Effects of Population Density and Pack Size on the Foraging Ecology of Gray Wolves

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Abstract
A decline in the gray wolf ( Canis lupus ) population in Isle Royale National Park prompted an intensive study of radiocollared individuals in 1988–1991, complementing an ongoing study begun in 1958. During winter, 1959–1991, the proportion of lone wolves was higher when the population was at low levels, whereas average size of packs declined with density of wolves. Sizes of territories (1971–1991) were not related to size of packs. In winter, food availability (kg wolf−1 day−1) and kill interval (days/kill) varied inversely with size of packs. Social relationships of radiocollared lone wolves were flexible; they often formed temporary groups of two or three wolves. Small groups (less than four) and lone wolves roamed large areas of the island (300 km2 and 540 km2, respectively), frequently moving through territories of established packs. Solitary wolves and pairs readily killed adult moose, in contrast to a common belief that larger packs benefit from cooperative hunting.

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