Role of the wolf in a deer decline in the Superior National Forest.

L. David Mech; Patrick D. Karns

Treesearch

Role of the wolf in a deer decline in the Superior National Forest.

Informally Refereed

Authors:

L. David Mech, Patrick D. Karns

Year:

1977

Type:

Research Paper

Station:

Northern Research Station

Source:

Research Paper NC-148. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station

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Download (PDF 3.79 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/10669.pdf

Abstract

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) declined in the Superior National Forest of Minnesota between 1968 and 1974. In a 3,000 km2 area of the poorest habitat, deer were decimated. Contributing factors were severe winters, deteriorating habitat, and wolves. Wolves killed older deer, but insufficient fawns were available to replace them.

Keywords

Canis lupus, wolf, Odocoileus virginianus, white-tailed deer, predation, prey, Minnesota, winter severity

Citation

Mech, L. David; Karns, Patrick D. 1977. Role of the wolf in a deer decline in the Superior National Forest. Research Paper NC-148. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station