Characteristics of Gray Wolf, Canis lupus, den and rendezvous sites in southcentral Alaska

Abstract

Physiography, internal structure, vegetation and spatial relationships of Gray Wolf (Canis /upus) den and rendezvous sites in southcentral Alaska were studied from 1976 to 1981.Eighteen denand six rendezvous sites had an average of 4.5 holes per site.No significant differences existed between the average number of holes between den and rendezvous sites.Mean dimensions of tunnel entrances and chambers are reported.No correlation existed between numbers of wolves which had used a site and numbers of holes.Den and rendezvous sites were usually located on knolls or hillsides with sandy, frost-free soil and mixed, semi-open stands of spruce (Picea spp.), Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides), and willow (Salix spp.).Wolves generally selected sites with south and/or east exposures.Mean elevation for all sites was 777 m while mean distance to water was 257 m.Average distance between contiguous, concurrent den sites was 45.3 km.