Observation of a wolf killed by a deer

Wolves (Canis lupus ) probably risk injury while attempting to kill large prey (Muie, 1944; Rausch, 1967; Mech, 1970; Peterson, 1977). Rausch (1967) found that numerous wolf skulls collected in a control program had sustained injuries, probably inflicted by severe blows from moose (Alces alces ). Wolves killed by prey seldom if ever are found. The authors located only three such published records, two involving moose (MacFarlane, 1905; Stanwell-Fletcher and Stanwell-Fletcher, 1942), and one involving deer (Odocoileus virginianus ) (Frijlink, 1977). In the latter case, the wolf was rabid and apparently was killed by a blow to the head, presumably by a hoof.