Collecting Possible Wolf Scat in the Maine Woods

Описание: We collect wild canid scat to determine where and if possible, approximately how many wolves are living in a given area. Wolf territories may exceed one hundred square miles in size. If we find evidence of two or more wolves in fairly close proximity, that may be evidence of a pack and a breeding population. This scat is fairly large for a canid scat and is quite fresh. Fresh wolf scat has a very strong odor. Using a clean popsicle stick, we collect a fingernail sized piece of scat, preferably from the outside of the scat where the canid's cells would have sloughed off. We place the sample into a plastic centrifuge tube into which we have poured a small amount of ethanol for preservation. We replace the cap on the tube and the sample is then preserved indefinitely for DNA analysis. The Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has disputed our photographs as evidence of probable wolves. This is why DNA proof is so important. This scat was found at the intersection of four woods roads. Wolves are extremely intelligent animals and will use the roads for easier travel and as boundaries for their territories. They mark these boundaries with their urine and scat. If you'd like to help support our research, you can do so by emailing [email protected].