Daytime Activity Patterns
When radiotagged wolves were located, notes were kept on the type of activity they were engaged in; the results are summarized in [figure 17]. In a total of 171 observations made between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., the wolves were resting 62 percent of the time, traveling 28 percent and feeding 10 percent. They tended to travel more before 11:00 a.m. and after 3:00 p.m., although resting still composed at least 45 percent of the activity during every hour ([fig. 18]).
These results generally agree with the statement by Mech (1966a) that wolves on nearby Isle Royale tend to rest about 11:00 a.m. and begin traveling again about 4:00 p.m. However, it does appear that the Minnesota wolves spend much more of the day resting than do the Isle Royale animals. The difference may be caused by the difference in pack sizes studied. The Isle Royale pack of 15 to 16 may have had to travel more to find enough food to feed all its members than did the lone wolves and pack of five in the present study.
Figure 17.—Percentage of time spent by radiotagged wolves in various types of activity throughout the day, from December through April.
Figure 18.—Generally the wolves rested during most of the day. (Photo courtesy of L. D. Mech.)