David Mech, PhD (Former Employee)

The volatile constituents of wolf anal-sac secretions were examined via capillary gas chromatography and compared among intact males, females, castrate males, ovariectomized females, and anosmic and pinealectomized males and females. Some chemical compounds were deemed significantly different (t test, 95% confidence level) among the groups both during and outside of the mating season...

No abstract available.

Deposition of anal-sac secretions by captive wolves was investigated by a labelling technique using protein-bound iodine125 and food dye. Wolves deposited secretions on some but not all scats. Adult males, especially the alpha male, deposited anal-sac secretions more frequently while defecating than did females or juveniles. Secretions sometimes also were deposited independently of...

Thirteen captive and one free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were immobilized one to six times each with ketamine hydrochloride and xylazine hydrochloride during winter and spring in northern Minnesota. Administration of 0.09 to 0.53 mg of yohimbine hydrochloride per kg IV after each trial reversed the immobilization. The deer raised their heads within a median time...

No abstract available.

Considerable interest has been expressed recently in establishing gray wolves (Canis lupus) into parts of their former range (Bailey 1978, Weaver 1978, Klinghammer 1979, Mech 1979, Henshaw 1982). However, the proper procedure for reintroductions is debatable (Klinghammer 1979). To date, wolf relocations have been conducted in Alaska, where 5 2-year-old captive-reared wolves were released...

Wolves (Canis lupus ) probably risk injury while attempting to kill large prey (Muie, 1944; Rausch, 1967; Mech, 1970; Peterson, 1977). Rausch (1967) found that numerous wolf skulls collected in a control program had sustained injuries, probably inflicted by severe blows from moose (Alces alces ). Wolves killed by prey seldom if ever are found. The authors located only three such...

No abstract available.

No abstract available.

No abstract available.

From Feb. 1975-May 1978, 104 wolves (Canis lupus) captured at or near Minnesota farms where depredations on livestock had been reported were translocated northward and eastward for 50-317 km into extensive forests; 3 others were released westward. Nine wolves were translocated twice, and 1 three times. Information on movements was obtained by radiotracking 17 wolves and by recovery of 16...

The volatile constituents of wolf urine were examined via capillary gas chromatography and compared among male, female, and castrate male. Several compounds including methyl isopentyl sulfide, 3,5-dimethyl-2-octanone, and acetophenone were clearly associated with the gender of the animal and many displayed a seasonal dependence. In addition, 2 long-chain aldehydes isolated from urine...