Family additions for Osterdalen wolves
Two pairs of wolves in the Osterdalen area have in all likelihood had
cubs. Experts are not sure how many new arrivals there are but are
convinced that tape recordings have captured the howls of young.
Wolf expert Petter Wabakken at Hedmark College is convinced that a newly
formed wolf pair in Koppangkjolen has had offspring this summer. “On at
least three sequences I am sure that cubs can be heard along with adults.
We can only be sure of the number when the first snow shows us tracks,”
Wabakken said.
The wolf family faces an uncertain future as they are currently outside of
the so-called wolf zone, which makes them vulnerable to culling by the
Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management.
Wabakken also believes that it is probable that other of Norway’s
remaining wolf pairs have reproduced over the summer. Wabakken indicates
likely cubs in the Gråfjell area and near Halden, but is more uncertain
about a pack near Moss.