»RArri;iSAPJ>KNi)ix i 



Wisconsin created a volunteer carnivore survey program in which interested members of the public do snow track 

 surveys (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 1999). Participants, trained by the Wisconsin Department of 

 Natural Resources, survey an assigned area several times a winter and forward their data in the spring. Volunteers 

 did the surveys reliably and logged .several thousand miles each winter. The method and program are still being 

 validated with more intensive telemetry data, but it appears promising as a monitoring tool and it facilitates public 

 involvement with wolf management issues (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 1999). Alaska conducts 

 winter track surveys using aircraft. This method may be appropriate for some Montana packs. 



In the late spring and summer months, howling surveys at rendezvous sites can help biologists determine whether a 

 pack is raising pups. Pup vocalizations can easily be discriminated from adults. Although a precise count is usually 

 not possible, wolf responses can indicate relative pack size. Since different packs react to artificial howls 

 differently, howling surveys may not work in all cases. 



Observational reports were useful to the federal wolf recovery program. Repeated observations of animals and/or 

 sign in an area led to the discovery of new packs. Observational reports may also confirm pack persistence. Since it 

 proved so valuable to the federal program, MFWP will add the gray wolf to its own Occurrence/Distribution Report 

 and Track Observation Report forms (MFWP 1995). Similar information could also be gathered using 

 hunter/trapper contacts (e.g. check stations or log books), the MFWP web site. Regional Headquarters offices, and 

 the telephone harvest survey program. 



MFWP biologists use remote photography to sample a variety of species. This technique could also be used to 

 survey wolves on known travel routes to or from den or rendezvous sites or in conjunction with bait or scent 

 stations. 



Genetic profiling is the identification of unique individual wolves by analyzing genetic material isolated from cells 

 extracted from hair, blood, or muscle tissue. Samples are obtained from wolves - either passively or from live- 

 captured animals, yielding a unique genetic pattern similar to human fingerprints. Other information, such as 

 maternity, paternity, dispersal, or overall genetic diversity can also be analyzed. A reservoir of genetic samples 

 obtained from wolves in Montana, central Idaho, the GYA, and adjacent Canadian source populations already exists. 

 MFWP will supplement the genetic database as samples become available. 



Anecdotal information will supplement formalized monitoring protocols. Depredation investigations by WS yield 

 important information, such as documenting wolf activity in a new area or the number of wolves involved in an 

 incident. 



Each monitoring protocol has its own advantages and disadvantages. No single method will be suited to all packs, 

 either. MFWP will consider any and all methods, including new methods as they are developed. Corroborating 

 evidence will be gathered using multiple methods, but specific protocols will be tailored to the pack, setting, and 

 appropriate season for collecting that type of data. This will facilitate a balance between monitoring responsibilities, 

 information needs, cost effectiveness, and scientific rigor. 



Wolf Health and Disease Surveillance 



Several diseases and parasites have been reported for gray wolves in the lower 48 states. Some had significant 

 impacts on population recovery, especially for wolves in Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin (USFWS 2000). 

 However, in the northern Rockies, diseases and parasites were less influential and have not significantly impacted 

 wolf populations to date (USFWS 2000). Nonetheless, adult wolves die from a wide variety of canid di-seases or 

 parasites. Pups may be especially vulnerable to death from exposure to canine parvovirus or canine distemper 

 (Mech and Goyal 1993, Johnson ct al. 1994). Monitoring and surveillance of wolf health will provide baseline 

 infonnation. Even though monitoring and surveillance would not stop a disease or parasite related decline, it could 

 demonstrate a possible reason for the decline. 



Wolf health is monitored by analyzing biological samples collected from dead and live-captured animals. During 

 live capture operations, overall wolf health will be assessed, including presence of external parasites. Blood will 

 also be collected. Blood tests can indicate exposure to canine parvovirus, distemper, and other potentially 

 detrimental diseases. Necropsies will be performed on wolf carcasses to determine cause of death, condition, age. 



23 



