Changes in Summer Foods of Wolves in Central Ontario

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Abstract
Feeding habits of wolves (Canis lupus) in central Ontario [Canada] compared with results from the early 1960''s indicated variation in use of prey species between nearby areas. A total of 1943 scats was collected during May-Sept., 1963-1972, in 3 study areas in central Ontario. The occurrence of beaver (Castor canadensis) hair in scats increased and of deer (Odocoileus virginianus) hair in scats decreased as follows: Algonquin Park, beaver 7 to 55%, deer 76 to 33%; Pakesley, beaver 59 to 75%, deer 27 to 11%; Marten River, beaver 37 to 74%, deer 42 to 1%. Moose (Alces alces) hair in scats collected from all 3 areas occurred infrequently. Juvenile deer and moose generally were selected over adults. The change in foods of wolves apparently resulted from a decrease in availability of deer in all areas. A concurrent increase in beaver occurred in only 1 area.

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