Spring 2017 Sawtooth Legacy Qtly.

Spring 2017 Featuring: • The Owyhee Pack History - Part 4 • Ask the Biologist • Pups to Packs • Online Education • Up in the Air with Raptors • Pacific Northwest Wolf Update • And so much more...

SPRING 2017 Table of Contents

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3 5 8 10

12 16 22 24 34 43 44 48 50 54 55

President’s Letter Ask the Biologist Gray Area: Official Selection History of the Owyhee Pack: More to the Story NW Wolf Update From Pups to Packs A Template of Howling Success The History of the Owyhee Pack - Part 4 Online Education 2017 Intern Experience Upgrade Wolf Behavior 101 Hibernation to Huckleberries Up in the Air with Raptors Passport to Wildlife Nez Perce National Historic Parks

5 8 The Sawtooth Legacy is a publication of the Wolf Education & Research Center (WERC). The purpose of the magazine is to provide interesting and engaging information to children and adults about the gray wolf species that promotes a broader understanding of wolves, wolf recovery, their place in healthy ecosystems, and the state and federal policies that impact their survival. Â

Board of Directors

Sharon Lander, Treasurer Danielle Hawthorne, Secretary Dennis Olson, Board Member Alan Lacy, Board Member

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WERC Staff

Chris Anderson, Staff & Board President Jeremy Heft, Sanctuary Manager/Biologist Steven Urke, Editing Team Dave Winfield, Graphic Design

President’s Letter

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Dear friends of wolves, I should get some housekeeping out of the way and acknowledge to you that there was no Winter issue. As I’m sure you can imagine, Winter is an exceptionally busy time of year for a staff of two. As Jeremy trudges through the deep snow in Wolf Camp, it’s also the time of year when we acknowledge our supporters and your steadfast commitment by letter and phone. Both are good problems.

The Winter SLQ, however, was a casualty of being short-handed and I thank you for your graciousness. I’m confident this issue will be well-received and help make up for our delinquency; after all, our primary purpose is caring for wolves.

If you indulge me, I want to share a story that floored me. In February, I visited Cuba for the first of hopefully many trips. During my stay, I was learning about the people, the politics, the wildlife, and what we can do to learn and help this island country and her people. It was a wonderfully enlightening experience.

During one of the last nights there, I was sitting at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, a historic landmark located on the Malecón, the iconic waterfront of Havana. A group of gringos strolled past me and sat at a table nearby and proceeded to order drinks.

Noticing the familiar language, I walked over and asked: “Where is home?” The first to answer said, “I’m from Idaho, a place you’ve probably never heard from.” I asked where and he said, “Kuna.”

I politely laughed and remarked, “I know exactly where Kuna is. It’s 20 miles away from Murphy where my team worked to rescue 17 wolves from being euthanized about ten years ago.”

The man explained he was one of several farmers visiting nearby agricultural sites, then pointed to another man at the table and remarked, “My brother The Hotel Nacional De Cuba sits over just visited a place outside Lewiston last April.” the Malecon, Havana’s waterfront.

The brother, sitting across the table and paying attention added, “I visited this wolf sanctuary outside Lewiston and talked for hours to a biologist.” I asked him, “Was that biologist’s name Jeremy Heft?”

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President’s Letter

“Yes!” he replied, “that was his name. Very informative fellow!”

As we talked, he shared he was in Idaho studying the Nez Perce Tribe, and it was recommended he visit our sanctuary. WERC, as some of you know, enjoys a 21-year privilege and history of representing the y Each year, farmers visit Cuba to stud tribe’s commitment to critical tices. their commitment to organic prac protections for wolves and teaching the public about the species. It’s a distinction we are proud of, and one that brought two people from different regions of the United States together in a foreign country.

The world is becoming smaller and smaller each passing day. Today is the perfect opportunity to reinforce that organizations like ours are similar to the plight of wolves. We represent the landscape of knowledge about wolves and other wildlife that are essential to the intricate balance and harmony of conservation about far more than carnivores.

Each of you helps our team navigate this sometimes treacherous terrain as we work to preserve the future for all species, including humans.

Thank you for reading this magazine and sharing it with others, be it online or by requesting copies be mailed to friends and family.

Howling Regards,

Connect with me at Linked.com/in/ccanderson

Facebook.com/wolfcenter Twitter.com/SawtoothLegacy Instagram.com/SawtoothLegacy Youtube.com/SawtoothPack

WINCHESTER LAKE STATE PARK About a mile away from Wolf Camp is another leading destination called Winchester Lake State Park. Whether you’re seeking a picnic spot, a fishing hole, or a place to overnight before or after visiting the Wolf Education & Research Center, we highly recommend Winchester Lake State Park! If you’re there on a Wednesday or Friday night, you can even view a movie or presentation by our staff!

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Ask the Biologist

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Ask the biologist is an outreach of the Wolf Education & Re search Center. ATB is excited to announ ce the addition of biologists who wi ll join Jeremy by offering valuable ins ights about wolves, bears, mountain lions , and birds of prey.

Look for these excit ing topics in our upcoming issues! Fin d these insights in the SLQ, on our we bsite, and on our social media.

mp?

1. Do wild wolves ever visit Wolf Ca 04, we ors through the years. Back in 2003-20 Yes, we have had several wild visit p. The Sawtooth Pack’s enclosure and Cam tracked large canine prints around the pack the and f, wol a of s exactly in the way solitary animal marked trails and road cate indi rs avio e fresh. All tracking and beh howled frequently when the tracks wer ter win the the animal was never seen. Then in this was likely a wild wolf, although and ed at our facility through observation of 2008-2009, a wild wolf was confirm , area re losu enc hee Owy e frequented the tracks. The suspected young mal fence for a couple and even made a day bed near the s by multiple staff days. He was witnessed several time y, then stop at a members, and would initially run awa ths of visiting, distance and watch us. After two mon Then more ed. he disappeared as fast as he arriv third visitor came recently, just a couple years ago, a young male, and by. Again, he was suspected to be a hee enclosure.

Owy the was mostly witnessed near with us long, ain However, this time he did not rem believed that only about two weeks. We have long on they could as wild wolves moved through the regi our wild visitors have investigate our captive packs. All female e been caused by the scent of the arrived in the winter, which may hav miles for of breeding season can be detected wolves in estrous. The pheromones could be natural to think that young males away by other canines, so it is only et from arrive, we always keep their visit a secr interested. Regardless of how they ty. safe r thei re This is the only way to ensu the public until they leave the area.

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Ask the Biologist

2. Are there ever any small animals that get into the enclosure? even make their home Yes, lots of them! In fact, some losed territory! WERC is within the confines of the pack’s enc e, ul relationship with the Nez Perce Trib very fortunate to have such a wonderf st. fore n large enclosures within a mature who allow us enough land to maintai with a st fore est thw Nor p are fully intact Essentially, the enclosures at Wolf Cam with ion ract inte promotes fence running through them. This the from whom benefit numerous smaller species, most of t, ably benefit the mos as presence of the wolves. Ravens prob increased around the enclosure, the concentration of them is highly , smaller corvids like magpies especially after feeds. Along with them Yet smaller birds, such as juncos and jays also frequent the enclosure. well. Even the local woodpeckers and chickadees are a daily sight, as birdupon leftover fat, known as suet to hang around the enclosure to feed cally radi spo re grouse fly in to the enclosu lovers. Large birds, such as turkey and s Owl . itory Bald Eagle lands within the terr and on occasion a Red-tailed Hawk or and night. The most prolific mamare also a common visitor, both day a Chickaree, or Douglas Squirrel. mal resident within the enclosure is occasional shrew was found Plenty of voles hang around, and an In the summer, garter snakes by the Sawtooth Pack in the past.

The largest non-resident anare a rare find within the meadow. res was a raccoon, but imal ever tracked within the enclosu pack benefits from the it did not stay long! Of course, the presence of all these species as they provide the best possible natural behavioral enrichment any facility captive could achieve.

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Ask the Biologist

3. How long does the estrous cycle last

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in wolves?

Winter is the season of mating for wolves. As we discussed in previous issues, the breeding season for wolves is only once a year, beginning in Dec emb er and lasting until mid-March. During this time, not only are the alpha pair able to mate, but the hierarchy is enfo rced strictly, leading to the highest annual level of dominance within a pack.

Females two years of age or older typically begin their estrous cycle any time betw een early January to early March.

This timing is thought to be dependent on environmental factors, such as seve rity of winter weather or possibly pack dyn amics. Once her cycle begins, blee ding is evident and now she is sexually acti ve. The estrous cycle of wolves is som ewhat different than the menstrual cycle of humans. The lining of the uterus is not shed among wolves, so a small amo unt of bleeding is normal during this peri od of sexual activity, known as “heat�.

Once her estrous cycle begins, it may last any where from one to three weeks, with the average being around 9 day s. At the completion of her annual cycle, the bleeding ends and sexual activity ceas es for another year. The anestrus peri od begins and the inner lining of the uter us is reabsorbed by the body if pregnan cy does not occur. Anestrus lasts unti l the process begins all over again the follo wing December.

so I can to wolves, etc., please let me know If you have any questions pertaining at: se email me with questions/topics include them in future segments. Plea jeremy.heft@wolfcenter.org ~Jeremy Heft

Biologist/Sanctuary Manager

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Gray Area: Official Selection

Two Film Festivals Choose

Gray Area: Wolves of the Southwest As Official Selection!

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ive years ago when I began a project to produce a film on the critically-endangered Mexican gray wolf, I started with absolutely zero knowledge about filmmaking and was armed only with a passion to do something for this species. I had no formal training in wildlife study either, so I began finding people who knew and could help me learn about wolves, and people who knew their way around filmmaking. Fast forward 5 years and here I am today with my film Gray Area: Wolves of the Southwest as an Official Selection for both the International Wildlife Film Festival (IWFF) and the Albuquerque Film & Music Experience (AFME). I never imagined my film would have made it this far.

“Gray Area: Wolves of the Southwest” is an Official Selection for the International Wildlife Film Festival and the Albuquerque Film & Music Experience in 2017.

The International Wildlife Film Festival is one of the top wildlife and nature-themed film festivals in the world. Filmmakers in the Natural History realm from around the world submit their films to this festival, and only the best of the best are selected. As quoted from their website the festival is: “...An international event with special guests, world premieres and one of the 8

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largest and most diverse audiences in the region, with 6,000 attendees and 2,000 students. IWFF is an annual wildlife and conservation-themed film festival held each April in scenic Missoula, Montana. The event draws in hundreds of filmmakers, scientists, conservationists and enthusiasts. Housed at the Roxy Theater, Missoula’s historic independent arthouse theater. Founded in 1977 at the University of Montana we are the first and longest running event of its kind.”

This year, films such as the BBC’s well loved and respected Planet Earth II Series will be screening, alongside films on PBS Nature, National Geographic, and other nature related shows. It’s a great place to showcase a film in hopes it can make the

Gray Area: Official Selection

right impression and potentially get picked up by a network or other distributor. I am elated that my film has this incredible opportunity! To those of you who have supported me along the way through donations and words of encouragement, I can’t thank you enough!

I also will be screening the film in Albuquerque this June during the Albuquerque Film & Music Experience, the premiere film festival in New Mexico! It’s extremely exciting, as this year Academy Award winning actor Jeff Bridges is one of the headliners for the festival! Of several hundreds of films submitted, it’s a highly competitive festival that screens for production quality and strong stories. Only 5o or so films make the cut. It’s an honor to have been made an Official Selection for this year!

With festivals just around the corner as of the time of my writing this article, I am extremely optimistic for the film.

Whether or not it wins any awards or not isn’t my priority, though it would be nice.

What I am excited to see is that the film has an opportunity to reach a whole new audience that does not know the story of the Mexican wolf. Countless numbers of wolf films focus on Yellowstone’s ecosystem, but none have focused on the Mexican wolf specifically. This film has the potential to put these wolves on the map and hopefully create a better understanding of their role on the Southwestern landscape. By doing so, it will hopefully open doors and pave the way towards recovery.

It’s an exciting time for me, and for the rest of my team as we are gearing up to screen our film in the coming weeks ahead.

For those of you who might want to catch the film yourself, go to the film’s website at www.grayareathefilm.com/screenings for up to date information regarding

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screenings and dates it will be showing.

I’d love to see you at one! Make sure to say hello if you make it out to any of them!

I want to end this article with a special note to those of you who want to do something for wildlife but don’t feel like going back to school to get a degree in wildlife sciences or conservation. You can do whatever you put your mind to. If you want to make a film about wildlife to make a difference for a critically endangered species, just start. Reach out to people, ask questions, keep moving forward. The most important thing to do is to continue moving forward. If you hit roadblocks in your path, find ways to navigate around them or start chopping away at them!

Persistence is key! Perhaps you don’t want to do a film, but would rather host an event, or create an organization that supports wild causes. The same principle applies! You just have to do it. If no one else will, it might as well be you! You never know, you might get selected for festivals some day!

Pre-order your copy online at www. wolfcenter.org/donate or by mail in enclosed envelope. Note Gray Area in request.

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History History of the

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Owyhee Pack: M

n 2008 when Jeremy contacted me to consider taking in part or all of what became known as the Owyhee Pack, it was with great trepidation that we proceeded. Even up to the chilly April morning when we descended upon Murphy, Idaho with a team of staff and volunteers who joined State officials, the Humane Society, and others from the community, what unfolded could not have better represented the core mission of the Wolf Education & Research Center.

Personally, it was an experience I’d not previously known, and quite honestly, considered. I was accompanied by my three sons who were baptized into our work; work which continually balances serving the greater good with the practical reality of being a better member of our rural community. Periodically, I’ll look back on images of my boys, then in their early teens, and I’m thankful they could have that experience.

Similarly, I look back on many of your commitments, and as I share your reading discovery of the imagery that Jeremy has created, I’m mindful that our work would not be possible without your support.

Without you, there would have been no “Owyhee Pack” at Wolf Camp. Your unwavering support was the foundation for our outreach then - as it is today.

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One day, my sons may look back on their adolescent experiences and smile as they share with their children or friends about that day and the years that followed. The balance of curiosity, opinion and resulting experience will be part of the narrative of their journeys. I’m proud of that for many reasons.

As Jeremy and I discussed the telling of the Owyhee and Sawtooth Pack stories and their impact on the greater advocacy community, he appealed to me to make the history six parts, expressing “There is too much to tell in four chapters.”

I agreed with him but explained that I felt it was important to promise the four installments and keep that promise but perhaps offer a publication full of not only the remarkable archive of photos and artwork that we possess, but the two

Owyhee Pack: More to the Story

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More to the Story

More to the Story additional chapters only available in print.

I have a special invitation to our readers and supporters, one that will ensure that the memory of the Owyhee Pack, even with her surviving Kuckuc and Xayxayx still with us, live on in commemoration of their essential roles as ambassadors to the public’s ongoing understanding of wolves and their vital place in the wilderness.

While Kuckuc, Xayxayx, Leqeyleqey, Miyooxat, and Himtuuqin never enjoyed a wild day previous to their release at Wolf Camp, their spirit was one of being restored and realization of freedom following their horrid internment in SW Idaho.

Their release on this sacred land of the Nez Perce brought greater understanding to the plight of their wild cousins, and the people who fight to ensure that future generations will never have to paint a picture of a species that disappeared from the landscape of our imagination or wilderness.

Reserve your copy of The Owyhee Pack: The Rescue of Idaho’s Wolves when you donate $100 online or by check.

100% of funds will fund the care of our remaining pack members, the Intern Experience, and the upkeep of the Wolf Education & Research Center, Idaho’s premier wolf sanctuary.

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ED Letter

Northwest Wolf Update

by Kyle Owens

OREGON

In 2015, the wolf population in Oregon was estimated by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to be a minimum of 110 wolves (A 36% increase from 2014 estimates). Of the 110 wolves estimated there were 11 known breeding pairs that produced a total of 33 pups that survived until the end of the year. Despite the 36% increase in wolves, the rate of depredation of livestock decreased, with a total of 10 sheep, three calves, and one dog (nine of these incidences were confirmed wolf kills).

In 2014, there were 2 cattle and 30 sheep lost to wolves (11 of these incidences were confirmed wolf kills). Oregon’s annual wolf report for 2016 will be released by ODFW soon.

In November 2015, a two-year-old female wolf named OR-28 left the Mount Emily pack and traveled to an area near Klamath Lake, Oregon. Further investigation by ODFW found that there was evidence of at least one other wolf inhabiting the same area as OR-28.

In December 2015, a wolf named OR-25 left his pack outside Crater Lake National 12

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Park and traveled into Northern California before returning back to his home territory.

At some point in late 2015, a pair of wolves known as the Chesnimnus Pack in Northeast Oregon moved to another den site in the nearby Wallowa Mountains. This pack is now referred to as the Shamrock Pack.

In July 2016, OR-3 (Eight-year old male from Imnaha pack) paired up with OR-28 (three year old female from the Mount Emily pack). One pup was spotted with the pair on a remote camera. This new mating pair is now deemed the “Silver Lake Wolves” because of their proximity to Silver Lake. They are not the “Silver Lake ‘Pack’” because a pack is not technically defined as such until there is evidence of a minimum of four wolves traveling together through the end of the year (this past winter).

In March of 2017, OR-48, a mature male wolf from the newly formed Shamrock pack was killed after ingesting cyanide from a spring loaded depredation device used to kill coyotes and prevent coyote livestock conflicts. The state is now taking action to prevent this from happening again.

NW Wolf Update Areas of Known Wolf Activity - 2015 Wolf Management Zone Boundary PORTLAND Known Wolf Use Area HILLSBORO

TILLAMOOK

§ ¨ ¦ 84

97

NEWPORT CORVALLIS

SALEM

HEPPNER CONDON

5

DALLAS

£ ¤

Imnaha South Snake

£ ¤ 395

Desolation

BAKER

Catherine

§ ¨ ¦ 84

MADRAS

ALBANY

ENTERPRISE

Minam

LA GRANDE

Mt Emily

Unnamed

FOSSIL

26

£ ¤ 20

£ ¤

CANYON CITY

PRINEVILLE

26

BEND

EUGENE

VALE

£ ¤

Idaho

20

£ ¤ 97

BURNS

£ ¤

COQUILLE

395

§ ¨ ¦ 5

Rogue

GRANTS PASS MEDFORD

Keno

£ ¤ 95

OR25 KLAMATH FALLS

0

12.5

25

LAKEVIEW

50

75

100 Miles

¯

Source: US National Park Service

California

Between July and October 2016, the Profanity Peak Pack was in the headlines.

Five cattle that were in close proximity to the pack were confirmed by WDFW to have been killed by wolves. Following protocol, state wildlife managers instated a lethal removal of the Profanity Peak Pack. State wildlife managers lethally removed two adult female wolves from the pack on August 5th.

On August 18th WDFW halted lethal removal of the Profanity Peak Pack following two weeks of no depredations on livestock. On August 19th, lethal removal was reinstated after two more confirmed wolf attacks on cattle were documented.

Between August 21st and September 29th,

OR22, OR25 and OR30 AKWAs added 7/28/2015 Other AKWAs updated to 12/31/2014

OR28

ROSEBURG

GOLD BEACH

Snake River

Meacham

£ ¤

§ ¨ ¦

Wolf Packs No Longer Present

Shamrock

PENDLETON

MORO

OREGON CITY

AKWA Status Unknown

Walla Walla Umatilla River

HOOD RIVER

THE DALLES

Estimated Wolf Use Area MCMINNVILLE

Sled Springs

Wenaha

Wa shin gton

ST HELENS

Nevada

Known wolf territories in Oregon.

Courtesy of ODFW

Washington In March 2015, an annual wolf report conducted by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) found that the Washington State wolf population grew by 30% in 2014 and there were four new packs established.

In July 2015, WDFW published a news release stating that in the past year they spent $300,000 assisting ranchers with protecting their livestock from wolves using non-lethal deterrents. Non-lethal deterrents included fladry installation, hiring range riders, using guard dogs, and carcass disposal. There were 41 cooperation agreements signed between WDFW and Washington state ranchers between July 2014 and July 2015.

In March 2016, an annual wolf survey conducted by WDFW found that the Washington State wolf population grew by 32% in 2015 and there were four new packs established. The report also stated that the minimum of number of breeding pairs in the state increased from five to eight, the first increase since 2011. Another annual wolf report for 2016 will be released soon.

Known wolf territories in Washington.

Courtesy of WDFW Below: In 2009, three wolf pups were spotted on a remote camera

Photo courtesy of WDNR

ASTORIA

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NW Wolf Update

the pack went from 12 members to 4 (one adult female and three juveniles). Lethal removal of wolves from the Profanity Peak pack was halted on October 18th. WDFW director Jim Unsworth said, “With the pack reduced in size from 12 members to four and most livestock off the grazing allotments, the likelihood of depredations in the near future is low.”

California On August 3rd, 2015 California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) officially announced they found evidence of a wolf in Siskiyou County. CDFW stated that a large wolf-like figure was captured on a remote camera in May. Upon further investigation CDFW found large canid tracks and wolf-like scat (DNA of scat was analyzed but was inconclusive). CDFW installed additional remote cameras in the area and in July 2015 they captured a better picture of the mystery animal. It was almost certainly a wolf. Aside from OR7, a wolf that briefly entered the state in 2011 but now

permanently resides in Oregon, this is the first documented wolf in California in 89 years (since 1924).

On August 20th 2015, a remote camera installed by CDFW captured photographs of five gray wolf pups and two adult gray wolves in northern California. This pack is now referred to as the Shasta Pack. Due to the pack’s close proximity, it is believed that the mystery wolf photographed in May and July is associated with the Shasta Pack.

In June 2016, CDFW publicly stated they captured evidence of a lone wolf-like canid on remote cameras in Lassen County that is not part of the Shasta Pack and does not resemble OR-25 (a lone Oregon wolf that occasionally sets paw in California).

Altogether there were four photos of the mystery canid between August 2015 and May 2016. A hair sample recovered near one of the remote cameras was analyzed but the DNA analysis was not accurate enough to effectively discern the difference between a wolf, wolf-hybrid, or a dog (all genetically similar).

In November 2016 CDFW confirmed the presence of two gray wolves in Lassen Members of the Shasta Pack.

CDFW trailcam photo

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NW Wolf Update

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County. Numerous scat samples were submitted for analysis and results found that there are at least two adult wolves, a male and a female inhabiting the area. The male wolf was found to be from the Rogue Pack and a descendent of the infamous OR7. The female wolf’s DNA was not tied to any known individual wolves.

Colorado Lone wolves do occasionally visit northern Colorado but have not yet become permanent residents. Just recently there have been numerous unconfirmed sightings of wolves in Colorado, but that is not to say lone wolves have not wandered into Colorado in past years.

In 2004 a wolf was killed by a vehicle near Idaho Springs, Colorado.

In February 2007, a Colorado Parks and Wildlife official captured video of what is thought to be a gray wolf near the border of Wyoming.

In 2009, a radio-collared wolf was found dead near the town of Rifle, Colorado.

In April 2015, a small game hunter mistakenly shot a wolf thinking it was a coyote, but later US Fish and Wildlife identified the animal as a gray wolf. In a separate incident during the same month a remote camera photograph of a canid resembling a gray wolf was captured near the Wyoming border by a Colorado resident.

Nevada In early November 2016, a wolf-like animal was spotted by a game warden in northwest Nevada near the California border. Scat samples from the animal were later found in the area and DNA from the scat was analyzed.

In 2007, what a ppears to be a lone wolf, was captured in this video, south of the Colorado/Wyoming border, near Walden.

In March 2017, The DNA analysis of the mystery animal confirmed that the game warden did see a wolf. The results of the DNA analysis found that the wolf was a member of the Shasta Pack in northern California. This is the first confirmed wolf in Nevada since 1922!

Put your Logo Here For the bargain price of just $200 per year, you can show your support for our mission, and reach 20,000 online and page-turning readers.

Call 1-888-422-1110, or go on line: www.wolfcenter.org/advertisehere

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FROM PUPS TO PACKS:

by Alan Lacy

An Ever-Changing Landscape

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t is time for our fourth and final installment of “From Pups to Packs” and this time around, we are getting real. In this article, we are going to explore what it means to be an advocate for wolves, the types of challenges wolves face, and what the future may look like. We’ve explored many fascinating topics ranging from a wolf’s biology to the issues they face on an ever-changing landscape. In this article, it’s time to explore why it all matters.

The Advocate Within

It’s no secret that wolves are a highly controversial species, as is the case with most apex predators - but wolves generally cause the greatest excitement.

Wolves face many threats from many different angles. An important ingredient in maintaining protections for wolves is 16

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through advocacy. Advocacy comes in many different shapes and sizes - from multinational organizations all the way down to the individual supporter. Each play an important role in ensuring a future for wolves.

Many of us who enjoy the concept of having wolves roam free on the landscape have a bit of the advocate within us. We want to see them protected, or at least have a place where wolves can be wolves.

Some of us take extra steps to make sure this remains this way, or even improves.

Sometimes, if enough of us get together with a like-minded agenda, we form groups, or organizations. Advocacy groups play a crucial role in ensuring wolves and other apex predators remain protected as well. When these groups grow in size and influence, their reach in making a

From Pups to Packs

difference can also grow, oftentimes having the ability to take cases to court to ensure protections are maintained or created for wildlife. Some organizations even put action into on-the-ground advocacy where they work directly with communities and individuals who may be affected by wolves and other large predators. Sometimes however, these larger groups create more structure than action, resulting in continual pleas for fundraising and limited results to show for it.

Other smaller organizations ssuch as the Wolf Education and Research Center focus on education as a primary means of advocacy. Providing free material to the public, going into communities and hosting free events about wildlife, or even working directly with communities to

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solving complex problems surrounding wolves and other carnivores are just a few of the many ways these smaller organizations are making an impact.

Advocacy is forever burning in the hearts of their staff and employees, yet relational intelligence plays a huge role with working amongst the communities affected by these animals.

Both the large and the small organizations are essential however to ensuring wildlife and large carnivores have a home in the wilderness of the United States and abroad. Without their support, it is very likely this world would look drastically different than it does today. On a much more personal scale, individual advocacy is the way in which true progress is made. Becoming a champion for your favorite species is one of the greatest things you can do for our environment and planet. After all, if it were to disappear, how would you feel if you knew you could have done something about and

A WERC intern teaches children about wolves at an annual WERC-sponsored summer event

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From Pups to Packs

prevented that horrible outcome? It unfortunately happens all too frequently, just ask the Western Black Rhino… extinction is forever.

Road Blocks and Fences: What is Tolerance?

As wolves continue to expand into new territories in the west, the same narrative follows them wherever they go: ranchers hate it - environmentalists love it. Of course, it’s much deeper than that on both sides, but to summarize it as best I can, that’s about as simple and complicated as I can make it all at once.

Wolves face a tremendous amount of pressure when it comes to making a living on the landscape. They face a neverending onslaught of misinformation and misunderstanding about their behavior - which only fuels a false fronted fear that in nearly all cases is unnecessary. They face political pressures from legislators who

Ranching provides livelihoods, food, and is deeply ingrained in our collective history.

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are continually trying to erode protections and open lethal culling practices. They face an ongoing battle with landowners who sometimes take action into their own hands and then hide and bury the evidence before anyone is the wiser. They must also face over-inflated adoration that often portrays wolves as magnificent angelic beings incapable of any evil. Despite all of this, wolves are bouncing back from the near grips of extinction.

It’s no secret that the political climate in North America is a volatile one for wolves. Given the recent administration change, it’s evident this discussion – or rather – battle

From Pups to Packs

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is only heating up. What the next few months hold is anyone’s best guess. What can be done right now? The best thing one can do is to begin educating others about wolves. Help dispel the myths; bring an understanding to people who may not otherwise take the time to learn on their own. Show them one of our films and then start asking questions. It all comes down to tolerance, and sometimes it has nothing to do with the wolf, but everything to do with our own personal attitudes towards each other.

If we stepped back and removed our own agendas for a moment, and simply look at each other with an understanding that we are people, born on the same ground, raised to survive and eke out a

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From Pups to Packs

living, we would find that we both bleed red and share the same air. We need to be more tolerant of each other, which in turn would open dialogue to begin addressing some of our disagreements or differing viewpoints. What makes the strongest argument is when a hand reaches across the divide and shakes hands with the other side. This is where diffusing the roadblocks and dismantling the fences can take place.

The biggest threat that wolves are facing from the additive sum of all threats, is personal pride and a refusal by both sides of the fence to work together as people. We need to become more tolerant of the opposing side. Now I’m hearing the voices starting to pipe up saying that if a hardline isn’t drawn, there’s no way

to protect wolves. We still need to do our part, we still need to take action as necessary to ensure a healthy tomorrow.

But the important thing we must not forget is that we are working with people.

We must be tolerant of that.

The Wolf of Tomorrow

So, what does the future look like for wolves? Some may have you think they will make a full-scale comeback and inhabit every corner they used to once inhabit.

Others will say they will all be hunted and could go extinct. The reality is most likely somewhere in the middle - wolves will continue to disperse into new areas, and in other areas they may once again become hunted. However, it’s probably safe to assume they will never be exterminated by

Two of wolf OR7’s pups peek out from a log on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, June 2, 2014.

Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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From Pups to Packs

hunting as they once were, despite what you hear. Wolves are resilient creatures, and there are great people fighting for their right to remain on the landscape.

The future remains an open book.

Wolves have this uncanny ability to survive. Their future is literally in our hands. So, what can we do? The best thing we can do is to educate ourselves on the issues at hand, working together to solve our problems collectively. By doing so we can ensure there is a tomorrow for wolves, and we will have contributed to something valuable along the way.

As we look back over this series titled “From Pups to Packs” we have learned a lot about wolves. We explored the social dynamics of a wolf pack, and how pups rely on the whole pack to grow up strong.

We’ve learned what makes great wolf habitat, and how wolves hunt together as a unit to survive. We’ve also discussed some of the people involved with wolf management and those who are affected by wolves.

Our next species to explore will be wolverines! Look for a new and exciting series to begin in the next issue of the Sawtooth Quarterly! We will take an in-depth look into the intricate lives of wolverines and learn fascinating new insights into their secretive lives. Let us know what you thought of this series by checking out the Wolf Education and Research Center online and dropping us a note! We look forward to hearing from you!

Explore Owls and Wolves! at kidwings.com

GREAT HORNED OWL Kidwings Explores North American Owls (Bubo virginianus) Wingspan: 39-57 inches.

Large eyes with pupils that open widely in the dark with retinas that have many rod cells for excellent night vision.

BARN OWL

(Tyto alba) North American Owls Kidwings Explores

The Great Horned Owl can be fou nd i n a largest and m ny ost aggr essive environ m spec ies o ent be tw f ow Great Horned Owl l in een th Range Nor e th A tropi Year-round c me rica s and wh with the a Eyes don’t move in ich r sockets - head swivels inc the m ctic. I o t lud 270 degrees. es st wi is the upw de r Typically lay 2 a ng ard Kidwings They are the most longeggs and as many s of 5 ing diet profile, 0 0 d if f living owl in North America. as 4, ranging erent species.

The oldest owl was 29 years old but the average lifespan in the wild is 13 years old.

Feathers have hollow quills and comb-like edges that cut through air and make flight silent.

They typically use old nests of larger birds, but also may utilize barns, caves, and tree cavities.

Wingspan: 40-49 inches.

e found on every continent e Barn Owl Range Barn owls can b xce Adults Weighs nal. Their unique “churrick” an pt for Ant Year-round strictly noctur a d “scr weigh 12-16 ounces – eech” rctica. B Summer between a voca about the same lizat rn owls two and five as a football. a ions are c re seldo pounds. omm m Disk-like face only seen b ec hea helps focus rd ar ause they are almost sound. o u nd o pen fields at night.

Diet is primarily small mammals (88%). Notable prey sources include skunks, small alligators, geese, fish, and porcupines.

offset Barn owl ears are other), (one higher than the prey. which helps locate

Females have spots on their chest not. whereas males do Head turns 270 degrees.

Height: 13-16 inches.

ARCTIC WOLF

in size between 1.8 to 2.2 inches.

Explores the (Canis lupu Adult Arctic Wol f s arctos)

Adults are 18-20 inches Order : Carni tall with vora Famil y: Canid females beingae 10-20% larger The Ar than males. cti

Humans, polar bears, and other

c wol wolves are f is d common istin univ predators. rounde ersal wh guishe d ear s, a n ite coa d ana to to arr o Arctic Wolf wer f fur, mica Range lly s bra Year-round in c horte from ase r le the g , sl Mottled gray igh s, sm gray tly a feathers make lar ller wolf for excellent The outer ger sno wi layer of fur, car ut, th a camouflage. the guard called hairs, are n a sm used repel water Arctic wolve The comm s s , reflect sunlig to on primary ial aller s will travel hundreds sources for prey and provid tee and of miles follow © 2017 Kidwings.com All Rights arctic wolve e camouflageht, Reserved th, m ing s are musk oxen, . caribou herds and ore arctic hares . , and peary a s li caribou.

Arctic wolve g h tly lo nger tail. hunt in packss will more often than gray wolves.

Dark eyes with rod cells absorb light at night.

SCREECH OWL Powerful

Kidwings Explores talons lock North American Owls (Megascops asio) onto prey and tree branches.

Arctic wolve s able to survivare e temperature s as low as -70*F.

owls 73-100% of a barn diet is composed of small mammals.

© 2017 Kidwings.com

All Rights Reserved

Western Screech Owl Range (left)

Shorter and anatomical smaller features equate to less surfac e area expos ed to cold. © 2017 Kidwing

s.com All Rights

Year-round

Reserved

Eastern Screech Owl Range (above)

The screech owl is a small owl Year-round that is re lat is native to most wooded env ironmen ively com ts o m well to manmade develo Average 7 to 10 pment, a f its dist on in E ri a lthou inches tall and have a gh it bution stern N a freq While screech owls o wingspan of about uen nd, mo rth A The reddish mottled have lived for over m tly a r 18 to 24 inches. void e so th erica, coloration is a perfect 20 years in captivity, a fr s n det camouflage when wild birds seldom, ecti any o om Me t x on perching in trees. if ever, live that long. due her ow ico to C an l to i ts s in its ra ada. This species Eastern Western tric nge, h tly n as adapted Screech Owl Screech Owl octur nal hab its.

Large insects are favored in their diet. Also, they eat reptiles, small mammals, such as bats, mice, and other small birds.

Common predators at screech owl nests include: opossums, minks, weasels, raccoons, ringtails, skunks, snakes, crows, and fox squirrels.

Weight ranges from 88 to 220g, this is similar to an average banana in weight.

Get your 18x24 laminated copy of Kidwings Explores North American Owls and Wolves of the World for only $10 each plus shipping.

More exciting posters coming!

© 2017 Kidwings.com All Rights Reserved

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A Template for Howling Success

Charities face a variety of obstacles in these uncertain times. I know that’s a bit cliché. However, it is true. Running a successful nonprofit requires a foundation built on program development, modest and sustainable growth, and a science of fundraising.

Part of that resource development includes capturing the imagination of community members who perceive support and sacrifice as the investment in outcomes and returns.

1.

Provision of funds for animals in our care.

The return for investment in WERC?

2.

Training of young people entering ecology, biology, and veterinary fields

That’s the simple list. But how do we get there?

We get there, in part, by serving each of you with this remarkable magazine, engaging films, a growing online resource for teachers, and continued innovation and creativity with “investors” and continued 22

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3.

A more informed public who adopt ideas and behaviors that lead to better conservation practices of wolves and other species

identification of a two-way street of value.

Here’s a terrific example of how it can work. My plea to you is to examine what it is that YOU can offer that duplicate this less traditional but reliable way of raising both awareness and resources.

A Template for Howling Success

Meet Owl Brand Discovery Kits (OBDK) which develops products and resources for science teachers around the world. In 2005, OBDK received recognition as one of Canada National Geographic’s Best Companies for Science Teachers. In 2008, OBDK bought an educational website called Kidwings.com and redeveloped it. In 2012, OBDK received recognition from a national media business who filmed 12 companies across the United States as “Good Companies.”

OBDK has enjoyed modest success, and that is not unusual. What is possible, however, is unusual.

One of the tasks developers at OBDK were given was to create products under a label that can be sold at the WERC Visitors Center and online. Some of you might recall the Wolf Camp Discovery Kit? Each year, hundreds of children dissect barn owl pellets as part of WERC’s outreach because of a donation from a partnering company!

A great example of recent development is the Kidwings Explores Owls of North America and Wolves of the World. This partnership model demonstrates the following: 1. OBDK leverages partnering company resources to create education specific items such as kits and posters to be retailed at charity stores.

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2. OBDK prints strategically large quantities that substantially lower cost of production to charity so that the profit is up to 8x the cost -- a poster that cost under $1 and retailed at $8.

3. OBDK & Kidwings offer science specific, stable, and high traffic educational websites that refer visitors to charity’s website and online resources.

I share this today to challenge you in two ways.

Perhaps you own a business that can benefit WERC or another favorite charity.

The value of your community and sphere of influence is potentially profound and often can direct one or more people in your community to make a significant difference in what is important to you.

Also, I share this challenge to demonstrate how our team thinks creatively and resourcefully in our stewardship of your confidence, not only for our efforts at Wolf Camp but for the benefit of our community of grassroots charities who desperately need to relieve the unwavering support of donors.

Creating important funding initiatives is essential to better fund our future.

If you’ve read this and are interested, please write to me at info@wolfcenter. org, and I will gratefully assist you in your efforts.

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The Unabridged History of the Owyhee Pack Part 4

s WERC prepared for the sudden adoption of the Owyhee Pack through the USDA, we inquired with the former owner if any of the wolves had names. She informed us that some of her favorite wolves had nicknames, however not all the wolves had uniform names. With seventeen wolves running about, it would have been difficult for a professional handler team to keep track of all the various names, let alone an overwhelmed elderly woman who simply struggled to keep the wolves alive. Since WERC wanted to provide names for our new ambassadors that were accurate

A Four-Part SLQ Feature

by Jeremy Heft

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A

History of the Owyhee Pack

and descriptive of their individual nature, it was decided to label each of the new pack members with a simple alphabetic letter for the time being. Once we had an opportunity to acquaint ourselves with each wolf, then a formal name could be devised for each. Since the pack was comprised of five individuals, the letters A through E were used to initially title each wolf. Wolf A was clearly the leader of the pack, an assertive alpha-male, who was the most social member toward humans.

A particular encounter between him and I prior to their relocation is a major reason his pack was chosen by WERC for rescue.

Wolf A approached nearby as I knelt down at their fence line when examining all the packs during the USDA confiscation.

He moved close to me, confident, almost like a social captive wolf. Instinctively, I spoke to him and he returned the communication with a neutral, yet willing, gaze into my eyes. I immediately knew this alpha-male potentially held the key in breaking through the anti-social nature of this neglected pack. Just as Kamots, the strong alpha-male of the Sawtooth Pack, led his pack through the major

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transition from Stanley to Winchester, this alpha may do the same for his pack. I was convinced by his semi-social behaviors, and the Owyhee Pack was chosen to be saved by WERC. Wolf A did not look like a stereotypical alpha, however. He was short and stocky, resembling the body form of our late friend Motomo. Still, there was no doubt he was the most dominant wolf of the pack, even though he rarely enforced his rank through active dominance. He was mostly black in color, with some gray on his chest and belly, and a pronounced gray patch under his chin. The leader of the pack, now known as Wolf A, would later become known as Himtuuqin.

Contrary to the demeanor of the alpha-male, Wolf B was the most aloof of the pack. This petite, classic gray colored female consistently maintained a far distance from all humans, behaving the most “wild� of all members. She also seemed to be the most energetic, often trotting about the enclosure on patrol.

Wolf B did not appear to be very social with her packmates, and she maintained the most independence within the hierarchy. Her relatively small size and classic wolf coloration became the basis for her future name, Kuckuc. The next member, Wolf C, was not only the largest of the females, but also the most assertive

WERC rescued the Owyhee Pack away from very neglectful conditions, and brought them to our Winchester sanctuary to live a healthy life.

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History of the Owyhee Pack

A

B

C From Left to Right, Wolf A – who became Himtuuqin, Wolf B – who became Kuckuc, in the center is Wolf C – who became XayXayx.

in rank. She maintained a confident posture and commonly traveled about the enclosure with Wolf A, possibly creating the first alpha-pair of the pack. Her coat was mostly white with a rust-colored patch over the middle of her back that resembled a saddle. The most striking behavior of Wolf C was that she routinely observed humans very intently, both from close and distant ranges. This watching behavior was the main focus of her future permanent name, XayXayx. The third female of the pack, Wolf D was also a solid white color like Wolf C, however she lacked the rusty saddle over her back. She was also slightly smaller and less muscular than her lookalike pack mate, and much less intense in behavior. Wolf D was the most submissive within the hierarchy, sustaining typical omega rump wounding prior to the pack’s rescue. Still, she remained quite social with the remainder of the pack, even during feedings when dominance is typically at its peak. Wolf D had a peculiar habit of frequenting the stream running through the meadow, therefore 26

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seemed to have consistent muddy paws. Her affinity for water eventually led to her being known as Leqeyleqey. Finally, Wolf E was a large male, who maintained a diffuse gray coloration. His fur ranged from dark gray over his back to very light gray, almost white on his belly. However, he lacked the racoon mask around the eyes associated with a stereotypical classic gray wolf color scheme. Wolf E was submissive to the other male, Wolf A, when around food or when Wolf A advanced a dominance display toward him. However, he never exhibited active submission toward Wolf A or any of the females. Wolf E remained mostly to himself, and often was not an active participant in pack rallies or play.

He had a knack for avoiding conflict during hierarchy enforcement behaviors, thus earning a belief among handlers as being intelligent. In combination with his physical size, his presumed intelligence was the foundation of his future name,

History of the Owyhee Pack

D

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E

Wolf D – who became Leqeyleqey, and finally, Wolf E – who became Miyooxat.

Miyooxat.

The names of the Sawtooth Pack members were a combination of Blackfoot and Nez Perce origins. The original five wolves had names created using Blackfoot language to honor the Native American Tribe closest to their birthplace. After plans were created to move the Sawtooth Pack and WERC to the home of the Nez Perce Tribe, the younger six wolves’ names were created with the Nez Perce language. This naming process was meant to honor the Nez Perce for inviting WERC to reside upon their land.

When the time came to officially name the individuals of the Owyhee Pack, WERC wished to continue this honoring. After about a year of observation, characteristics of each wolf such as physical description and behavior were compiled by WERC handlers.

This listing of characteristics was then submitted to the Nez Perce Tribe’s Cultural Resources Division, who assembled a

gathering of the Tribe’s elders to review the list. After discussion among the elders, Nez Perce words were combined to describe each individual wolf. This was the birth of the names for the Owyhee Pack. The alpha-male, Wolf A became known as Himtuuqin’ (pronounced Him-two-kin)—meaning “The Bearded One” to describe the obvious gray beard he possessed. The petite Wolf B became known as Kuckuc (Koots-koots)—meaning “Little Gray Girl”, a description of her body and appearance. The ever-observant Wolf C was named XayXayx (Hai-hai-h)— meaning “The White Watcher” in honor of her white coat and habit of staring at humans. Fun fact: XayXayx literally means “white” in Nez Perce language. Wolf D, who often walked in the stream, would now be called Leqeyleqey (Lek-ay-lekay)—meaning “Gentle Water”. Finally, the large and intelligent Wolf E received the name Miyooxat (Me-yoo-hut)—meaning “Wise Giant”. Fun fact: Miyooxat literally translates to “Chief” or “King” in Nez Perce language. The elders consecrated the SL - SPRING 2017

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History of the Owyhee Pack

new names through a blessing, and the Owyhee Pack as we know it today was born.

The first year of residency at Wolf Camp was smooth and easy for the pack.

Although it was clear that Himtuuqin was the alpha-male, a noticeable alpha-female had yet to emerge. The female hierarchy was quite fluid and not well defined. Most of the time Leqeyleqey was the most submissive female, however her existing rump wounds from her former backyard home had now all healed completely over. During her life with WERC, she never again received the deep, extensive lacerations caused by severe dominance to her rump area. This was the first visible sign that the pack was obviously living a healthier life with us. Still, dominance posturing over her was evident, so she remained the omega-female of the pack.

Kuckuc and XayXayx were less obvious with their posturing. Then, their first breeding season at Wolf Camp arrived in

A relaxed Leqeyleqey, in the natural setting of the wooded Winchester two-acre enclosure.

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January 2009. XayXayx emerged as the alpha-female through posturing only. She pair-bonded with Himtuuqin, even though he had previously been neutered and exhibited no sexual behaviors whatsoever.

Kuckuc assumed mid-rank, and the pack moved through this first breeding season with no conflicts. By the end of the winter, the pack has a clearly defined hierarchy among both male and female ranks.

The pack hierarchy remained stable for the next several years until February 2011. During this time, XayXayx led the females in a relatively loose structure during most of the year, then tightened down the dominance during each winter’s breeding season. Himtuuqin and Miyooxat rarely exhibited dominance or submission toward one another, unless new food were present. During feeds, Himtuuqin was clearly dominant over all other members. The pack increasingly became relaxed around both handlers and visitors, which was readily observed by nearly all who approached their enclosure.

These years were the peak of the Owyhee Pack’s effectiveness in supporting WERC’s mission. However, as with any society, the structure eventually weakens and a change in format is inevitable. For the Owyhees, this change suddenly occurred on February 6, 2011.

While many Americans were celebrating the holiday that is Super Bowl Sunday on February 6, the life of the Owyhee Pack made a drastic, unexpected turn for the negative, which almost cost the life of Miyooxat. The breeding season of 2011 had been slowly escalating up to be the most dominant and aggressive breeding season observed among the pack since their arrival in 2008. XayXayx increased her frequency and severity of dominance over particularly Kuckuc, who remained

History of the Owyhee Pack

submissive at first. Then, for some reason, Kuckuc elected to rebel against XayXayx’s advances during the night of February 5th. By the next morning, Kuckuc was the new alpha-female of the pack….and Miyooxat had sustained a major injury in the process. It is important to note that Miyooxat regularly avoided dominance conflicts between the females. He would always move away from any dominance among the pack. However, in years past XayXayx would often make sexual advances toward him. This “flirting” was commonly observed every breeding season, but Himtuuqin would never intervene (probably because neither male had any sexual hormones remaining after neutering). Miyooxat would sometimes play along with XayXayx and play bow in reciprocation to her advances. No reaction from any pack member was ever observed to these flirting events. However, the aftermath of that fateful night may have shown us the first, and very dramatic, impact of XayXayx’s affinity for Miyooxat.

During the usual morning visit with the pack, I immediately noticed something was wrong with Miyooxat. He remained lying near the fence in the trees of Raven’s Roost as I passed and did not even make an attempt to move. This was highly unusual, especially since his back was toward me. He raised his head, but would not pivot around to look at me, even though I waited almost an hour in the location. After completing the enclosure walk, then gathering handler support, the decision was made to push him to stand in order to ensure his good health, or verify an injury or illness. Miyooxat must have presumed our intentions, as he stood quickly when we made a second visit. Unfortunately, as he stood it was evident that something was very wrong.

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In fact, he had sustained the worst injury to any wolf in WERC history. His left front leg was badly fractured midway between his paw and elbow. The radius and ulna are the two predominant bones of the lower foreleg, and both had not only been broken, but both were displaced causing an angulation of his lower leg. To further complicate the injury, the ends of the splintered bones were protruding out of the skin, creating an open fracture.

Miyooxat was in obvious pain and could not place any weight upon the leg whatsoever. After a rapid analysis of his

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Not only are they friends of tourism from around the world, they are friends of the Wolf Education & Research Center!

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History of the Owyhee Pack

The gnarly injury Miyooxat received during the deposition of XayXayx from alphafemale.

injury and condition, we departed the enclosure quickly in order to not bring any undue attention to him from the pack, as well as allow him to lie back down and alleviate the strain of standing.

An immediate emergency response was then organized to correct his injury and hopefully save his life.

The Wolf Education and Research Center has maintained a long, productive relationship with Washington State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital in relatively nearby Pullman, Washington.

WSU VetMed has supplied our attending veterinarians, as well as highly renowned veterinary specialists for the entire existence of WERC in Winchester. This team of world-class veterinarians runs one of the best Veterinary Medicine Colleges in the world, and they have been very supportive of WERC through the years. Our vets with WSU guided the Sawtooth Pack through life and undoubtedly assisted them in maintaining the best captive life possible. Now, this was WSU VetMed’s first experience with the Owyhee Pack, and as expected the college provided the best possible care Miyooxat could ever receive. Our attending veterinarian, Dr. 30

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Nickol Finch, was consulted immediately after the leg injury was observed, and she began preparations for Miyooxat’s emergency visit to WSU’s clinic. Although we have performed many field surgeries within the enclosures through the years, radiographies (or x-rays) would be necessary to properly diagnose and remedy his fracture. This is only available in a clinic, so the dangerous transport of an injured wolf was necessary to complete his treatment. Pullman, Washington is approximately an hour and a half drive from Winchester, which is a long time with a wolf under anesthesia, never mind being locked in a confined space with said wolf who could potentially wake up at any time. An event such as this has never been performed by WERC, however we were prepared. First, adequate transportation was needed. WERC has deep ties with Winchester Volunteer Fire Department through many staff and interns volunteering to fight fire through the years. In fact, I have been the Fire Chief for WVFD since 2012. The department has an old Jeep J-10 Ambulance that has been converted to be an Incident Command and supply vehicle. There are two benches in the back of the box-like truck where stretchers would be placed,

History of the Owyhee Pack

holding patients. This was a perfect set up for wolf transport, and WVFD graciously allowed us to borrow IC 2125 to transport Miyooxat. All of WERC’s wolf medical and thermoregulation equipment was loaded and a comfy bed was made for him on one of the benches. The most difficult part of the transport would be getting Miyooxat safely under anesthesia and in to IC 2125 for transport.

WERC wolf handlers have been practicing with dart gun operations for many years, however due to the very social nature of the Sawtooth Pack, we had never actually darted a wolf before.

The use of chemical immobilization was less of a concern since WERC handlers have much experience in this area, however the extent of Miyooxat’s health compromise was unknown. Therefore, he could become unstable quickly, and there was not enough time for a vet to arrive in Winchester for assistance. WERC handlers were on their own, with Miyooxat’s life in the balance. Needless to say, it was a stressful time. To complicate matters, all handlers agreed that Himtuuqin had a great potential to defend Miyooxat after darting. This could create a very dangerous situation as we attempted to remove Miyooxat from the enclosure.

All precautions were taken to protect both Miyooxat and handlers in the event Himtuuqin attacked. However, Himtuuqin would ultimately have the final say on the outcome of Miyooxat’s removal attempt.

As I entered the enclosure, with dart gun in hand and an intent eye on Himtuuqin, Miyooxat was lying in the trees of Raven’s Roost. The remainder of the pack moved up the slope toward the Summit, the furthest location away from Raven’s Roost.

Miyooxat made one attempt to stand, which fortunately presented a clear shot

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and the dart landed on his left upper leg—a clean hit. As expected, he then moved as fast as possible away from me on three legs. He limped his way toward the pack, who were quietly waiting all the way up the hill on the Summit. As Miyooxat moved toward them, followed by me, the pack casually moved down the other side of the enclosure to the meadow, effectively avoiding us. After about fifteen minutes, he became sleepy and sat, then laid and eventually went unresponsive. I immediately checked on his vital signs, muzzled him, and prepared him for transport by splinting his fractured leg. By this time the other handlers had arrived with our transport stretcher, and we carried him to the waiting transport vehicle. Thankfully, Himtuuqin, nor any other pack members, ever interfered with any aspect of Miyooxat’s removal. Perhaps they recognized he needed our help?

The transport went smoothly. Miyooxat remained stable the entire journey, and we all caught our breath during the drive. As we arrived at WSU, Dr. Finch, accompanied by a full team of veterinary

Miyooxat being transported to WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital for surgery to correct his fractured leg.

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A team of highly specialized veterinarians and technicians at WSU Vet Med treated Miyooxat.

The team was lead by Dr. Nickol Finch (left) and Dr. Courtney Watkins (right).

technicians, orthopedic specialists, and surgeons were waiting for us. After a fast examination of Miyooxat on board IC 2125, the team whisked him away on a stretcher into the clinic. As we moved through the halls of the veterinary hospital, a crowd of students and doctors gathered in the hallways to see their first wolf in the hospital. Miyooxat became an instant celebrity. The first stop was on the tour was the radiology department to obtain a diagnosis of the fracture’s severity. The head of the department insisted he would oversee the work on him, as a crowd of students gathered around the console to observe. As expected, the radiographs proved Miyooxat had sustained a major, displaced, open fracture of the radius and ulna on the left front leg. Since surgery was necessary to repair the leg, the next destination was pre-op, where he would be prepared for an orthopedic operation. At the same time, WSU VetMed’s Anesthesia Department devised a unique concoction of anesthetics and analgesics specifically for Miyooxat. It was an incredible experience to watch some of the best veterinarians in the world diligently brainstorm the best treatment 32

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for Miyooxat, recognizing he is not a dog and has specific needs of a wolf. I fielded questions on behavior, demeanor, typical energy levels, and even relative socialization to humans that were all considered in the equation of his care. All the meanwhile, technicians were shaving his leg, setting IVs and installing ventilators in preparation for surgery. Once his leg was shaved, we all realized that another complication had entered the saga of Miyooxat’s injury that could change not only his treatment, but the remainder of his life.

Miyooxat’s bare leg showed the worst news of the day. A significant infection had spread through the leg. Mud was found impacted up in the bone marrow, as if he attempted to walk normally on the leg and it collapsed under him, spearing the broken ends of the bone that protruded the skin deep into the mud. The rapid spread of the infection was astounding.

At the very most, the leg had been broken about thirty-six hours prior to arrival at the hospital, yet the extent of the infection appeared to have been weeks old. It surprised us all. The leading theory for such a fast spread is the conduit of

History of the Owyhee Pack

the marrow through the leg bones. The impacted mud in the marrow may have led to a quick, massive infectious spread throughout the leg. The cause of the fracture also presented itself once the leg was free of fur. Two deep, hard bite marks were clearly visible on opposite sides of the leg near the fracture. Major flesh wounding accompanied the bite marks, so it is safe to assume the same pressure exerted could easily fracture a bone.

This brings us back to Miyooxat’s flirting activity with XayXayx. The same night of his leg fracture, Kuckuc successfully overthrew XayXayx for the alpha-female rank. These dominance battles are often aggressive and cause injuries. Even though Miyooxat avoided these conflicts, if XayXayx had approached him in usual fashion, but this time Kuckuc used this distraction to gain an advantage over XayXayx, it is easily possible Miyooxat’s leg became an unintentional recipient of an alpha-female deposition battle. Given that the bite marks on his leg were in opposite directions, and that during rank overthrows wolves often bite and shake their opponent violently (much like dogs do to toys), the damage to Miyooxat’s leg could easily be caused by XayXayx and Kuckuc during an alpha-female fight. If XayXayx had approached Miyooxat that night, then Kuckuc intercepted them and began a battle toward the current alpha-female, his leg could have been caught between them, thus receiving the extensive injury. The ultimate story of being in the wrong place at the wrong time!

Regardless of the cause, Miyooxat’s injury just took a turn for the worse. His surgeon, Dr. Courtney Watkins, believed she may be able to restructure the leg using metal rods. However, the recovery

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of this would be long and extensive, including a physical rehabilitation period.

He would need to be immobilized on that leg for several weeks too. Past experience with captive wolves has shown that temporary isolation of an injured individual does not work. Once introduced back to the pack, the wolf typically is reinjured or exiled. Plus, if the infection is allowed to progress within the leg without extensive antibiotic control, it will likely travel throughout the body and make him septic, which would kill him. Due to Miyooxat’s non-social nature, it was impossible to reliably pill him antibiotics three times a day for weeks. The decision at hand involved either attempting to save his leg, or his life. A meeting of both our attending veterinarians, his surgeon, and myself ensued to decide the fate of Miyooxat. Would we risk his life in an attempt to save his leg…or relegate him to a three-legged life forever?

To be continued…

This is the fourth edition of a multiple-part series spread throughout the SLQ in 2016 and 2017. The final chapters will be included in a forthcoming book encompassing the complete unabridged history of the Owyhee Pack.

Be sure to watch for the release of this book in early 2018 to learn if Miyooxat survives his injury with all four legs, and the fate of the other members of the Owyhee Pack as they enter the twilight of their lives.

See Page 10 for more details!

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Wolf Education & Research Center

A World of Discove Join us on a brief online tour Not all can travel to our facility, just outside of Winchester, Idaho. But, you can still travel via the internet to discover the wolves of the Owyhee Pack, and a plethara of knowledge and information about Wolves, Other Apex Predators and the state of their health in the modern day environment.

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ry Awaits You Online of our information-rich web site.

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Wolf Education & Research Center

OWYHEE PACK HISTORY In 2008, the Wolf Education & Research Center became home to five of seventeen wolves from Murphy, Idaho. These animals were nursed back to health under the care of WERC’s biologist and today are the new face of our programs, with more than 3000 visitors viewing them in their natural habitat annually. This pictorial history is guided by the words of our staff and interns who’ve participated in their care.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

History of the Owyhee Pack – Part 1 History of the Owyhee Pack

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This is the previously untold story of the Owyhee Pack...

The Unabridged History of the Owyhee Pack A Four-Part SLQ Feature

by Jeremy Heft

riginally, The Wolf Education and Research Center was created to build a foundation that would provide the best care possible for the Sawtooth Pack: Wolves of the Nez Perce for the remainder of their lives. Another goal was to provide fact-based education to the public by utilizing the captive Sawtooth Pack as ambassadors. Our mission of providing world-class wolf education to thousands of people every year began after WERC transferred from US Forest Service land near Stanley, Idaho to our current facility outside Winchester in 1996.

A special partnership with the Nez Perce Tribe allowed for a large, picturesque sanctuary to be established where the wolves had ample room to live in a completely natural setting. Thanks to Jim and Jamie Dutcher’s documentaries, in which they had starred, The Sawtooth Pack: Wolves of the Nez Perce was undoubtedly the most famous captive

wolf pack in the world; they drew visitors from around the world. For the next 17 years, the pack was at the forefront of wolf education not only in the Northwest, but globally. However, no animal lives forever, and individuals slowly passed away, decreasing the once large, eleven-member pack to fewer and fewer wolves. WERC was faced with the realization that our project would soon come to an end.

In 2008, numerous meetings and brainstorming sessions occurred regarding the future of the organization. Due to the persistent lack of wolf knowledge among the public, coupled with the lasting fear and misconceptions still being spread by wolf foes, WERC was ready to make the decision to continue our mission with new captive wolves. The big question was—how do we obtain more wolves responsibly? Many avenues for gaining wolves were examined. Most were discounted as either not ethical, or too difficult, but we remained determined.

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Amani (left) and Matsi (right) lived out their days with each other.

Then, suddenly in April of 2008, a major opportunity was presented when a captive pack, scheduled for removal from their current location, needed to find a satisfactory home. The torch was passed from the elderly Sawtooth Pack.

These wolves would become the new ambassadors for WERC’s global mission.

Unknowingly, WERC began preparations for welcoming the Owyhee Pack back in 2001, seven years prior to their arrival. Actually, the process was set in motion in October 2000 when the wolf Matsi was removed from the Sawtooth Pack. Escalated pack aggression directed toward Matsi resulted in a significant injury requiring surgery, and he was permanently removed from the pack. Matsi was transferred for surgery and recovery to the half-acre holding pen built beside the Sawtooth’s 20-acre enclosure.

However, this holding area was never meant to be permanent housing for any wolf, so WERC immediately began to erect an additional enclosure suitable for Matsi. Having the same specifications for fencing and protocols used on the original 20-acre complex, the new habitat also boasted several upgrades from the old enclosure. A large water container was installed to ensure ample water year round, a guillotine gate was added to the lock-off (feeding area) fence to increase safety for handlers, and a third observation point for visitors were all incorporated into the new satellite wolf enclosure. One year later, the new two-acre habitat was ready and Matsi began life in his new, and last, home.

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SAWTOOTH PACK HISTORY

Internships Staff

If you’re a fan of the Sawtooth Pack: Wolves of the Nez Perce, Interns

you’ll enjoy this pictorial and narrative of their history following their arrival to Winchester, Idaho. Each of the 11 wolves will be Directors profiled in picture and memorialized by our staff, volunteers, interns, and others who’s lives have been impacted through meeting these ambassadors of wolf recovery.

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40 COMMON QUESTIONS Our team fields a wild array of questions. Over the next couple months, we’ll share 40 common questions that might have some surprising answers to each of you. Sharing these with friends and family will help to make them aware of the plight that wolves face. Our first question is a great one.

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Why Wolves 40 Common Questions Along The Trail Ask The Biologist Mexican Gray Wolf Mobile Species Lab Otter Updates RadioWild Sawtooth Legacy Films Wolf Behavior 101 Wolf Camp Vids Why Humans Education Partners

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WOLF WEBCAMS We maintain two Wolf Webcams, at different locations of the enclosure, to provide observation of the Owyhee Pack every day! This way, you can enjoy checking in on the pack whenever you like, regardless of your distance from Winchester. Here are some examples of pictures taken by the cameras. Scroll below the pictures to see our live wolf action on our Wolf Webcams!

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Reserve a Tour Mobile Species Lab Sanctuary Cams Volunteer Area Info Camping & Yurts Area History Lewiston Attractions Area History & Culture

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Wolf Education & Research Center

Web Site Menu List Description Home – www.wolfcenter.org About

History – WERC history Internships – Info on Interning Staff – Bios Interns – Bios Directors – Bios

Learn

Why Wolves – Benefit of the Wolf 40 Common Questions – Answers Along The Trail – What to expect along the Trail in Winchester Ask The Biologist – Jeremy Heft’s popular article posted online Mexican Gray Wolf – Timeline of the Mexican Wolf recovery efforts Mobile Species Lab – Info on upcoming Educational Outreach Program Otter Update – Report on Wolves in Idaho RadioWild – Podcast on Wolf topics Sawtooth Legacy Films – Watch, rent, or purchase The Great Predator Debate video series.

Wolf Behavior 101– Jeremy Heft’s popular article posted online Wolf Camp Vids – Original videos created by WERC Why Humans – Our challenges to keeping our environment healthy Education Partners – Sponsoring company links

View

– Quick Link to Video content

Visit

Reserve a Tour – Reservations Mobile Species Lab – Info on upcoming Educational Outreach Program

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Sanctuary Cams – Live online video cameras in our Wolf enclosure Volunteer – Who to contact about volunteering Area Info – Craigmont Great Area Chamber of Commerce link Camping & Yurts – Idaho State Parks & Recreation link Area History – Lewis Clark Valley visitor information link Lewiston Attractions – Lewis Clark Valley nearby attractions link Area History & Culture – Lewis Clark Valley history & culture link

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Sponsor the SLQ – How to get our magazine Sponsor Our Outreach – Make a difference in a significant way Sponsor A Class – Gift valuable educational materials to a school/ classroom of your choice Host A Viewing – Invite us to speak in your community Sawtooth Legacy Society – A new way to make a significant difference to our mission WERC Rewards – List of significant donors and volunteers to our organization.

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WERC Blog - coming soon!

Intern Experience

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2017 Intern Experience

UPGRADES

The Wolf Education and Research Center is proud to announce the expansion of the Intern Experience for 2017! For many years now, we’ve only held summer internships, which last from May until September. Since Jessica departed WERC last spring, our one man crew has been handling all Winchester duties through the off-season. Thankfully, Fall Intern Jen Wissmann remained in Camp last year up until Thanksgiving to help cover the workload. Over winter, WERC decided to expand the intern program to help cover the large responsibility of 24/7 wolf care and facility upkeep. In 2017, we plan

to hold a spring, summer, and fall term of internships. This will not only help provide dedicated hands, but also expand the potential for other students to attend our world-famous Intern Experience. There will be one intern for both spring and fall terms, and then the usual three interns for over summer. Our spring intern, Cammi Ward, began her season with us in mid-March and plans to remain in Camp until midMay. We are happy to welcome her to our team. She has already become a big help in easing the never-ending responsibilities of operating our facility. You can read more about Cammi below.

Cammi Ward Cammi grew up in South Jordan, Utah, in a suburban area outside of Salt Lake City. After high school, Cammi entered and graduated from Brigham Youn g University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife and Wildlands Conservation. While wolves are one of Cammi’s favorite animals, her favorite animals are bats, and she hopes to have her career be the rehabilitation of endangered bat species so that their numbers increase.

Outside of work, some of Cammi’s hobbies are reading, drawing, video games, and spending time with family.

Cammi donates platelets several times per year at a local donation center and en joys taking care of her youn g niece and nephew. Once she lives in a place that allows pets, Cammi would like to get a snake and a hed gehog.

VISIT. LEARN. EXPERIENCE.

SUMMER SEASON

Come visit us in Winchester.

Open Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend.

Visit wolfcenter.org for more details and reservations.

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Wolf Behavior 101

Lesson 24: Face Wipe

by Jeremy Heft

Biologist/ Sanctuary Manager

Cleaning ones fur using a stick before a little nap, will do just the trick.

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he life of a wolf is a dirty one. For at least half of the year, most Gray Wolves in North America live on a forest floor comprised of soil, detritus, rocks, shrubs, and grass. Some packs reside in more arid climates, where the land is more barren with dry, dusty soil. Regardless of the location, spring is typically wet and muddy everywhere.

This often-messy habitat, coupled with the instinct to travel great distances over the landscape, creates some dirty wolves. The process of consuming large prey is another contributor to a very unkempt and bloody lifestyle. Yet, wolves have a knack at maintaining relative cleanliness through all these dirty hazards. There are many benefits of keeping a general state of hygiene for wolves and all wildlife, so the behaviors of individual cleaning and pack grooming are likely evolutionarily advantageous. The anatomy and

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Wolf Behavior 101

physiology of wolves also promote a relatively clean body. Therefore, both individual cleaning and pack grooming behaviors, as well as a body structure that promotes cleanliness, may increase the survivability of the species. If not, at least they look good every day!

There are many ways wolves keep clean, both behaviorally and physiologically. There are too many ways to describe at the proper depth within this edition, so be sure to look for future installments in forthcoming SLQs on wolf cleanliness.

To begin the series, let’s discuss one of the most unexpected and almost comical, yet productive cleaning behaviors—the “face wipe”. Besides their paws and lower legs, the muzzle and head of a wolf is probably the most likely body area to become dirty. As we know, wolves use olfaction, or smelling, as their primary sense of perception. With approximately 280 million olfactory receptors (compared to our measly 6 million), wolves perceive the world through their nose, hence it always leads them in whichever direction they may travel. This means the first part of their body to rub against vegetation is their head. Ever walk through a forest meadow?

The grasses, shrubs, twigs, and ground surface are all loaded with dust, pollen, burs, and decaying material. Almost all of which sticks to your pants, or to the head of a wolf. To compound the issue, wolves often travel with their nose close to the ground to pick up odors existing within the soil.

There is some evidence to suggest this is the method wolves use to follow trails. Given that a wolf could travel several miles a day, running his head through all that forest would certainly create a dirty head.

In comparison to the usual daily accumulation of forest dirt, the process of catching and consuming prey is by far an even messier part of life. Since wolves only have their jaws

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Bringing home ones environment is a absolute foregone conclusion.

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Cleaning off ones cheeks after a meal is not only polite, but may have evolutionary advantages.

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and teeth as weapons during a kill, the necessary action of subduing an ungulate becomes a morbid endeavor spreading blood across their muzzle and head. Furthermore, the ripping and tearing that is necessary to open the body of the deceased prey is the epitome of unclean. Blood flies everywhere. Knowing that an average horse carries 14 gallons of blood, an elk is probably near that amount given the similar size [a quick search could not find any studies on elk blood volume]. If a pack has 6 members, that means each wolf has the potential to come in to contact with over 2 gallons of blood! Their powerful jaws are perfectly suited to cut and crush the carcass with ease, however this process requires very close contact with the bloody body. Therefore, after a meal all wolf heads are either somewhat or completely covered in blood and flesh. From consistent observations on both the Sawtooth and Owyhee Packs, the messiest of wolves are suddenly clean of all blood and dirt by the next day. Performing a face wipe is one way wolves clean their muzzles and head, where most blood and environmental dirt accumulate.

The action of a face wipe is quite simple, yet effective.

First, the wolf either bows with front legs and chest on the ground keeping hind legs elevated, or lies completely down on the ground. Then, the head is rotated so the side of the muzzle and cheek contact the ground. The wolf then slides his head forward, extending it away from the body. After maximum extension, the head is lifted and returned to the beginning position and the slide is begun again. Many rubs of the muzzle, cheek, and side of the head are made in succession on one side at first. Then the behavior is repeated on the opposite side of the head for multiple slides. After the first several attempts on both sides, then each wolf customizes the cleaning action by alternating slides to each side, or constant slides on one side, or a unique sequence of rubbing to cleanse the muzzle and head. This is one of

those behaviors where the individuality of each wolf may present itself. Through years of observations on WERC’s captive wolves, hundreds of variations of face wipes have been witnessed. Some of which are very comical, such as obsessive sliding to the point of falling down a hill, or a frenzy that mimics head banging. I have also noticed the wolves nearly always look at nearby handlers when performing the behavior. This trait makes the face wiping all that more humorous at times. Dogs will occasionally do face wipes too. Perhaps you have a fun memory of when your canine companion looked like a goof?

Although this behavior sometimes seems funny to us, it is very effective and serves a real purpose in assisting with survival. When performed in snow, the amount of blood and dirt scoured off the muzzle with just one swipe is quite evident. Repeated face wipes in snow or grass quickly remove all undesirable contaminants and return the head to a clean state. By removing the blood, a wolf is minimizing the attractant of flies and mosquitoes, which can certainly become pests during the summer months. Similarly, the decaying blood could incubate or harbor pathogens that may eventually be detrimental to the wolf. The more sanitation wildlife can afford, the better off their long-term survivability. The decrease of harbored pathogens or insects carrying those pathogens landing near the mouth, the more protected the animal. Finally, the blood and dirt may cover important subtle facial postures, which would complicate communication among pack mates. For all these reasons, the face wipe behavior has evolved among wolves and other canines.

Every behavior an animal performs has survival as the motivation. In the wild world, there is no energy for useless actions. A face wipe may appear to be a simple act of vanity or comedy to us, however the purpose behind the cleaning behavior is very important in promoting survival. The simple task decreases the potential of infection or disease, plus minimizes the attraction of pesty insects, while also ensuring clear communication among the pack. Fascinating to think of how such a subtle action could lead to a healthier life. While the face wipe continues to help individual wolves survive and thus perpetuate the species, it also endears us humans to the humorous and cute aspects of wolves‌ making it a wonderful cleaning behavior.

APPLAUSE FOR GRAY AREA Congratulations to Alan Lacy for his film Gray Area: Wolves of the Southwest being chosen as an Official Selection for the International Wildlife Film Festival and the Albuquerque Film & Music Experience in 2017.

Learn more about each festival at:

wildlifefilms.org

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Bear Sanctuaries and Websites We Recommends

by Chris Anderson

We GEt it. You love WERC because we’re all about wolves. It’s the W in our name!

We love us too for that reason. Other carnivores, however, command our attention and are actually instructive in understanding their competitors, such as cats, raptors, and bears.

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s we write about these iconic species, our goal is to help the public understand how to share the wilderness with them in ways that protect us and them. In this article, we’ll give you some destinations to point your family car toward this summer. In addition, I’ll give you some websites that are not only informative, but inspire us to think more deeply about our love and commitment to bears. We recommend these centers as places of terrific community and learning.

MONTANA The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is a wildlife park and educational facility offering every visitor to Yellowstone a chance to uniquely experience the world of grizzly bears and gray wolves. All the animals at the Grizzly & Wolf Discover Center are unable to survive in the wild and serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts. Set your GPS to Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center at: 201 South Canyon, West Yellowstone, MT 59758.

Online: https://www.grizzlydiscoveryctr.org

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Since you’re in the Yellowstone area, check out the Montana Grizzly Encounter at: 80 Bozeman Hill Road, Bozeman, Montana 59715. Founded in 2004, MGE provides a spacious and natural home for rescued grizzlies. At the same time it offers the public a place to come and learn about grizzly bears as they watch the majestic animals “up close” in a beautiful mountain setting. The Grizzly Encounter is open to school groups free of charge, and each year thousands of children learn about grizzly bear safety and conservation. Online: http:// www.grizzlyencounter.org

Photo courtesy of Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center

HIBERNATION TO HUCKLEBERRIES

Hibernation to Huckleberries

TENNESSEE If your GPS just keeps telling you you’re a long way from Idaho, there are some choices in the Eastern United States and among them is the Appalachian Bear Rescue in the Great Smoky Mountains in Townsend, Tennessee. ABR cares for orphaned and injured black bear cubs for return to their natural wild habitat; increases public awareness about coexisting with black bears; and studies all aspects of returning cubs to the wild.

You won’t get an up close visit with a bear here but every visitor ensures that wild bears are better understood and protected.

Their Visitor & Education Center is located at Trillium Cove Shopping Center off East Lamar Alexander Parkway on Highway 321.

Online: http://appalachianbearrescue.org ALASKA And if you’re feeling really travel-hearty, set your sites on the Bears Education Awareness Research Center (BEARS for short) at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre in Portage, Alaska. The BEARS exhibit is currently home to the largest bear enclosure in the United States and second largest in North America. Currently, the exhibit is home to one orphaned grizzly sow, and two sibling coastal brown bears a brother and sister. Better visit the website before setting your GPS. Online: http:// www.alaskawildlife.org/bears/

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Bulgaria & Germany – Vier Pfoten - www. vier-pfoten.net/bear-projects.org/ Cambodia – Free the Bears Fund - www. freethebears.org.au Canada – Bear With Us - http://bearwithus. org/ China & Vietnam – Animals Asia Foundation - www.animalsasia.org Croatia - https://kuterevo.wordpress.com Ecuador – Andean Bear Project - http:// www.andeanbear.org/bear-sanctuary.html Germany – Worbis bear sanctuary - www. baer.de/abw/index.php Greece – Arcturos bear sanctuary - www. arcturos.gr Holland – Alertis - http://www.alertis.nl/ Hungary – http://medveotthon.hu Malaysia – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre - http://sunbears. wildlifedirect.org/ India – Wildlife SOS - www.wildlifesos.org/ rescue Indonesia – KWPLH Sun Bear Centre http://en.beruangmadu.org/ Indonesia – BOS - http://www.orangutans. com.au/Orangutans-Survival-Information/ BOS-Sun-Bear-Sanctuary.aspx Pakistan – Bio-resource Research Centre - www.pbrc.edu.pk/ Romania – AMP - http://milioanedeprieteni. org/ USA – Idaho Black Bear Rehabilitation Centre - www.bearrehab.org/

AROUND THE WORLD There are a number of bear sanctuaries helping to rescue and care for bears around the world. Some are included here.

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Up In The Air With Raptors!

by Chris Anderson

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hat makes Barn Owls unique and why are they a valuable species from which to learn? In this section, we’ll discuss some of the physical characteristics and behaviors that make Barn Owls such interesting members of the bird world, and we’ll explore owls’ important roles in pest management and science education.

Map Key Barn Owl Habitat 50

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Up in the Air

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Where Do Barn Owls Live?

The Barn Owl is found nearly world-wide in countries with moderate climates — conditions where harsh temperatures and conditions do not present a threat to their reproduction process. Overall, Barn Owls are plentiful in number, useful in rodent population control, and a vital member of many different ecosystems. Studies involving Barn Owls reveal vital information to scientists, biologists, and students studying food webs, habitat, and other ecological topics.

Barn Owls are able to live in a variety of homes and places. In our experience, we have found them living everywhere from rock crevices in the Lake District of Northern England to palm fronds along the Southern California coastline. Before barns were constructed across the Americas, the species used trees, boredout holes in high river banks and any available place that kept their nests and roosts safe from predators. While their name is “Barn� Owl, they are in fact more appropriately recognized by biologists as Tyto alba, cavity dwelling owls. They make good use of natural and man-made environments and turn them into clever niches. Cavities are defined as holes and caves.

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cavities, crevices between the fronds of palm trees or small caves in cliffs and holes in river banks. They readily accept artificial cavities as well and have been found to nest in any snug, quiet enclosure ten or more feet off the ground. These might include rafters, openings between bales of hay, attics and unoccupied rooms in the upper stories of buildings.

Other suitable nesting sites may be barrels, steel and plastic drums, and specially-designed nesting boxes. As humans populated landscapes in natural Barn Owl habitats, the species adapted and made good use of buildings, including grain silos, barns and other structures

Above: Unused structures such as this shed are an ideal home for barn owls to nest.

Right: Bone fragments such as these provide evidence of a hunting ground for raptors.

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that served as protection from climatic elements.

There are certain characteristics of an ideal Barn Owl habitat. These habitat traits typically revolve around two key functions which are closely connected in purpose: food and reproduction. Most animals will reproduce as abundantly as their food source allows and the Barn Owl is no exception. The choice of an ideal roosting and nesting place is not only ideal for their survival but essential to their species’ population.

Barn Owls & Vantage Points

Before the construction of manmade habitats like silos, barns, and church steeples, Barn Owls navigated the landscape for safe and advantageous nesting and roosting sites. We call places that lend themselves to prime hunting and safety “vantage points.�

Up in the Air

Take a look at the photo at the top of the facing page. It shows something known as “whitewash.” This is a birder’s first sign that a Barn Owl may reside there. What makes this type of place ideal for any bird of prey is the way it sits above an open field or meadow. This field will likely supply yearlong food for several Barn Owl families living in the pictured rock formation.

If you ever hike below rocky vantage points, keep your eyes on the ground. If you locate a “bone-yard” you can probably look up and find a nesting site for owls— in this case, a Barn Owl. Around the base of these rocks, you’ll likely find owl pellets, feathers, bones and masses of fur. If you look beyond the rocks, however, you will almost always find a field of grain, grass, or other food source for the Barn Owl’s principle prey, the vole. The Barn Owl’s home almost always includes this central characteristic.

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Another important characteristic for a Barn Owl habitat is the direction the nest faces in relationship to weather, including wind, sun and rain. The most ideal habitat is one that is well-protected from these elements so that the offspring get an ideal start in life without weather presenting an obstacle to their survival. Additionally, the sun provides an incubator effect when the nest is facing the correct direction.

The last important charac-teristic for an ideal habitat is safety from other predators.

Because a number of other birds and many mammals find eggs to be a tasty meal, the female owl will choose a location that makes it difficult for these predators to access her chicks. In addition, she will choose a place that offers quick escape in case these predators desire to make a meal of her!

The above vantage point, on the left, provides a strategic view of prime hunting areas.

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PASCO, WASHINGTON - Idaho’s Wolf Education & Research Center will return to Pasco, Washington to co-host an exciting one-day event that features some great partners in education, the organization’s Annual Passport to Wildlife.

Participants will be astounded by salmon anatomy from Tiffany Bishop of Yakima Basin Environmental Education Program and Bob Tuck of Western Wildlife Outreach. Guests will learn about bears from Western Wildlife Outreach’s Darrell and Lorna Smith. Wolf Haven’s Pamela Maciel will amaze audiences with information about Mexican wolves while Costa Rican Wildlife Biologist Chris Montero will share his experiences from South America! Jeremy Heft of the Wolf Education & Research Center will be teaching about the North American gray wolf and the unique role they play in healthy wildernesses. And as if that weren’t enough, the Kidwings crew will be dissecting barn owl pellets with hundreds of kids!

Join Tri-Cities area residents at the Annual Passport to Wildlife, hosted by the Tierra Vida Community Outreach at their Recreation Center in Pasco, Washington. This free event includes movies, games, prizes, and food carts. Doors open on June 8 at 12PM until 6PM. More information and directions can be found at www.wolfcenter. org/passport2wildlife.

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Nez Perce National Historic Parks

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NEZ PERCE NATIONAL HISTORIC PARKS Since 1996, the Wolf Education & Research Center has enjoyed the hospitality toward our work by the Nez Perce Tribe. Below are regional centers of education where you can learn about the rich history and culture of the Nez Perce, including their strong commitment to the conservation of wolves.

Visitor Centers

Nez Perce National Historical Park Spalding Open daily (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s) (208) 843-7001 The Visitor Center is located eleven miles east of Lewiston, Idaho on Highway 95, and has restrooms and a book store.

Visitor services such as accommodations, restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores are located ten miles west of the park in Lewiston, Idaho. Campgrounds can be found at Hells Gate State Park in Clarkston, Washington and Winchester Lake State Park in Winchester, Idaho.

Big Hole National Battlefield Open daily (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s) (406) 689-3155

The Visitor Center is located ten miles west of Wisdom, Montana on State Highway 43. has restrooms. The park also offers a picnic area, fishing, and areas for viewing wildlife.

Bear Paw Battlefield Open daily from dawn to dusk.

(406) 357-3130 The Blaine County Museum in Chinook, Montana has a film and exhibits about the battle at Bear Paw. During the summer, the museum is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. They close for lunch between 12:00 and 1:00 pm. Hours vary for the rest of the year, generally Monday through Friday, 1:00 to 5:00 pm.

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Our mission is to provide the highest quality captive animal care and education possible and inspire greater public tolerance toward apex predators.

We engage the public to support sustainable relationships with nature to become a social norm.

Our vision is a growing community of individuals who work toward a more sustainable relationship with nature. This is achieved through captive animal care, regional interpretive programs, and ongoing development of contemporary media.

We partner with diverse cultures and traditions to build a united and stronger future for all species.

Get involved today!