Proceedings of the Ninth Mountain Lion Workshop - Carnivore ...
Proceedings of the Ninth Mountain Lion Workshop - Carnivore ...
Proceedings of the Ninth Mountain Lion Workshop - Carnivore ...
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Cougar Reproduction and Survival Pre– and Post–wolf Reintroduction<br />
in Yellowstone National Park.<br />
Toni K. Ruth 1 , Wildlife Conservation Society, 2023 Stadium Drive, Suite 1A, Bozeman,<br />
MT 59715, USA, truth@centurytel.net<br />
Polly C. Buotte, Wildlife Conservation Society, 2023 Stadium Drive, Suite 1A,<br />
Bozeman, MT 59715, USA.polly@3rivers.net<br />
Mark A. Haroldson, U. S. Geological Survey, Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Rocky <strong>Mountain</strong> Science Center,<br />
Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, Forestry Sciences Lab, Montana State<br />
University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.<br />
Kerry M. Murphy, Yellowstone Center for Resources, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone<br />
National Park, Mammoth, WY 89210, USA<br />
Maurice G. Hornocker, Wildlife Conservation Society, 2023 Stadium Drive, Suite 1A,<br />
Bozeman, MT 59715, USA.<br />
Howard B. Quigley, Craighead Beringia South, P.O. Box 160, Kelly, Wyoming, 83011,<br />
USA. beringiasouth@beringiasouth.org<br />
1 Present address: Selway Institute, P.O. Box 929, Bellevue, ID 83313<br />
ABSTRACT Wolves interact with a variety <strong>of</strong> carnivore species and <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
reestablishment may affect population dynamics <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r carnivores, as well as alter<br />
carnivore community structure. Information regarding how wolf reestablishment<br />
influences reproductive and survival rates <strong>of</strong> sympatric cougars has not been documented,<br />
yet is relevant to cougar management and conservation in many western states. We<br />
assessed changes in reproductive parameters, survival rates, and factors affecting survival<br />
<strong>of</strong> cougars prior to (1987–1994) and after (1998–2005) wolf reintroduction in<br />
Yellowstone National Park. We radio-marked 80 cougars including 55 kittens in 24 litters<br />
in <strong>the</strong> pre-wolf (PW) study and 83 cougars including 52 kittens in 24 litters during wolf<br />
presence (WP). Size <strong>of</strong> nursing litters (