EASTERN TIMBER WOLF Canis lupus lycaon (Schreiber) 



Order: CARNIVORA Family: CANIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : A large, broad-headed wild canid with thick, rich fur 

 of grizzled gray coloration. 



Present distribution : The Lake Superior region of Michigan and the International 

 border region of Minnesota; Isle Royale, Michigan; Ontario, Canada, north to James Bay, 

 eastward to Gulf of St. Lawrence. One specimen was taken in 1968 in Fulton County, 

 New York; prior to that, the last authentic record of the wolf in New York was in 1899. 



Former distribution : Minnesota and eastern Canada south to Ohio and the Northeastern 

 United States . 



Status: Greatly reduced in range and numbers in the conterminous United States, but 

 stable in Minnesota. 



Estimated numbers : As of October 1969', 12 or less in Michigan exclusive of Isle Royale, 

 where there were at least 20 in 1970; 500 to 1000 in Minnesota in January 1970 according 

 to Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife estimate; approximately 300 wolves in Superior 

 National Forest. 



Breeding rate in the wild : An average litter size of seven, not necessarily annual in 

 frequency . 



Reasons for decline : Heavy hunting and trapping pressure for bounty . Modification 

 of large areas of suitable primitive habitat by commercial interests . Encroachment 

 of civilization. 



Protective measures already taken : Complete legal protection in Michigan; Use of 

 snares, aerial hunting and poisoning illegal in Minnesota. Bounty has been reduced to 

 a localized basis only in Minnesota. 



Measures proposed : Removal of all wolf bounties . Restocking wilderness areas where 

 the environment is compatible and there would be minimal conflict with farmers or 

 cattle industry; locate remnant populations and take measures to preserve the habitat 

 in such areas . Discourage private action against depredation losses . 



Number in captivity : A least 22 specimens in six zoos (1963), probably more. 



Breeding potential in captivity : About as in the wild state. 



Remarks: Most other subspecies, except those inhabiting Alaska and Canada, are 

 similarly reduced. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife personnel report indications 

 that a remnant wolf population iC_. }_. irremotus ?) is present in Wyoming; officials at 

 Yellowstone National Park report 22 sightings dating back to 1955. Mech lists 24 

 subspecies in North America and 8 in Europe, of which 6 are extinct. Minnesota State 

 officials do not believe wolves are endangered. 



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