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Details of Extensive Movements by Minnesota Wolves (Canis lupus)

Samuel B. Merrill¹ and L. David Mech²

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Abstract: We used VHF, GPS, and satellite radiocollars to study details of long distance movements by four Minnesota wolves (Canis lupus). Number of locations during our tracking ranged from 14 to 274. Farthest distances reached ranged from 183-494 km, and minimum distances traveled (sums of line segments) ranged from 490-4251 km. Numbers of times wolves crossed state, provincial or interstate highways ranged from 1 to 215. All four of the wolves returned to or near their natal territories after up to 179 d and at least two left again.

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This resource is based on the following source (Northern Prairie Publication 1108):

Merrill, Samuel B., and L. David Mech.  2000.  Details of extensive movements 
     by Minnesota wolves (Canis lupus).  American Midland Naturalist 
     144(2):428-433.

This resource should be cited as:

Merrill, Samuel B., and L. David Mech.  2000.  Details of extensive movements 
     by Minnesota wolves (Canis lupus).  American Midland Naturalist 
     144(2):428-433.  Jamestown, ND: Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center 
     Online.  http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/mammals/extmove/index.htm  
     (Version 23FEB2001).

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Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Study Area
• Methods
• Results
• Discussion
• Acknowledgments
• Literature Cited

Tables and Figures

• Table 1 -- Summary of information about Minnesota wolves that traveled long distances from their pack territories
• Figure 1 -- Long-distance travel routes of four wolves collared in Minnesota.

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¹ Environmental Office, Camp Ripley Headquarters, 15000 Highway 115, Little Falls, Minnesota 56345-4173.
² U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, 8711 37th St. S.E., Jamestown, North Dakota, 58401.
  Telephone: (651) 649-5231;  FAX: (651) 649-5233;  e-mail: mechx002@tc.umn.edu
  Present Address: North Central Research Station, 1992 Folwell Ave., St. Paul, Minnesota 55108

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