The ethology of wolves foraging on freshwater fishes in a boreal ecosystem

Through global positioning system (GPS) collar locations, remote cameras, field observations and the first wild wolf to be GPS-collared with a camera collar, we describe when, where and how wolves fish in a freshwater ecosystem. From 2017 to 2021, we recorded more than 10 wolves (Canis lupus) hunting fish during the spring spawning season in northern Minnesota, USA. Wolves ambushed fish in creeks at night when spawning fish were abundant, available and vulnerable in shallow waters. We observed wolves specifically targeting sections of rivers below beaver (Castor canadensis) dams, suggesting that beavers may indirectly facilitate wolf fishing behaviour. Wolves also cached fish on shorelines. We documented these findings across five different social groups at four distinct waterways, suggesting that wolf fishing behaviour may be widespread in similar ecosystems but has probably remained difficult to study given its annual brevity. Spawning fish may serve as a valuable pulsed resource for packs because the spring spawning season coincides with low primary prey (deer Odocoileus virginianus) availability and abundance, and when packs have higher energetic demands owing to newly born pups. We demonstrate the flexibility and adaptability of wolf hunting and foraging behaviour, and provide insight into how wolves can survive in a myriad of ecosystems.

Automated summary

By using GPS collar locations, remote cameras, field observations, and the first wild wolf to be GPS-collared with a camera collar, the study provides a detailed account of wolves' fishing behavior and their adaptation in a freshwater ecosystem. The researchers observed wolves ambushing fish in creeks at night, particularly targeting areas below beaver dams. The study also highlights the significance of spawning fish as a valuable resource for wolf packs during the spring season, when their primary prey availability is low and energetic demands are high due to the presence of newborn pups.