Impacts of a Highway Expansion Project on Wolves in Northwestern Wisconsin

摘要: Research was conducted to evaluate the impacts of upgrading 71 km US Highway 53 (US 53) from 2-lanes into 4-lanes on wolves ( Canis lupus ) in northwestern Wisconsin. The authors main objectives were assess highway project resident and dispersing timber wolves, identify critical habitats travel corridors for wolves. FiftyBnine (33 males ; 26 females) radio-collared monitored. Howling surveys during July- September determine numbers pups produced each known pack. Winter track searches aerial observations used number pack detect presence newly-established packs. All wolf mortalities investigated recorded. To date it does not appear that negatively impacted or population within 7,000 2 study area increased 18 animals 1994 61 1999. More than 1/3 territories 1999 adjacent construction project. Thirteen 20 encountered their travels all but one them crossed it, some several times. Although 10 killed by vehicles this study, only 3 those accidents occurred along 53. It appeared much more cautious about crossing highways Wolves preferred establish den sites near center territory. Within inner core they selected areas with lower road densities, most dens dug steep banks sandy soils. They be tolerant roads human disturbance at rendezvous sites. Most established lowland 50 m a water source cross where bisected large, homogeneous landscapes, especially complexes. Wolf crossings likely occur providing greater visibility ease travel. A model developed "high", "moderate", "low potential sites" projects. full impact cannot determined as yet. Future increases traffic volume, speed limits, and/or development corridor could result serious found date.