Mech and Medwid: We found 4 new starved
musk ox carcasses; two calves and two adults. Saw a herd of
seven yesterday and a herd of 6 today plus a single. The total
for the trip is about 22 live and 13 dead. Total arctic hares
seen is 8. So not much for the wolves to eat. No new wolf
sign.
It is clear that Explorer has left the area
or died over winter. We may never find out which.
On an exploratory hike today we had the unusual
experience of having mosquitoes swarming around us at the
same time a brief snow shower fell. Some alpine meadows are
greening up so there will be ample food for the musk oxen
that are left.
We are beginning to make preparations for
returning to Minnesota and will be leaving the study area
at the end of the week. Further updates will be forthcoming.
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