woodland caribou, polar bears, and the economics of utilization of fish and 

 wildlife resources in the Patricia Districts. 



Wildlife Diseases, Parasites and Reproduction 



Emphasis was placed on studies of specific diseases and parasites which were 

 found during the course of general surveys to be of high incidence in economically 

 important species of wildlife. Maximum effort was applied to investigations of 

 kidney worms in mink and other wildlife. As a result, the examination of a 

 province-wide sample of over 2000 specimens was completed and the distribution 

 and occurrence of the parasite in wildlife in Ontario is now well-known. In the 

 sample, which included lynx, red fox, otter, red squirrel, muskrat, weasel, fisher, 

 raccoon, marten and mink, all occurrences of kidney worm were in mink taken in 

 the Central, South-Central and South-Eastern Regions. In some parts of these 

 regions the incidence of affected animals approached 25%. Studies were continued 

 to assess the effects of this parasite on pelt quality and reproduction of mink. 



There was a marked increase in the number of confirmed cases of rabies 

 in wildlife in Ontario during the fall of 1961. These reached a peak in November 

 and December. Data supplied by the Ontario Department of Health on rabies 

 occurrences were compiled and analyzed and reported to field staff. 



Fur-bearing Animals 



Research on otter populations in a study area in Algonquin Park was con- 

 tinued. Improved trapping and marking methods were developed so that six 

 animals were tagged and released to provide information on movements, population 

 densities and longevity. Analyses of about 2,200 fecal samples were continued to 

 establish the diet of otter at different seasons, and to assess their importance 

 as predators on fish and small birds and mammals. 



A complete compilation and analysis of fur-harvest records was started which 

 will provide basic research information on the history of fluctuations of fur-bearing 

 animals. This will be used to assess current population changes and to provide 

 catch statistics for the economic survey of fish and wildlife resources in the 

 Patricias, which is now in progress. Compilation of statistics from Patricia Central 

 and West was completed. 



Survey flights to assess the status of beaver populations were continued and 

 the method was refined further. Beaver populations remained at relatively high 

 levels or increased in nearly all Forest Districts. Surveys of the Severn and 

 Winisk watersheds in the Patricias showed that the management procedures 

 resulting from the research conducted there over the past five years had produced 

 excellent results. Populations had increased to trappable densities over the whole 

 region with the exception of the area immediately north and south of Shibogama 

 Lake. 



Big Game 



Research on deer populations is directed toward the solution of several 

 problems of management. 



One of the most important problems stems from Ontario's northerly position 

 in North America. The northern boundary of the range of white-tailed deer passes 

 through Ontario. Along the northern fringe of the range there may be a number 

 of forces which limit distribution of deer, but the most obvious is winter weather, 

 particularlv snow cover, which hinders free mobility of deer in search of food and 



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