Wolves gather in groups and hunt large prey such as moose and deer in the winter. Throughout the spring season, however, they become more solitary predators as their pups are born. We know these things thanks to decades of research dedicated to studying the lives of wolves. However, our knowledge about how wolves live in the summer is very limited. We only know that they hunt small prey like beavers, but they are very elusive. It is difficult for scientists to observe these animals in this season because of the dense vegetation. Thanks to modern technology, we now have filled this knowledge gap.
With the help of advanced GPS-tracking technology and remote video cameras, the Voyageurs Wolf Project has been able to get a closer look at the summer ecology of wolves in northern Minnesota.
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The GPS-collars have helped reveal not only what wolves are eating, but also where they are killing prey and the locations of den sites. This research has revealed new aspects of wolf hunting behavior and has shown just how variable a wolf’s diet is during the summer. It's also given insight into the complex and fascinating lives of wolves in northern Minnesota.
The team has compiled hours of footage in this video which shows the wildlife in this game trail in Voyageurs National Park. Some wolves can be seen in this video.
(Image Credit: Voyageurs Wolf Project/ YouTube)