LOGBOOK - WEEK FIVE
Yes, Wolf Mission is currently busy with observation and field work, leaving aside, for a while, the scouting. We're entering a important phase, now that life in Arsene's pack is about to change after 3 months of legitimate hide-and-seek. Our binoculars and spotting scopes have become our besties and will remain so for some time to come. We also set out to prospect the forests and areas that will be in the spotlight between now and autumn/winter, in order to locate the places of passage that have been pointed out to us. We've also been looking for evidence and clues in the field, which is also helping us to better understand how the pack works.
During a break, leaning against a tree in camouflage gear, we were startled by the sound of breathing very close to our backs. We sensed a presence, but didn't dare moving, as we didn't want to frighten the animal, which was obviously very close to us. In slow motion, we managed to turn our heads slightly and we saw that a young roe deer was feeding...4-5m away from us. She hadn't noticed or smelled us at all, as the wind was not blowing in the right direction. We stood still for 10 minutes, refusing to take picture or scare her away, as we've so much respect for wildlife. So she finished her meal in peace, walked away and returned to the forest (illustrative photo).
A similar adventure happened to us again, a few days later. This time, hidden in a blind, we were concentrating on the surroundings at 6am. The weather was acting up, eaving us uncertain as to what to do next with our program. So we decided to check the forecast and, concentrating on the screen of our cell phone, we were startled by the sound of claws on a branch. When we looked up, a squirrel was 20 cm from our head, passing over the branch that formed our blind. He didn't see us - the camouflage is really good, we must say. He continued towards a tree further away. Barely 5 minutes later, he came back and took the same branch to return home. We had a good laugh, because we'd never been so close to a wild squirrel before, and of course our big lens just couldn't capture it (illustrative photo).
We also saw the famous ruffed grouse again, just as we had come to collect our camera trap and were thinking of settling down for a well-deserved snack. Sitting down, we watched the grouse pass by, unhurriedly, 10m from our position. Of course, after 2 days of unsuccessful stalking with our equipment, we hadn't caught anything this time. It's a long walk to get there, the equipment is heavy, and we didn't think we'd see her again after our unsuccessful scouts. The ruffed grouse played a trick on us, showing up and taunting us (illustration from Wikipedia).
We're making good progress with our study of the Arsene's pack, and have obtained some valuable information, for which we'd like to thank the people who provided it. Monitoring accounts for over 80% of the data needed to study the wolf. Without these devices, it would have been virtually impossible to better understand and monitor wolf numbers and movements in our regions, as well as in many parts of the world. Fieldwork involves observation and stalking, as well as map study, genetic surveys and information provided by the population. We're delighted with the results so far, and hope that over the next two years we'll be able to learn even more about Arsene and his family. Thanks to everyone who has helped us!
We look forward continuing our adventures. As observation is the current method used these days, wildlife photos may be less frequent, but we promise to tell you all about our encounters and progress.
Article : TT - Mission Loup
Photos : Mission Loup et Wikipédia