David E. Unger, Division of Natural Science, Alderson Broaddus College, Philippi, WV 26416, USA; Eric M. Anderson, College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI 54481, USA; Bruce E. Kohn, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, PO Box 576, Rhinelander, WI 54501, USA

Timber wolf (Canis lupus nubulis) den (n=13) and rendezvous (n=10) sites were studied in northwestern Wisconsin and east-central Minnesota from 1 July - 31 December 1994 and 1995 and 1 June - 31 September 1996 using spatial and habitat variables measured at three spatial scales: homerange, macrohabitat (attributes within 1 km of site) and microhabitat (attributes within 24 m or 50 m of a den or rendezvous site, respectively). We used geographic information systems to analyze the position of sites within annual territories, location relative to roadways, and landscape covertype characteristics. Logistic regression analysis indicated selection of central core area of the annual territory was the most significant feature of den sites. Prevention of interpack strife and optimal foraging may explain this behavior. At the microscale level wolves selected areas with steep slope (P=0.016) and sandy soil (P <0.001), most likely for ease of digging and drainage purposes. Habitat features appear to override locational features in the selection of rendezvous sites. Wolves selected wetland habitat (P =0.050) in close proximity to water (P =0.007) for rendezvous sites, most likely due to increased water needs of pups after weaning. Sites also had a higher visual obscurity (P =0.050), possibly for hiding pups from humans, competitors and/or predators. The needs of the pups may dictate the selection of different characteristics between den and rendezvous sites. With resource needs in the first several weeks after birth being supplied primarily by the mother's milk, spatial characteristics may be more important to protect pups from dangers such as humans, competitors, and/or predators. Increasing resource needs and increased pup mobility may render habitat features more important than spatial features when selecting a rendezvous site. Understanding the requirements in den and rendezvous site selection will allow for the development of the most efficient and effective management techniques for these areas as the timber wolf continues to reestablish itself in the Great Lakes region.