Dog days of summer: influences on decision of wolves to move pups

摘要: For animals that forage widely, protecting young from predation can span relatively long time periods due to the inability of travel with and be protected by their parents. Moving immobile improve access important resources, limit detection concentrated scent predators, decrease infestations ectoparasites advantageous. young, however, also expose them increased mortality risks (e.g., accidents, getting lost, predation). group-living live in variable environments care for over extended periods, influence biotic factors group size, risk) abiotic temperature precipitation) on decision move is unknown. We used data 25 satellite-collared wolves ( Canis lupus ) Idaho, Montana, Yellowstone National Park evaluate how these could pups during pup-rearing season. hypothesized litter number adults a group, perceived risk would positively affect times gray moved pups. further more often when it was hot dry ensure sufficient water. Contrary our hypothesis, monthly above 30-year average negatively related Monthly precipitation average, amount spent at sites after leaving natal den. found little relationship between (by grizzly bears, humans, or conspecifics) sizes Our findings suggest most strongly pups, although responses unpredictable events predator encountering pups) cannot ruled out.