Wolf winter predation on moose and roe deer in relation to pack size :

Abstract: Wolf (Canis lupus) winter predation on moose (Alces alces) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) were studied in the small, but fast growing wolf population on the Scandinavian Peninsula. Wolves in one territory were radio- and snow-tracked during two successive winters. The wolf pack consisted of an adult pair during the first winter (1999–2000), and of an adult male and three pups the following winter. Kill rate on moose was 7.4–9.2 days/kill for the adult pair and 4.0–4.8 days/kill for the pack of four wolves. The consumed proportion of wolf-killed moose at first feeding occasion was relatively low during both winters (44% and 51%) but wolves utilized carcasses by revisits at previous kill sites. Wolves did not select to kill malnourished moose as nutritional condition of wolf-killed moose was comparable to moose harvested by hunters. Handling time at first feeding occasion did not differ with increased pack size, but were longer for the pups as compared to the adult male. The adult male and pups were solitary in 61–68% of all locations during the second year of study while the adult pair was solitary in 13% during the first year of study. Hunting success of the adult male on moose (60%) and roe deer (100%) during the second year of study was higher as compared to the first year (21% and 55%). Chasing distances during successful attacks by wolves on roe deer were longer than on moose.