We're currently in a very intense period for the breeding couple, Arsene & Lupine. From the moment the cubs are born, feeding requires the male to hunt and fetch food for the female, who remains in the den permanently for the first 2-3 weeks. As we've already explained, the reproductive female's job is to nurse her cubs and keep them warm, as hypothermia is very rapid in canids during the first two weeks. She only goes out to drink and eat the leftovers brought back by her partner, which he deposits at the entrance to the den.
This period requires a great deal of effort on Arsene's part, as he hunts alone and has to carry the prey to the female in sufficient quantity. Giving birth and nursing tire the females (and women too), so food is vital to regain strength and enable good lactation, as nutritional requirements increase during this phase.
Since the end of April, Arsene & Lupine have remained a couple, just the two of them. Ella, the subadult, has been put aside or has taken the opportunity to explore on her own. According to our investigations, she's from the 2021 litter, which makes her 2 years old now. We were able to identify her thanks to a particularity, which we won't mention here, through photos and monitoring. So she's used to the territory and does very well on her own. We'll see whether or not she joins the pack again in the next few days/weeks.
In the video below, you can see Arsene carrying Lupine's meal, a roe deer leg, in his mouth.
Observation
A short while ago, we were lucky enough to observe a wolf on the hunt. Unfortunately, we were unable to identify it, given the distance separating us. We were in one of our many intense observation phases, in very specific areas. We now have the opportunity to better understand how the pack works, thanks to the data collected since 2022. We also spend time observing prey on the territory: their movements, behavior, numbers, intra-inter-species interactions and so on. This is very useful for understanding wolf dynamics as a whole.
That evening, we spotted a deer on a meadow, grazing peacefully. We often came across him with our binoculars, knowing that he was in an area where wolves pass more or less frequently. In a few seconds, the deer disappeared, what caught our attention given the situation. As we looked around, we saw the wolf. He hadn't killed the deer, but was clearly on the hunt, determined. He then disappeared into a nearby forest and, although we persisted for another 2 hours (until we hurt all over...), hoping to see him again, unfortunately he didn't reappear. Night has fallen.
We can't film encounters when the distance is so great and the observation time so short. Between the necessary spotting and adjustments, the video would show nothing, and the wolf would have already disappeared from the radar screen. We therefore systematically opt for observation, so that we can take notes to fill in our reports and collect data at all levels. What's more, at such a distance, no equipment could really produce usable videos or photos, it goes without saying.
We also do some stalking, so we'll probably be able to show you some photos or videos in the next couple of years. We are looking for specific interactions and situations to feed our study. We are aware that this requirement will demand a lot of patience and perseverance, and that it won't be the most prolific for the population following us and hoping to see the Arsene's pack. But our goals are different compared to the wildlife photographer work. We'd like to thank some very kind and humble wildlife photographers, who have been lucky enough to follow the wolf for years here and there, for their invaluable help and unfailing support. All information is precious!
Arsene & Lupine will soon return to the "rendez-vous" place(s), where the cubs can play and learn everything that will serve them for the rest of their lives.
See you soon !
Article : TT - Wolf Mission
Photo : Fabien Bruggmann
Video : Wolf Mission
