exer ted by wolves has bee n equated to the force of a fully-loa ded tractor trailer dropping three stories of a buil ding onto the bite target. Using bite pressure coupled with four, two -inch canine teeth to dig deep into flesh, wolv es can easily disable prey as large as bison. How ever, not only is this bite pressure an adaptation to better subdue prey, but it also assis ts the wolf in consuming it. Such jaw strength gives wolves the ability to crush thro ugh large bones, thus allowing them to retrieve the protein-rich bone marrow insid e. I have personally witnessed mem bers of the Saw tooth Pack snap a moose fem ur (the largest bone in the body) in half without hesitation. The jaw strength of wolv es certainly is a valuable adaptation that promotes both day-to-day survival, as well as the longevity of the species.

If you have any questions pertaining to wolves, etc., please let me know so I include them in future segments. Please email me with future questions/topics at: jeremy.heft@wolfcenter.org ~Jeremy Heft Biologist/Sanctuary Manager SL - SPRING 2015 31

Sawtooth Legacy Films The Great Predator Large carnivores are simply disappearing from the landscape.

Poaching, poor hunting practices, and bad management are all contributing factors in their plight.

Almost daily there are reports of efforts to conserve various species, many of which exist in only one place in the world. The red wolf, for example, lives only in the Eastern United States.

Like many species, without conservation and recovery, it would be another animal that disappears during our watch.

Sawtooth Legacy Films endeavors to discuss these important issues and present factual and scientific information along with the cultural and social issues that impact the outcomes.

We strive to put the information into an educational and informative format that can be streamed into living rooms and classrooms across the globe.

At the completion of our first film, it was abundantly clear that we have SL - SPRING 2015 32

an audience thirsting for information about the history of large carnivores and the critical roles each plays in the larger western landscape. Our efforts to inform the public about wolves were well-affirmed and there continues to be great interest in The Great Wolf Divide. In fact, through the Wild Artist Guild, we’ve begun securing speaking engagements around the region and are receiving invitations to present at film festivals. We start that circuit in April in Hood River, Oregon at the Columbia Center for the Arts where Jeremy Heft and Chris Anderson will present a 90 minute viewing and a discussion about wolves in the West.

With this growing interest and need for science-based information, it’s central to our mission at WERC to continue fueling the momentum of change. For that reason, we’ve committed to an Oregon filmmaker and will be continuing our work with

Debate: A Nation’s Dilemma regional experts. They will share some of the history of our indigenous species, discuss the value each provides, and explore the threats the species face –including dire scenarios that could unfold in their absence. We’ll also speak with agencies charged with the stewardship of our nation’s resources.

We have seen how the absence of large carnivores impacts ecosystems worldwide and we invite you to help us sound the alarm through these important films. We can do this more successfully with your help.

Our budget for one film is less than $25,000, much of which we get back, over time, through sales and rentals.

Your investment is doubled in that respect and the reach is exponential for us. Please support our efforts by notating FILM on your gift. Any proceeds above the cost of the film stay in our budget for animal care.

Join WERC on April 22nd at 7:30 in Hood River, Oregon at the Columbia Center for the Arts for a film showing and an “Ask The Biologist” Q&A. Visit ColumbiaArts.org or our events page at WolfCenter.org for more information.

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Wolf Behavior 101

Lesson 19: Spring Seasonal Activities

by Jeremy Heft

Biologist/ Sanctuary Manager

s the snow slowly melts and the sun rises higher in the sky every passing day, Northern habitat wildlife—those who have survived the long, difficult winter—gradually have an easier time surviving. The subzero temperatures rise to the freezing point, and vernal streams appear as the snow and ice return to water. Winter in the North can be brutal and/or lethal to wildlife that is not prepared to endure the five month test. Although wolves tend to prosper in the winter, taking advantage of prey who are weakened, or even killed, due to the extreme weather; they remain subjected to the same harsh conditions and occasionally do not fare well themselves. Plus,

A

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Wolf Behavior 101

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the annual breeding season (December-March) is another tax on the already stressed packs. Fortunately, those animals who survive until spring then enter into one of the easiest seasons, as ample food for both herbivores and carnivores abound. As the snow gives way to luscious green grass, ungulates such as deer and elk become very active eaters. This brings them into meadows and open areas—favorite hunting grounds of wolves. In addition, spring is the birthing season for most herbivores, hence there are many easy meals running about in the way of deer and elk calves. Accordingly, wolves also birth their annual litter in the spring to take advantage of this abundance of food to feed their pups. Wolf life during the spring season mostly revolves around recovering from winter and the expansion of the pack through the arrival of puppies.

Typically, the first order of business ... the North can be among wolf packs as spring hits is to regain any weight that may have been lost brutal and/or lethal through the winter. Occasionally, packs to wildlife that is not thrive through winter as prey could be easier to catch in deep snow, but winter prepared to endure could also be a relative drought of food the five month test. for wolves. If the long months of lowered prey acquisition take a toll on a pack, then spring is the smorgasbord at the end of the famine. As mentioned earlier, ungulates become easier targets for wolves, plus their newborn young are easy prey as well. This increase in predatory probability of large prey is coupled with a plethora of small mammals that begin moving about after a long winter’s sleep. SupplemenSL - SPRING 2015 35

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Wolf Behavior 101

Though voles and grouse hardly fill the caloric needs of a hungry wolf, they do however provide interesting sport.

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tal prey species, such as beaver, ground squirrels, rabbits, voles, and grouse all become much more active as spring progresses, creating more opportunity for snacks between large prey feedings. As the snow recedes within their enclosure, the Owyhee Pack can often be seen “mousing� for small rodents in the meadow. Be sure to watch our new webcams for this behavior. The wolves will appear to be staring at the ground intently for a minute before jumping into the air to pounce on the unsuspecting rodent. The wolves may also dig to reach the subterranean snack.

The former Sawtooth Pack and the current Owyhee Pack are somewhat different than wild wolves in that they do not need to regain weight/fat from the winter prey depletion. We intentionally feed them more over winter to compensate for the energy used during thermal regulation. Therefore, our captive wolves are plump throughout the winter, and tend to become less hungry as the warmer temperatures of spring arrive. In fact, we cut back on their food availability in the spring since the pack often seems to not be hungry. It is also important to recognize that our captive wolves do not have the additional burden of feeding puppies either; hence their food requirements are lower than wild packs.

Usually in April or May, a litter of approximately 4-6 puppies is born into healthy wild packs. The number of offspring varies depending on geographic location and prey availability. Gray wolves, as apex predators, have evolved to adjust their biotic potential (number of offspring) according to their prey availability. This is not a conscious decision, but rather is caused by the relative stress on the mother’s body. Similar to other mammals, an excess of stress, from inadequate food or behavioral dominance, can limit the fertility of females. Since typically the alpha-

Wolf Behavior 101

female is the only member pregnant, the number of her litter depends on how well fed the pack was over winter.

A healthy, less-stressed alpha-female produces the maximum number of puppies, as there should be enough food to feed them through the next year. By contrast, a skinny, stressed alpha-female produces fewer, or even no puppies, for that year. This biotic potential can change from year to year as the prey availability evolves over the landscape.

The pending arrival of pups causes some subtle behavioral changes among the hierarchy enforcement, and the pack digs a den in preparation for the new recruits. Overall, it has been observed that dominance severity tends to decrease during the spring, which may be a pattern hormonally created to make a safer environment for the pups, with less inter-pack conflict. Or perhaps the puppies themselves create less tension? Either way, spring tends to be a mellow season among the hierarchy ranks, with pack cohesion at an annual high as all members care for the pups together. One of the new spring activities for a pack is the task of creating a suitable den. First, a proper location is selected for the nursery. In Idaho, the average den site is on a south-facing slope with porous soil, and is usually under a large rock or tree roots for ceiling stability. Thick vegeta-

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Wolf Behavior 101

tion usually surrounds the site to add cover, and a water supply is nearby. A large hole that dips below the surface, and then becomes horizontal is dug by the alpha-female and most other pack members, both male and female. Once complete, the ... if wolves are pregnant alpha-female then takes up residence alone in the den just prior to birth, able to understand and for the subsequent weeks after the happiness, then litter is born. Other pack members bring her food during this time to maintain her spring is probably nutrition. Once the puppies begin leavthe time of year that ing the den (at about 4 weeks), all pack members take part in raising and rearing is most happy. the new additions to the pack. Observations have shown welcoming packs play often and generally lower the discipline and dominance among the pack ranks. After all, this is a time of easy living, ample prey, and possibly even joy over the arrival of the new recruits. A large and successful litter is a sign a pack is doing well, so if wolves are able to understand happiness, then spring is probably the time of year that is most happy.

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Gray Area Project:

Howling for the Wolves of the Southwest

by Chris Anderson President

One of the exciting new projects that we took on in 2014 is the adoption of the film Gray Area: Wolves of the Southwest (formerly known as The Last Pack).

This film, currently in production, explores the complex issues surrounding the Mexican Wolf Recovery Program.

Filmmaker Alan Lacy has been working on this project for the past three years and, combined with our help, he plans to use the film to create more awareness and outreach for the Mexican wolf. Some of you may have supported this enterprise when we hosted an Indiegogo project over the summer to fund the final film shoots. We want to thank you for that support and give an update on the progress of the film.

Gray Area: Wolves of the Southwest (working title), explores the complexities surrounding the Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery Program. The filmmakers will attempt to film Mexican wolves in the wild, to witness their behavior and discover the true nature of wolves. Approximately 83 wolves currently roam free, making them one of the world’s most endangered species. Wolves are both adored and loathed by many, raising the question; “Is it possible for man and wolf to coexist?” What are the real issues behind the recovery of the Lobo? Does science provide the answer? Or do we all hold the key to their future? Through compelling cinematography and dedicated characters, SL - SPRING 2015 39

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Gray Area Project: Howling for the Wolves of the SW

this film will show the story of the Mexican wolf as never seen before. Gray Area: Wolves of the Southwest is more than a film, it is a tool designed to help resolve some of the most complex issues surrounding the recovery of the Mexican wolf.

Towards the end of June of this year, we launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo to raise $25,000 towards filming the final pieces of Gray Area. We met our goal with a few days to spare and reached a total of $29,465!

As part of this exciting new chapter, we have increased our number of supporters and even will be listed in the credits of the film as a major contributing sponsor. In addition, we receive 10% of the funds that go specifically towards the film for our administrative costs. Exciting times!

Adopting this project has expanded our outreach and increased our influence by providing a new area of dialogue: Wolves in the Southwestern United States. As we worked closely with the film’s director, we realized we needed to include this important subject in our own wolf education. We reached out to Alan, asking him to become our consultant Adopting this project for Southwest Wolf Recovery Outreach.

We are extremely excited about this has expanded our new chapter of WERC, and are looking outreach and increased forward to becoming more involved in the recovery efforts in the Southwest. our influence by Your support of Gray Area allows us to providing a new area develop and begin this important and exciting new work. of dialogue...

In late October of 2014, filmmaker Alan Lacy spent a few days in New Mexico with the US Fish and Wildlife Service filming a segment of Gray Area. He was able to capture some pretty incredible footage, including the stars and subject of his film: Mexican wolves. The biologists were working to collar any uncollared wolves in their area, and Alan was there to document all the action. He will be headed back out into the field early in 2015 for the last few shoots of the film. Once filming is wrapped up, the postproduction phase of the film will begin. This means all of SL - SPRING 2015 40

Gray Area Project: Howling for the Wolves of the SW

the scripting, editing, sound design, narration, and color correction will take place. There will be one more round of fundraising associated with the post-production of the film itself, and then it’s almost complete. Alan is hoping to have the film completed by the summer of 2015. Stay tuned for more updates!

We are looking forward to the many exciting things in store this year. Through the use of crowdfunding, we believe we can make an even larger impact on the frontlines of wolf recovery and conservation. One influential medium is film. We strongly believe that through the creation of important and vital films, we can reach and educate many more people. Your support is key to making this happen.

Through these kinds of campaigns, we are able to leverage an even greater outreach and provide you an opportunity to get directly involved with our mission here at the Wolf Education and Research Center. Keep an eye out for new campaigns in the future!

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Previous Page: Filmmaker Alan Lacy giving a “thumbs-up”.

Below: Cinematographer, Dean Cannon focuses on all aspects of this complex and controversial topic.

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The Howls & Hows of the Intern Experience

The Howls & Hows of the INTERN EXPERIENCE

by Jessica Collins Assistant Biologist

Since summer is our prime visitation period, these three interns are the face of WERC.

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The INTERN EXPERIENCE is a program that is central to the Wolf Education and Research Center. Each summer, applicants vie for the coveted season in Wolf Camp under the mentoring of our site manager and biologist, Jeremy Heft.

This year we had a record-breaking 90 applicants for our INTERN EXPERIENCE. In 2014 the application process changed to an online process!

Using Recruiterbox.com, we were able to make our application process entirely digital, user friendly, and free! We also advertised in many different online places.

This includes websites like the Texas A&M Fish and Wildlife job board, the University of Vermont job board, the Conservation job board and others that are geared toward wildlife and conservation. We also advertised on internmatch.com and other multi-market online job boards.

The application process includes submitting a cover letter, resume, and three references. Candidates then answer several questions with subjects ranging from animal handling and interpretative experience to camping experience and pertinent tool usage. Each year we select the three best candidates.

After the deadline passes, our staff evaluates all applications. The top ten candidates are then pulled from the applicant pool. From the top six we offer a summer

The Howls & Hows of the Intern Experience

internship to three candidates who typically arrive in midMay, when their school semester is over for the year. They usually stay until mid-to-late August, just before their fall semester starts.

Once interns arrive, they go through an extensive two-week training period to learn basics of captive wolf handling and Visitor Center operations. Interns also learn how to provide interpretive presentations as part of their training. Since summer is our prime visitation period, these three individuals are the face of WERC. During the summer, interns do a variety of tasks every day. Intern duties range from greeting guests and inventory management at our Visitor Center, leading Pack Owyhee tours, performing health and welfare checks on the wolves, maintaining trails, and providing interpretive programs at various venues.

The interns also help with our social media pages and outreach through various outreaches including Facebook posts, Otter Updates, and possibly even articles for future Sawtooth Legacy Quarterly issues. They are encouraged to write about their time at Wolf Camp, their final analysis and observations known as “Camp Journal” which we share with our supporters and online.

While working and learning at Wolf Camp, interns live in a rustic camp setting. They live in a tent all summer with no running water or electricity. These tents are not something you would typically take for a weekend camping trip with friends and family, but rather, they are large wall, or outfitter tents. Each intern gets their own tent for the summer, so everyone has their own private living space. There is a community kitchen, known as the “Cookshed,” where all human food is stored and prepared.

Interns use the Cookshed as a group hangout place and meeting spot during the summer. The Cookshed is also where everyone meets most mornings to receive job duties and projects for the day. Then, after work, they meet to make dinner and have fun getting to know their fellow interns.

Each day brings new and exciting challenges to the interns. The staff at the Wolf Center looks forward to the arrival of the interns and summer.

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You can directly impact the success of the INTERN EXPERIENCE through your financial support.

Donate online or by mail and notate “Interns”.

You’re also invited to encourage them through their time at Wolf Camp by sending a care package or a note to share our appreciation for their investment in this important work.

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Howling & Growling with Northwest Wineries I can promise you, when you visit Wolf Camp it will undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip. But, if you’re looking for something else to do while you travel

the Northwest, wine tasting is an awesome option.

The number of wineries in the Northwest has increased 400 percent in the last decade. The arid climates of many of the wine regions, combined with the long daylight hours at the northern latitude, create prime growing conditions.

World-class wine regions, gaining recognition with award-winning vintages, are within a few hours’ drive from Wolf Camp. Wineries–and their tasting rooms–attract millions of visitors each year. Plus, they offer breathtaking views of the Northwest’s diverse scenery.

WALLA WALLA:

Part of the Columbia Valley Wine Region, Walla Walla means “many waters” and has long been known as one of the most fertile agricultural areas in the nation. With a downtown that features a charming mix of old and new, it’s clear why Walla Walla was voted one of the “Top 10 Best Wine Travel Destinations of 2014” by Wine Enthusiast magazine.

Basel Cellars has an impressively large tasting room and lovely outdoor area. What makes Basel Cellars exciting is that you and your fellow wine enthusiasts can rent a log cabin that includes access to a movie theatre, a bar with a stage, an indoor hot tub and an outdoor pool with a slide.

Woodward Canyon is one of Walla Walla’s oldest and most respected wineries. Don’t miss the exceptionally fresh dishes served straight from the grounds’ gardens. http://www.wallawallawinetours.com/ SL - SPRING 2015 44

Howling & Growling with Northwest Wineries

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YAKIMA VALLEY

Located in the southeastern portion of Washington State, just across the spectacular Cascade Mountains, is Yakima Valley. This magnificent valley is home to more than 80 wineries and it supplies half of Washington’s wine production.

Desert Wind Winery is set on a bluff overlooking the Yakima River and is one of the area’s most scenic wineries.

The adobe-style building includes a restaurant and guest rooms, as well as the tasting room. Most bottles are $20 or less, which is an exceptional value for wines of this caliber.

Yakima River Winery owner John Rauner has seen it all. Rauner, who produced Washington State’s first port, merlot and lemberger, will pour your wine and tell you some stories. The tasting room is modest, but the wines are very good. There is real history here, as well as great conversation!

Oh, so you’re a beer drinker? Winchester has a few great breweries nearby! Tip back a pint at Riverport Brewing in Clarkston, Washington or MJ Barleyhoppers in Lewiston, Idaho. And just south on the 95 in Cottonwood, Idaho is Wolftrack Brewing and Tasting Den with seven varieties of beer.

You can try a sampler tray for only $8.

http://www.winesnw.com/yaktour.html

COLUMBIA GORGE

Columbia Gorge wine region is a 40-mile stretch between Hood River and The Dalles and straddles both Washington and Oregon. The region is visually stunning, with vineyards and eclectic wineries throughout its many diverse microclimates.

Cascade Cliffs, one of the area’s original wineries, specializes in the Piedmont varietals Barbera, Dolcetto and Nebbiolo. Multiple tasting rooms and tours of the facility are available. Waterfront views and towering basalt cliffs with vistas await. Rated “Best of the Best in The Pacific NW.” Cor Cellars. Cor: latin for heart. The owner, Luke Bradford, studied Latin and said this quote jumped out to him: “Vinum Bonum Leatificat Cor Humanum,” meaning “good wine pleases the human heart.” Keep this quote in mind as you sip from the tasting room with views of brilliant Mt. Hood in the distance. http://www.hoodrivertours.com/

For a one-of-a-kind bed and breakfast experience in the area, we always recommend Dog Bark Inn, where sleeping in the dog house is a good thing! http://dogbarkparkinn. com/ Disclaimer: The Wolf Education & Research Center does not condone drinking and driving, please sip responsibly.

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P.O. Box 12604 Portland, OR 97212

WOLF EDUCATION & RESEARCH CENTER

PAID

WEST PALM BEACH, FL. PERMIT 593

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

Our mission is to provide the highest quality captive animal care and education possible and inspire greater public tolerance toward apex predators. We engage the public to support sustainable relationships with nature to become a social norm.

Our vision is a growing community who work toward a more sustainable relationship with nature. This is achieved through captive animal care, regional interpretive programs, and ongoing development of contemporary media. We partner with diverse cultures and traditions to build a united and stronger future for all species.

Get involved today!