The relationship of wolf and brown bear predation with moose population density and growth at Togiak National Wildlife Refuge and BLM Goodnews Block, Alaska, Progress report, 2014-2018

In 2014, we initiated an investigation into the role of wolf (Canis lupus) and brown bear (Ursus arctos) predation in regulating the population dynamics of moose (Alces alces) on Togiak National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge), BLM Goodnews Block, and adjacent areas. We will relate the predation impact by wolves and bears on moose at varying levels of moose population density. We will use existing population estimates for brown bears, and through the use of radio telemetry, we will estimate the number and composition of wolf packs on the Refuge. We will model wolf and bear predation on moose based on the quantity of wolves and bears and diet composition of both species determined through analysis of carbon (13C) and nitrogen (15N) stable isotopes. To date, we have gathered demographic and isotopic data on 25 wolves from nine wolf packs, and have collected approximately 400 brown bear hair samples. Genetic and isotopic analyses have been successfully performed on 139 bear samples. This reports our progress to date, and identifies the remaining data gaps.