Thread: Grizzly bears in Ontario???

Yep

Looks like they want to introduce more wolves as the population is down to 2 now and they are having bad breeding issues
As long as they introduce the same Subspecies it should be a success

I just clicked on the website you posted.. I had not been aware that they relocated more Wolves because of only 2 left.. I just find it interesting with all the prey they need why the Wolves would have such a hard time with breeding? Knowing that could be any number of reasons not just because they have Moose to survive on.. And you are right about the subspecies.. I will have to keep this on my radar and periodically see how the relocate is going

We are pretty plugged into it because it affects us directly, I wasn't really aware of the much of the details until we moved up here, being friends with Scott who has been researching it since day one filled me in on some of the intricacies that are now coming out..

There is a pretty strong Anti-Wolf Introduction sentiment in the overall area, DOW and the NFS really tried to get it right, but they blew it, and then tried to hide it all..
A big part of the problem was the Law Suits against hunting the wolves early on which DOW tried to avoid, but in all actuality, the DNA supports a "One Grey Wolf" scenario so the courts accepted that a subspecies that was 30% bigger and had totally different pack dynamics and hunting tactics was still a "Grey Wolf" and protected.. Over the years that it was argueed in courts the packs grew out of control.

Hunting and trapping opened up finally so it is getting better and the numbers are coming down so perhaps balance is in sight

To a point wolf packs are self regulating. Only the dominant male and female mate and they are highly territorial. Most wolves die at the hands of other wolves defending their territory. It's the main reason wolves in the wild only live to about age 5.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

To a point wolf packs are self regulating. Only the dominant male and female mate and they are highly territorial. Most wolves die at the hands of other wolves defending their territory. It's the main reason wolves in the wild only live to about age 5.

Please explain that to the wolves

"Despite efforts by the state of Idaho and individual hunters to kill more wolves, the population remains well above the 150 wolves and 15 breeding pairs required to keep gray wolves off the endangered species list under a federal 2009 delisting rule, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game reported.

The department stated in a report released Friday, April 3, that it had documented 104 wolf packs in Idaho at the end of 2014. In addition, there were 23 documented packs counted by Montana, Wyoming and Washington that had established territories overlapping the Idaho state boundary. The department stated that not all packs are presumed documented.

The department reported that an estimated 770 wolves were associated with documented packs in Idaho at the end of 2014,"


Since 2014 packs have been active in WA and OR too


Not sure how close you follow Elk but RMEF is reporting that the Largest Migratory Elk herd known in the world "Yellowstone" is down 80% in numbers since 1994

The "Wolf Biologists" that predicted 20% missed it by a country mile

(This cannot be completely blammed on wolves but they are learning more about how bad it really is everyday)


"A Yellowstone-sponsored report from the mid-1990s stated "Fifteen North American wolf experts predicted that 100 wolves in Yellowstone would reduce the elk by less than 20 percent, 10 years after reintroduction." In reality, that number turned out to be 44 percent. If you look back at the elk count of 1994, the year before the start of the wolf reintroduction program, the size of the elk herd is now down by 80 percent!

Year Elk Population
2012 3,915
2011 4,174
2010 4,635
2009 6,070
2008 6,279
2007 6,738
2006 6,588
2005 9,545
2004 8,335
2003-02 9,215
2001 11,969
2000 13, 400 (prior to late season elk hunt)
1999 14,538 (prior to late season elk hunt)
1998 11,742
1997 no count taken
1996 no count taken
1995 16,791 (when wolf reintroduction began)
1994 19,045 (year before wolf reintroduction)

Since its directly affecting you and sounds like many more individuals i hope for your sake it gets worked out... I have nothing at stake myself as i live a few hours south of Mackinac Bridge (bridge connecting lower/upper peninsulas) so im just an observer.. The Upper Peninsula is about 16000 sq miles and quite remote and rugged.. The population is not very large and dropping fast so it doesnt sound like the Wolves are as much trouble as you are having.. Im sure if i looked there have been isolated incidents but as far as i know nothing too serious.. If we have any members that do live in the U.P. they could say different though... When humans and and Wild animals that potentially can be dangerous start to be neighbors something has to be done.. Sure i will talk to you soon Glen.. Take care, Scott

We have actually had 3 Griz shot over the last few years just north of us too

The cases are rather interesting If you want to read them just search "Boundary County Grizzly shooting" all three should come up

I will definetly find the write ups on those Griz shootings... I have been a member of RMEF since the early 2000's... Myself.father and grandfather ALL drew Elk Tags on that hunt with success as in filling tags and lots of sightings.. And i cant exclude how many at dawn bugles we heard.. 1st time i heard that bugle and how close it was hair on my neck and arms stood up and my mind froze.. Was like hearing taps!! One of the greatest sounds ive ever heard in the wild. . And since that 1st hunt ive planned 2 other hunts to Bozeman area.. Drew 1 tag for 3 of us second time and a couple years ago planning another but when i called my Aunt in Bozeman again she said the rancher didnt have any Elk left on his property and the chance of drawing a tag was abouu nill.. Just an awful situation with the Elk population out there..

And in regard to Grizzlies in your area... There is not another living animal that i would be in the woods with that strikes more fear in me than a Grizzly Bear.. Armed or not knowing one was stalking me would be terrifying!!..

Originally Posted by TCMichigander

And in regard to Grizzlies in your area... There is not another living animal that i would be in the woods with that strikes more fear in me than a Grizzly Bear.. Armed or not knowing one was stalking me would be terrifying!!..

Thought I’d lighten this discussion up a bit with a summary of advice from the owner of sporting goods store in Banff, Alberta. We were prepping for a hike in the mountains and asked him about bears. He suggested we equip ourselves with pepper bear spray and bear bells, but warned that grizzlies treated those as a condiment and a dinner bell.