99
Photo 5. Note the enlarged teats of this female wolf, indicating it has breed and is likely currently lactating. Photographed in May. Photo by
David Moskowitz
Pack Size
Capturing images of multiple wolves on the same frame is the easiest way to assess numbers of wolves
in an area using remote cameras. However, this only provides a minimum number, as some wolves in a
pack may not be in the frame. Setting cameras on rendezvous sites and clearings where wolves might be
predicted to congregate can increase the chances of detecting multiple wolves. On trail sets, aiming the
camera down a trail rather than perpendicular to it can also help with this. In winter, in deep snow,
wolves often travel single file. On trail sets, wolves may pass sequentially in front of the camera,
allowing them to be counted. Constructing a camera trap in a location where this sort of movement is
predicted can increase chances of capturing them on film. Setting the camera to the shortest time
between photo burst can help ensure getting all the animals passing by. Setting the camera to video with
a long run time (60 seconds) could also help capture the sequential travel of animals.
Cameras set on carcasses are poor for determining actual numbers as wolves will often come and go
from the carcass individually rather than communally. It may be impossible to identify individual
wolves in a pack when size and pelage color are similar and therefor not possible to use sequential
images to assess numbers of animals in a situation where one wolf is likely returning more than once to
the camera trap location, such as at a carcass.
