Prey Selection and Consumption by Alaskan Wolves in Winter

Abstract

Selection and consumption of prey by the Alaskan wolf (C. l. pambasileus) were determined by application of the fallout radiocesium method. A total of 232 wolves collected throughout Alaska had radiocesium concentrations ranging from 208-53,100 pCi/kg of wet skeletal muscle. Values were dependent primarily on prey availability at the collection site. The highest radiocesium concentrations were in wolves collected in areas where caribou, and/or reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), or black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus) were available as prey. The lowest radiocesium concentrations were in wolves from areas where these prey species were absent. Radiocesium concentrations in wolf muscle were interpreted as an indication of the importance of caribou, deer, or moose (Alces alces) as prey for the wolf. The best estimate of total prey consumption was 2.8 kg/day per wolf or an average kill rate of 14 caribou/wolf or 3.4 moose/wolf per winter (Nov.-April). The estimate of deer consumption for southeastern 7.4 deer/wolf per winter.