[Illustration: _Figure 20.--Dispersal of wolf 1051. Lines merely indicate sequence of locations. Only selected lakes are shown._]
We observed 1051 for distances of up to 5 miles during these travels; he maintained a steady trot that seemed faster than usual, and he appeared intent on heading in a straight line. He did chase deer during his travels, and twice was seen feeding on carcasses. In the area where he remained for about 2 weeks, he was twice seen closely associated with another wolf. This relationship will be discussed later.
An extensive search was made for 1051's signals on May 2 in an area of at least 50 miles radius from his last known location, but it was unsuccessful. On each subsequent tracking flight, the wolf's frequency was also monitored with no success. Possible explanations for the loss of the signal from this wolf include the following: (1) premature expiration of the transmitter, (2) capture of the wolf and breakage of the transmitter, (3) loss of the exposed antenna and consequent reduction of range, and (4) travel of the wolf out of range of the tracking aircraft.
During 1051's travels a number of interesting events took place:
Dec. 4, 1968--Crossed road in front of tracking truck
Dec. 9, 1968--Surprised on the ground at distance of 35 feet
Dec. 18, 1968--Chased by loggers with axes
Dec. 25, 1968--Almost shot by trapper who saw collar and withheld fire
Jan. 13, 1969--"Bumped" twice on logging road by loggers in auto but no apparent injury
Feb. 26, 1969--Began long-range southwest movement considered to be dispersal
Mar. 14, 1969--Seen feeding on old carcass within 200 yards of houses, dogs, and a man walking
Mar. 27, 1969--Chased two deer across 4-lane State highway 53
Apr. 3, 1969--Found with another wolf at point farthest south in his range
Apr. 24, 1969--Last contact with this animal; was seen traveling NW
_Wolf 1053._--This wolf was basically a scavenger who subsisted for long periods on the remains of old carcasses. She was known to have visited the remains of at least four deer and three moose, and she stayed near one moose carcass from February 8 to 20, at least during the day. Between her date of capture, December 10, and February 28, 1053 traveled about in an area of 31 square miles in the Arrow Lake-Maniwaki Lake region (fig. 21).