Alaska’s wolves: new behavioral insights

Submitted by Amy Hartley
Phone: (907) 474-5823
01/29/04

Studies have shown that Alaskans know more about wolves than people who live in the Lower 48, but many of our preconceptions about wolf behavior are not necessarily true.

Research Biologist Mark McNay, of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, will present a free public lecture on Alaska’s wolves at 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 3 at the Chena River Convention Center in Fairbanks.

During his hour-long lecture, McNay will discuss the following questions: What is a wolf pack and how does it work? Are wolves dangerous to people? Do wolves prey only on the young, the old, the sick, and the weak? Can you have wolves without wilderness? If you kill a wolf, do you save a moose?

McNay’s lecture is the third of six weekly presentations included in the 2004 Science for Alaska free public lecture series, sponsored by the UAF Geophysical Institute and the University of Alaska Foundation. All lectures are held at 7 p.m. Tuesdays through February 24 in the Chena River Convention Center.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Additional biographical information about Mark McNay and a comprehensive schedule of the statewide lectures can be found on the Science for Alaska free public lecture series Web site: www.scienceforalaska.com .

CONTACT:
Mark McNay, Wildlife Biologist, Alaska Department of Fish and Game: (907) 459-7261
Amy Hartley, Public Information Officer, UAF Geophysical Institute: (907) 474-5823