98
Breeding Status
Two observations that can be captured on remote cameras about the breeding status of wolves are
pups/sub adult wolves and a female with swollen teats (indicating a lactating female). Breeding females
have enlarged nipples (Kreeger 2003), probably most apparent when the wolf is actively lactating and
nursing young. Carefully inspect photographs captured by camera traps for enlarged teats. Targeting
potential rendezvous locations in late June through the late summer should be considered to capture
images of juvenile wolves.
Photo 3. Wolf pups captured on a remote camera set on a travel route adjacent to a suspected rendezvous location. A scent lure was applied to
a rock where the two animals on the left are sniffing. Photo from mid-July in north-central Washington. Camera trap set by Ray Robertson
for Conservation Northwest.
Photo 4. Note the enlarged teats of this breeding female wolf taken by a remote camera. Photo from early April, northwestern Montana. Photo
by Adam Lieberg, Northwest Connections.
