Effects of hunting group size, snow depth and age on the success of wolves hunting moose

摘要: To study factors important to the success of wolves, Canis lupus, hunting moose, Alces alces, we analysed data from more than 4000 km snow tracking wolves during 1998e2003 in Scandinavia. We used two methods estimate for 17 wolf territories 185 observations attacks on moose. On average, was estimated at 45 and 64% methods, respectively. a smaller set (N ¼ 142) examine effect age breeding group size, depth moose density success. Multiple logistic regression showed that males only variable significantly related success, with maximum 4.5e5.5þ years age. also studied prey selection radiocollared adult over successive winters packs lost one wolves. Whereas surviving female switched roe deer, Capreolus capreolus, male continued mainly select Our results suggest positive reflects both increased experience attacking possibly greater size (25e30%) compared