MADISON — People who are interested in playing a key role in monitoring the state’s wolf population are encouraged to sign up for one of several Department of Natural Resources classes offered statewide.
DNR biologists and volunteers have partnered to provide informative classes focused on aspects of wolf ecology, population biology and field study techniques.
Carnivore tracking classes focus on learning to identify the tracks of medium to large-sized carnivores in Wisconsin, as well as a few other common mammals. Wolf ecology and management classes cover the history of wolves in Wisconsin, wolf biology and ecology, how DNR staff monitor the population, and state management and research. Completion of both classes is required to participate in the wolf monitoring program as a volunteer carnivore tracker.
“DNR staff and volunteers tracked over 16,000 miles last winter searching for wolf, coyote, bobcat and other medium to large size carnivore tracks in Wisconsin,” said DNR wolf biologist Nathan Kluge in a news release. “It’s a great way to get out and enjoy Wisconsin in the winter while helping the department monitor some of the state’s most interesting wildlife.”
For a list of courses offered, search the DNR website for the volunteer carnivore tracking page and select the “training courses” option on the right side of the page.
