Dog Depredations by Wolves in Wisconsin - 2010

As with other wild canids, wolves are very territorial. Wolves guard their territories from other wolves, coyotes, and domestic dogs. Wolves are probably most aggressive toward strange wolves and dogs when wolf pups are small at den and rendezvous sites, during the breeding season in January and February, and when they are protecting a fresh kill. Wolf packs have pups in spring and use rendezvous sites from mid June to late September, after the pups are big enough to leave their den. Adult wolves are very defensive of pups at rendezvous sites and will attack other predators, including dogs, that get too close to the rendezvous site or the pups. Some hunters have had success with bells on dog collars to reduce wolf attacks, but some dogs with bells have been attacked by wolves. Table 1 (below) contains a summary of the 2010 dog depredations by wolves.

A pack will use from 2 to 3 to as many as 6 or more rendezvous sites during the summer. The exact locations vary from year to year and throughout the summer. The sites are usually forest openings or edge areas, with lots of wolf tracks, droppings, and matted vegetation. Move 2 or 3 miles from any rendezvous site, if possible, before releasing dogs. Avoid releasing dogs at baits recently visited by wolves. When looking for bear sign at a bait, make sure to also look for wolf tracks. Be familiar with your own dog's tracks, so that you can distinguish it from any wolf tracks. If a specific bait site is receiving a lot of wolf use, discontinue using it until wolves have left, and concentrate on an alternative bait site.

Anyone suspecting a wolf attack in northern Wisconsin should call USDA-WS immediately at 1-800-228-1368.

For more information on reducing conflicts between wolves and hunting dogs see "A Guide to Reducing Conflict Between Wolves and Hunting Dogs".

Cautions for Bear Hunters with Hounds:

• Learn from DNR web or local wildlife biologist locations of any possible wolf attacks on dogs in your hunting area


• Attempt to stay as close to dogs as possible


• Avoid releasing dogs at bear baits recently visited by wolves


• Avoid areas with high concentrations of wolf tracks, scats, and remains of wolf kills


• Learn to recognize your own dog tracks so that you can distinguish them from wolf tracks


• Use bells or beepers on dogs

Guidance for pet owners in wolf range near near forested areas:

• Do not leave pets outside overnight unless they have a sturdy kennel


• Avoid feeding deer near your home


• Don't leave cat or dogs food outside at night


• Don't deposit table scraps or animal products near home sites


• Keep pets on a leash or in visual/ auditory range on walks and vocalize regularly including use of whistles


• Don't allow dogs to roam at large


• Avoid releasing dogs outside for bathroom breaks after dark except in areas with good lighting or fenced

Table1. 2010 Dog Depredations by Wolves

The following maps are established caution areas:

Peshtigo Brook Pack - Oconto County
On February 3rd, wolves from the Peshtigo Brook pack injured a hound while training on the Oconto County Forest. This is a new pack that established last winter and currently contains four wolves. Hunters and dog trainers should be aware of the potential conflict and should exercise caution within the caution area outlined on the map below.

**Click on the map to open a printable PDF

Bear Bluff Pack - Jackson County
On January 31st, wildlife services verified a wolf depredation in Bear Bluff township, Jackson County. The Bear Bluff Pack was responsible. Killed was a Husky mix working dog who along with the injured Malamute are used by the landowner to keep deer away from their cranberry beds and dike.

Lea Lake Pack - Sawyer County
On January 15th, a 14-year old Labrador Retriever was injured by wolves from the Lea Lake Pack. The attack occurred in about 7 miles east of Exeland in southern Sawyer County near the Sawyer County Forest. This is the first documented attack on dogs by wolves for 2010.

Past Depredations: 2009 2008

Interactive map of wolf pack territories (exit DNR)