Lone Wolf, Canis lupus, displaced from a kill by an adult Black Bear, Ursus americanus, in northeastern Alberta

Abstract

Wolf (Canis lupus) packs are generally competitively dominant over Black Bears (Ursus americanus); however, less is known about lone Wolf-Black Bear interactions. We report an observation of a lone Wolf and an adult Black Bear at a kill made by the Wolf in northeastern Alberta. In this instance, the bear chased the Wolf from the kill site. Our observation supports the hypothesis that Wolf-Black Bear interactions may fit the pattern of asymmetrical interference competition when the interaction involves a lone Wolf rather than a pack.