Trap-related injuries to gray wolves in Minnesota

摘要: Gray wolves (Canis lupus) captured in traps with toothed jaws offset 1.8 cm incurred fewer injuries than those 3 other types of steel traps. Few seriously damaged canine or carnassial teeth while J. WILDL. MANAGE. 50(1):90-91 Van Ballenberghe (1984) noted that 44% 109 he had "severe" foot injuries, and 46% broke However, did not compare caused by different describe damage to dentition. Herein we the incidence 4 We appreciate field assistance L. R. Jewett, K. Markl, T. Meier, M. E. Nelson, H. Niskanen, Renneberg. The research was supported Minn. Dep. Nat. Resour., U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv., For. Serv. North Central Exp. Stn. During 1968-85, 375 adult (_1 year) 179 juvenile were trapped northern Minnesota for radio-telemetry studies (Mech 1980, Fritts Mech 1981, Berg Kuehn 1982, Fuller 1983) control livestock depredation (Fritts et al. 1984). Wolves Oneida Newhouse double-longspring jaws: No. (smooth offset), OS 0.2 cm), 14 (toothed 0.7 (custommade cm; Kirsh Foundry, Inc., Beaver Dam, Wis.). Injuries feet legs categorized similar (1984): Class 1 = no visible slight swelling; 2 cut(s) 2.5-cm long and/ injured (fractured dislocated) phalanx metacarpal; >2 phalang s metacarpals, and/or carpal(s), radius, ulna. Chi-square tests used identify ageand trap-specific differences inju y rates. minor (Class 2) vs. more serious 4) examined wolf age trap type. Fewer (P (8%) smoothjaw d (28-30%) < 0.01), probably because traps' prevented wolves' from slipping jaws. phalanges often (19%) tha smooth-jawed (6-9%) 0.05). also minimized cuts (0%), but unlike traps, they injure wide prevents shearing action occurs when pass under opposing jaw. In (20%) (36%) record data concerning edema wolves, 'Mailing address: Wildlife Service, Forest Experiment Station, 1992 Folwell Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108. Mailing University Minnesota, 1861 Highway 169, Grand Rapids, 55744.