Spatial dynamics of a migratory wolf population in winter, south-central Ontario (1990-1995)

We examined the spatial distribution and movements of migratory wolves (Can is lupus lycaon) to a deer yard located adjacent to Algonquin Provincial Pa rk, Ontario, during 5 winters from 1990 to 1995. Wolves from eastern and ce ntral Algonquin Provincial Park followed the annual migration of deer to ya rds located 13 km outside of the Park boundary. Spatial distributions were determined through mapping of telemetry locations and nearest neighbour ana lysis. We defined three spacing systems: consistent/high fidelity, clustere d/moderate fidelity, and transitional/low fidelity. We found inconsistencie s among packs in their adherence to these systems. Data indicate that areas of use changed quickly and tolerance levels among wolves in the deer yard were very high; alien wolves were recorded 163 times in close spatial and ( or) temporal proximity. The social behaviour exhibited by this migratory po pulation of wolves has never been recorded in a forested wolf-deer ecosyste m. Factors that may contribute to this behavioural plasticity include food abundance, a high degree of genetic relatedness among wolf packs, and high rates of human-caused mortality.