Bill Leeming on Wolves

Sue introduced Bill as a wildlife researcher and columnist with wide experience in the field.  He said it was an honour to be invited and that, though his grandfather had been a Rotarian for 50 years and was a double PH this was Bill's first experience of Rotary.

Bill has been researching wildlife for 25 years and has concentrated on wolves, as did his mentor R D Lawrence.  Although he has actually owned wolves, or hybrid wolves, he emphasized that they are not domestic animals.  Although some people might think they would be cool to have, it usually does not end well.

There are 7 distinct species of wolves, divided into another17 subspecies and they are all at risk.  The Eastern or Algonquin wolf is a reddy tawny colour, brighter than the Grey.  Range in Ontario runs from Manitoba to Quebec in an arch that reaches down below Parry Sound so though wolves may be spotted around here they are probably just visiting.  Animals in the southern part of the range are generally smaller than those further north and females are smaller than males.  Animals in Ontario might run as heavy as 90 or 95 pounds but some in Alaska might reach 140.  It's all dependent on environment and food.  They eat a variety - from large ungulates like moose, deer and elk, down to beaver, rabbits and mice.  They will cache a surplus.  The biggest difference between wolves and coyotes, apart from the fact that wolves are bigger, is that a wolf will carry its tail horizontally while a coyote carries his curved under.

Wolves can range over 200 to 500 sq. kms.  Alpha pairs mate for life.  Their eyes glow because their retinas reflect light which enhances night vision and they can exert a jaw pressure of between 600 and 1,500 lbs. per sq. inch, breaking up bones.  They can hear as far as 6 miles - about 30 times better than humans - and they can smell 100 times better.  A howl lasts about 10 seconds and is used to protect territory or a kill, to seek a mate, to call a pack together, to warn of intruders or simply out of happiness.  They start howling at about a month.

Natural threats include disease and injury but their biggest threat is from humans through hunting, poisoning, road kills etc.

Bill showed a selection of pictures of wolves he has studied or owned and expeditions he has been on.