Radio receiver

To evaluate the health and status of wolf populations in east-central Superior National Forest (SNF) of northeastern Minnesota, the USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center monitors their movements and population dynamics.  Since 1968, researchers have used Very High Frequency (VHF) and/or Global Positioning System (GPS) radiocollars to locate and monitor individual wolves.

Data suggest that long-tailed duck populations are in decline. As a result, efforts have been made to better understand their population distributions through satellite telemetry studies. In previous studies, radiomarked tracking of long-tailed ducks suggested little use of Lake Michigan, even though aerial surveys indicate that large concentrations of this species overwinter there.

Data suggest that long-tailed duck populations are in decline.  As a result, efforts have been made to better understand their population distributions through satellite telemetry studies. In previous studies, radiomarked tracking of long-tailed ducks suggested little use of Lake Michigan, even though aerial surveys indicate that large concentrations of this species overwinter there.

 Using aerial radio-tracking of wolves (Canis lupus) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the east-central Superior National Forest (northeastern Minnesota), this study examines the interaction of wolves, deer, and moose (Alces americanus).  Wolves are on the Federal Endangered Species List and moose in Minnesota have been proposed for inclusion.  Wolf numbers are estimated two ways: 1) aerially locating radio-collared wolf packs and observing their numbers, and 2) aerially snowtracking non-radioed wolf packs.  Relationships betwee

The USGS is now partnering with Utah State University (USU) and the Department of the Environment in Nunavut (DEN) to investigate wolves’ (Canis lupus) movements and spacing in the high Arctic.  This follows the USGS 5-year study (summers 1986 – 2010) of the behavior of wolves habituated to humans on Ellesmere Island in northern Canada.  Biologists from USU and DEN have been collaring wolves on Ellesmere with global positioning system (GPS) to study movements and spacing behavior year-round.  The data are sent via satellite to websites used by all three agencies.&nbs

To facilitate the recovery of federally endangered wolves (Canis lupus), it is critical to learn as much as possible about their behavior and habitat use. The direct study of wolves is difficult, however, due to their avoidance of humans and the inaccessibility of their wilderness territories.  The USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center uses Very High Frequency (VHF) and/or Global Positioning System (GPS) radio collars to locate and monitor wolves in three areas to investigate their movements, ecology, and population.