Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: Alaska
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

Wolves (Canis lupus ligoni) are a widespread carnivore in the temperate rain forests of southeastern Alaska. The areas in which wolves occur are characterized by rugged topography, closed canopy forests, and vast roadless areas. These factors make wolves exceptionally challenging to monitor. As an apex predator and a harvested species, wolves are among the most important species in the region in terms of management, yet the difficulties associated with monitoring wolves can hinder management actions. In this project we will be deploying an array of remote cameras throughout Prince of Wales Island to estimate wolf, black bear (Ursus americanus), and Sitka deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) densities using a combination of time-to-event and space-to-event modeling. This project will provide a framework for efficient and effective monitoring of these species throughout southeastern Alaska.