We have heard no reports of wolf activity near us for about 3 weeks. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game recently conducted an aerial survey of both wolf and moose populations. No wolves were sighted but the moose population was confirmed to be in the normal to high normal range. Moose are the wolves’ main food source. Therefore, wolves are likely still in the area.
The results of the moose survey pose a question. With plenty of their normal food available, why did wolves decide to target dogs? My theory is that we didn’t have enough snow this fall and early winter. The wolves had a difficult time tracking moose on the bare ground. Wolves are smart! Dogs were an easier prey than moose.
Now we have more snow, so it seems natural that the wolf pack would return to its normal behavior. Fine by me!
Nevertheless, our wolf early warning system, mentioned in our December 19 post, is still operational. It is an array of motion detectors along our driveway and near the dog yard.
A week ago, in the early morning hours, the outside lights snapped on and the alarms inside blared. Allen and I were jolted from a sound sleep and crashed down stairs. Throwing on parkas and boots and grabbing our headlamps and guns, we were outside in less than a minute. As we passed through the door, our headlamps caught a flash crossing the driveway. With adrenaline at full throttle, we headed toward the action and focused our lights. There crouched the intruder. A huge Snowshoe Hare…..What a relief!!
Aliy
Aliy, you are right about the wolf problem and lack of snow cover. When my wife and I were there over Christmas, the first thing we noticed was lack of snow depth. When we skied the Two Rivers trails behind our property, there was no sign of moose. Usually there are moose tracks all over the place. It was obvious that the moose had not moved very far up into the hills, and that they were still comfortable down in the lower areas where the food is more plentiful.
That wolf pack in Two Rivers would find it very difficult to run down a moose in those conditions. I think they had no choice but to move in on the local dogs. I’m surprised that the Alaska media has not picked up on that.
Hope your training is going well and good luck to you and allen in the Iditarod. Mike