Arsene's pack is doing wonderfully well ! Their visits to several of our camera traps have intensified, which just goes to show that their movements have also increased considerably over the past month.
As we mentioned in the introduction, we're entering a period when the pack must constantly hunt and move around to feed the cubs, who have remained at the rendezvous site. The cubs were weaned in July and now consume exclusively the prey brought back by the pack. Their growth is rapid : it's estimated that during the first 4 months, a cub's weight increases by a factor of 30 (birth weight : 500g). This calls for a very substantial food intake, as wolf pups are hungry and the pack has got a lot of work to do.
This period often leads, according to the specialists as well as the official statistics on losses, to intensified pressure around the flocks and an increase in attacks. This is entirely logical in view of the pack's situation, as it has to cope with growing cubs and increasing numbers. Wolves are often more opportunistic at this time of year, and the need to provide their offspring with plenty of food makes them less "selective", possibly more reckless and therefore more insistent. And it's clear that saving energy is also one of the factors that can explain this. Hunting a deer or a chamois requires more energy than predating sheep, which cannot escape.
It's fair to say that this pressure is hard on farmers, shepherds and guardian dogs. Indeed, wolves sometimes return several times a night, even during the day on occasion, forcing guardian dogs and shepherds to be even more vigilant. This is very energy-consuming as well and sometimes demoralizing. The populationc is often unaware of the reality, of the big pressure exerted by the wolf, its multiple attempts, its perseverance and the cost to the shepherds and dogs on the spot.
The increased need for food for the cubs is logical, understandable and fully natural. The pack must do everything in its power to feed its offspring, and sheep that aren't protected, or are poorly protected, will suffer as a result. At this time of year, even herds protected by fences/dogs/shepherds, which is the most complete and effective form of protection, are subject to repeated and more intense attacks and pressure. The slightest mistake is unforgivable, even for the most seasoned and committed shepherds.
We are therefore in a phase where the opportunism, ease and instinct of the pack come face to face with human activities, the farming methods chosen and the limits of the means deployed to protect farm animals. There's no doubt that both protagonists are legitimate, whether it's the presence of the wolf or the pastoral world. But it's clear that cohabitation, given the pressures of the moment, is difficult, and this shouldn't be denied or ignored, in anyway.
Arsene's pack will still have a lot of work in the coming months, as the cubs won't be actively hunting until the end of the year. If you are aware of the problem of wolves and pastoralism, there are associations that work to help breeders and thus contribute to a better cohabitation, such as Pastur Voluntaris, OPPAL, Middleway and the FJML. We encourage all volunteers to get involved or make a donation to help the pastoral world. And any attack thwarted, whether by volunteers, the reinforcement of physical measures, new technologies, the texting system, collaborations etc., reinforces protection, repels the wolf and shows it that he won't get his way at this location. Shooting can also be avoided.
Below, we share with you 2 videos of members of the Arsene's pack...
Article: TT - Mission Loup
Photo: Mission Loup
Videos : Mission Loup
