Wolf (Canis lupus)

[TheNormalGuy]

The United States as a whole has up to 18,000 wolves, about two thirds of which are in Alaska.

www.fws.gov/midwest/wolf/aboutwolves/WolfPopUS.htm


About 66 % = 12 000 wolves.

Wolf population data in Denali since 1986

Year  [1]
Number of Packs Monitored (Spring) [2] 
Number of Packs Monitored (Fall) [3]
Total Wolves Counted (Spring) [4] 
Total Wolves Counted (Fall) [5]

Note : Since The Wolf Count in Spring is before the birth of pups, it is normal that the number of wolves counted is inferior in Spring then in Fall in most instances.

[1] [2] [3] [4][5]

1986 4 4 26 22 

Initial Recensing 

Note : there is a 4 wolves difference between both seasons (-15,3 %)

1987 8 9 37 70 

1988 14 14 69 121 

1989 13 11 98 127 

1990 10 11 106 136 

1991 13 13 111* 137 

1992 15 15 103 120 

1993 12 12 68 93 

1994 10 12 61 72 

1995 12 11 59 80 

1996 11 11 69 104 

1997 11 12 78 75 

1998 12 12 61 68 

1999 13 15 69 80 

2000 17 18 71 112 

2001 16 18 87 91 

2002 15 14 73 86 

2003 18 11 75 84 

2004 14 14 78 78 

2005 15 15 66 106 

2006 15 17 103 111 

2007 16 20* 93 147*

2008 20* 14 99 86 

2009 16 15 65 89 

2010 12 11 59 88 

2011 10 8 71 75 

2012 10 9 70 57 

2013 11 12 49 67 

2014 10 11 51 55 

2015 12 11 52 62 

2016 9 10 49 76 

2017 10 9 72 75 

2018 10 11 75 85 

2019 10 12 70 74 

* : Highest number of the database


Note/Important observations :

- 10 Years with over 100 wolves, the last year with that number also the year where it counted the most wolves (2007 with 147 wolves counted in Fall)

- 3 years with 130+ wolves counted
 
- 6 years with 120+ wolves counted

- 10 years with 15+ packs (Highest in Fall 2007/Spring 2008 with 20)


Source : Denali NP Wolf Research

Figure 4 :

Polygons representing home ranges of studied wolf packs in and around Yukon‐Charley Rivers National Preserve, Alaska, USA in each year of the study between biological years (BY) 1992–2013. Home ranges for monitored packs are based on minimum convex polygons using all locations from a given biological year. Approximate home ranges for packs that were observed but did not contain collared individuals are represented as dotted ovals for reference. Number of relocations for home range delineation varied widely among years and packs; therefore, relative home range sizes are not directly comparable. Numbers within each polygon correspond to the individual pack names in Figure 5.

*This image is copyright of its original author

Effects of control on the dynamics of an adjacent protected wolf population in interior Alaska Joshua H. Schmidt John W. Burch Margaret C. MacCluskie First published:26 June 2017 doi.org/10.1002/wmon.1026

Population Dynamics and Harvest Characteristics of Wolves in the Central Brooks Range, Alaska LAYNE G. ADAMS ROBERT O. STEPHENSON BRUCE W. DALE ROBERT T. AHGOOK DOMINIC J. DEMMA



Several packs of wolves live in Glacier Bay National Park. They are secretive, but it is thrilling to find their tracks on the beach or hear their howls at night.

Quote:

*This image is copyright of its original author

A wolf rests on the mossy forest floor.
NPS Photo/Schaller

"Katmai is one of the few remaining sanctuaries where wolves can thrive with relatively little contact from humans. Protected places like Katmai are extremely important for the wolf’s survival. More wilderness areas, free of human settlement, roads, and livestock are needed for the wolf to survive as it once did. But that is only one part of a solution. "

Quote:

A grey wolf in Amalik Bay. NPS Photo/D. Kopshever.

*This image is copyright of its original author

"Little is known about Katmai’s wolf population. Wolves have been seen throughout the park; along the coast hunting sea otter and harbors seals, and in Brooks Camp fishing alongside bears."

Source : Mammals- Katmai National Park & Preserve Alaska

Wolves are present in Kenai Fjords National Park, altough they aren't as studied as in any other Alaskan Parks

"Currently approximately 30 wolves in 4 packs roam the interior of Lake Clark, which is a relatively small number considering the expansive size of the park and preserve. These packs' territories are large, even by Alaska standards."


Wolves (Canis lupus) in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve are found mainly in the park's mountainous areas, generally below 5,000 feet in coniferous forests, and in open tundra. Park wildlife biologists are currently studying the wolves to determine population dynamics, movement patterns and predation rates in the park.

Quote:

*This image is copyright of its original author

GPS collars are one tool in the scientific study of wolves in Lake Clark.

NPS photo / JMills

Source : Wolves - Lake Clark National Park & Preserve Alaska

They are present in Wrangell St-Elias National Park, altough seemingly uncommon as i seen while searching on the Internet.


Wolves also roams in Kobuk Valley National Park, following the migrating herds of Caribous. Reply