NEAFWA 2018

AUTHORS: Lucas Price, John Edwards - West Virginia University; Bradley Swanson, Central Michigan University; Nathan Roberts, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; Thomas Gehring, Central Michigan University

ABSTRACT. Fecal sampling is a non-invasive sampling method that can inform management of elusive species and those of conservation concern, such as the gray wolf (Canis lupus). Wolf scat samples were collected in Wisconsin and Michigan using road surveys. DNA was extracted from scat samples, and 12 microsatellite markers were amplified to examine population genetics. Program Structure identified two unique populations: One population was isolated to the Central Forest of Wisconsin, while the other population was throughout the region. Low levels of genetic differentiation (Fst=0.03; p