wolf research

November 20, 2016 2:00 AM

Some time ago, I read an account by a researcher (possibly in Michigan's Upper Peninsula) on wolf behavior. The gist was the researcher had thought the stories of wolves cunning, audacity and violence were overblown, until (I hazily recall) a particularly hard winter, when the wolves started coming into the fields and farms. I'd like to read it again. Does this ring any bells?
posted by the man of twists and turns to Pets & Animals (5 answers total)

Never Cry Wolf?
posted by phoenixy at 2:26 AM on November 20, 2016

"Michigan Debates Their 'Big Bad Wolf'"?

“Wolves are extremely observant and smart creatures,” said Peterson. “They know exactly what people are all about. Since 1959, a little red and white plane has been flying around Isle Royale, [used to count wolves].

“I thought as long as the plane was in the air, we wouldn't be bothering wolves and they didn't know we were in there. [They’d] treat us like a far off raven; they chase at you like ravens if you get down low.

“One loner used our airplane to find its pack. The loner didn't know where the pack had gone and followed our flight line [to find them].”

If it was Michigan's Upper Peninsula, you'll want to add Brian Roell's name to your search.
posted by MonkeyToes at 5:52 AM on November 20, 2016

Or maybe "The rise of the gray wolf"?
posted by MonkeyToes at 7:23 AM on November 20, 2016

You could look at the writing of L. David Mech, or probably even email him as he would probably know the research in question.
posted by catrae at 10:03 AM on November 20, 2016

Response by poster: It was definitely published on the Web.
posted by the man of twists and turns at 1:43 PM on November 20, 2016