Wolf Tracking Project

Canis lupus

In its ninth year, the TWS Wolf Tracking Project continues to be an exciting way for students to follow wolf movements in the Central Forest region, near Babcock, Wisconsin. Three packs inhabit the north and south tracking units, in which teams of students systematically drive in search of wolf sign and tracks crossing the roads.

The project consists of a one-day mandatory training program put on by Dick Thiel, current Director of the Sandhill Wildlife Area and Skills Center and former wolf biologist. Attendants of this meeting learn how to conduct a tracking survey and then sign-up on a schedule to conduct tracking surveys on the weekends or during the week if possible. The surveys begin in late January to early February and continue until snow cover disappears.

The main goal of the project is to assist the DNR in monitoring the number of individuals in this pack and determine the areas of highest use. This allows the DNR to decide where to trap in the spring in order to radio collar a member of the pack.

A tracking survey consists of simply driving plowed roads that cross or are parallel to pack territory boundaries. A vehicle is typically driven at about 10 mph while the participants watch for signs of wolf activity such as scat, urinations, and tracks. Data forms are kept in regard to mileage, what and where was observed, and the number of animals. The fun really starts as one backtracks and tries to find kill sites and other valuable forms of wolf sign.