Sanity -> RE: How will the wolf survive? (8/26/2011 6:22:49 AM)
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Grizzly bears actually are endangered, and wolf packs harass sow grizzlies with cubs and often take their young. Wolf packs arent even afraid of mature boar grizzlies, the fierce competition alone is problematic for the grizzlies. And not just in Yellowstone, either. quote:
ORIGINAL: angelikaJ quote:
ORIGINAL: Sanity [image]http://www-tc.pbs.org/wnet/nature/wp-content/plugins/promoplayer/data/nature/assets/images/promo_lg_clash.jpg[/image] Not exactly http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzfYsIC8ufs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pd7yTRnYzg Interspecific Competition Most notable in Yellowstone have been the interactions between gray wolves and grizzly bears. With the reintroduction of gray wolves to Yellowstone, many visitors have witnessed a once common struggle between a keystone species, the grizzly bear, and its historic rival, the grey wolf. The interactions of U. arctos horribilis with the wolves of Yellowstone have been under considerable study. Typically, the conflict will be in the defense of young or over a carcass, which is commonly an elk killed by wolves.[16] The grizzly bear uses its keen sense of smell to locate the kill. Then, the wolves and grizzly will play a game of cat and mouse. One wolf may try to distract the bear while the others feed. The bear then may retaliate by chasing the wolves. If the wolves become aggressive with the bear, it is normally in the form of quick nips at its hind legs. Thus, the bear will sit down and use its ability to protect itself in a full circle. Rarely do interactions such as these end in death or serious injury to either animal. One carcass simply is not usually worth the risk to the wolves (if the bear has the upper hand due to strength and size) or to the bear (if the wolves are too numerous or persistent).
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