Forensic evidence often exonerates wolf
By SCOTT BRAND/The Evening News
SAULT STE. MARIE — Despite the perception of widespread wolf kills
throughout the Eastern Upper Peninsula, Wildlife Supervisor Tom Weise of
the Michigan Department of Natural Resources says his agency has been
called out to investigate less than a dozen incidents over the last three
years.
Utilizing tactics reminiscent of the old Jack Klugman classic “Quincy” or
the popular new series “C.S.I.,” representatives from the DNR collect
evidence at the scene to help determine not only what has been feeding on
the deceased livestock, but also the cause of death.
“We need to have some evidence before a payment can be legitimately made,”
said Weise. “We’ll make every effort to get there that day or the next.”
Tracks and scat are considered the prime indicators in assisting
investigators. But the presence of this evidence alone does not prove that
there was a predatory kill.
Coyotes and wolves will both feed on carrion and the first thing
investigators attempt to determine is the cause of death. In some
instances, the livestock animal may have died of other causes and the
farmer only finds it after the feeding has begun. The presence of internal
hemorrhaging, associated with trauma to living flesh, determines the dead
animal’s state at the time it was bitten.
“The ways a coyote and a wolf kill are different,” said Weise. “Wolves
will grab and hang on. Coyotes will make several grabs.”
Other clues are frequently found in the tooth marks and feeding patterns
of the animals, Weise added.
“When coyotes feed they are more dainty,” he said. “They don’t rip the
carcass apart. Wolves tend to scatter it more and will crush bigger bones
while feeding.”
Another good clue can come from measuring the distance between the canine
teeth. A coyote bite mark has less than 1 1/2-inches, while the full-grown
wolf will sport a gap in excess of 1 1/2 inches.
A third member of the canine family, dogs, can be a wildcard in a
wolf-kill investigation. Weise said dogs tend to be inexperienced in
bringing down livestock and tend to harass the penned animals. These
“inefficient” attacks are typically marked with random bites and loose
livestock hair.
“Primarily dogs don’t do much feeding,” said Weise adding they are more
likely to harass the animal than kill it contrasting that to other
incidents with wild predators. “The wolves and coyotes are usually more
interested in getting something to eat.”
Weise said the DNR will make every effort to respond to a wolf-kill
complaint in a timely fashion. During regular work hours, Eastern Upper
Peninsula residents can contact the Sault Office at 635-5281 or the
Newberry Office at 293-5131. After hours or on weekends, people may
utilize the DNR’s Poaching Hotline at 1-800-292-7800 to report any
incidents of suspected wolf predation and should include the date and time
of the phone call; name of the caller, telephone number and a detailed
description of the activity.
Under no circumstances should the carcass of the animal be moved as this
only destroys evidence.
“If a farmer had (suspected wolf) damage and was afraid it might rain he
could kind of cover it up,” said Weise. A pail over a set of tracks or a
tarp to cover the kill site were both suggested as potential assets in
evidence preservation in the event of inclement weather.