2015-16 Wisconsin wolf monitoring data now available
MADISON – Wisconsin wolf monitoring data for 2015-16 is now available on the Department of Natural Resources’ wolf management webpage<http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/wolf/index.html>.
To view this information (found under the "reports" list) and learn more about wolves in Wisconsin, visitdnr.wi.gov<http://dnr.wi.gov/> and search keyword “wolf<http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/wolf/index.html>.”
In 2015-16, monitoring efforts detected an overwinter minimum wolf count of 866-897 and 222 packs - this represents a 16 percent increase from last year’s minimum wolf count of 746-771.
Data available include the 2015-16 overwinter minimum wolf count and packs identified during the monitoring period. These data were collected with the assistance of over one hundred volunteer trackers<http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/volunteer.html> - these volunteers contributed almost half of the record 17,759 survey miles in 2015-16. To learn more about taking part in this monitoring program, search keyword “volunteer<http://dnr.wi.gov/volunteer/>” and select “wolves and other mammals<http://dnr.wi.gov/volunteer/animals/WolvesOtherMammals.html>.”
“Volunteer trackers are a critical component of Wisconsin’s wolf monitoring program, and department staff relies upon their efforts to ensure we have high quality data,” said David MacFarland, DNR large carnivore specialist.
The 2015-16 minimum count represents the second year of growth and a record high for Wisconsin. Wolf count efforts are conducted in winter when the population reaches its annual low point. Wolf pups born in spring cause population increases, followed by reductions resulting from pup and adult mortalities.