Wolves eating blueberries
Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 9:55 am
(Hi— sorry if this is in the wrong board, I didn't want this post to get buried underneath the Ideas for New Episodes/Future Updates thread.)
Wolves have been well documented consuming wild blueberries, pretty regularly actually in the summer months. Wolves will even regurgitate these berries to young wolf pups. Some researchers think blueberries may conserve energy while providing a nutritional boost. This behavior was caught on camera for the first time in Northern Minnesota. While it has not yet been observed in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, we shouldn't rule it out simply because this foraging behavior has not been studied long enough to make a conclusive decision about whether or not this behavior is unique to the region. Additionally, wild blueberries grow in Yellowstone (or Bog blueberries, which are closely related to the common blueberry).
Sources:
https://m.facebook.com/VoyageursWolfPro ... 582590599/
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2020/02/1 ... heir-young
http://www.uwyo.edu/barnbackyard/_files ... es1017.pdf
Benefits of incorporating wild blue berries to WolfQuest:
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Here's another source which mentions blueberries but also mentions prey that was once thought to be rarely preyed upon by wolves (including fish in the mainland).
https://www.npr.org/2018/12/22/67866877 ... ods-wolves
Update:
Wolves may also consume raspberries and other edible wild fruits. Although yes, wolves eat fruit a fair amount it's usually last resort, and wolves are still very carnivorous. Like I said, adding fruit to WQ might help players realize that wolves don't always eat meat. I understand if this suggestion isn't eligible for whatever reason but I think it was worth a try C-:
Wolves have been well documented consuming wild blueberries, pretty regularly actually in the summer months. Wolves will even regurgitate these berries to young wolf pups. Some researchers think blueberries may conserve energy while providing a nutritional boost. This behavior was caught on camera for the first time in Northern Minnesota. While it has not yet been observed in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, we shouldn't rule it out simply because this foraging behavior has not been studied long enough to make a conclusive decision about whether or not this behavior is unique to the region. Additionally, wild blueberries grow in Yellowstone (or Bog blueberries, which are closely related to the common blueberry).
Sources:
https://m.facebook.com/VoyageursWolfPro ... 582590599/
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2020/02/1 ... heir-young
http://www.uwyo.edu/barnbackyard/_files ... es1017.pdf
Benefits of incorporating wild blue berries to WolfQuest:
- Provides an easier meal (might only give a 5% boost in hunger, similar to hares, but this can add up if there is a small patch of wild blueberries)
• Grows during the summer, so it's perfect for the last Slough Creek episode
• Player will still have to spend time foraging and exploring, but ultimately it will not be a main part of their diet
----
Here's another source which mentions blueberries but also mentions prey that was once thought to be rarely preyed upon by wolves (including fish in the mainland).
https://www.npr.org/2018/12/22/67866877 ... ods-wolves
Update:
Wolves may also consume raspberries and other edible wild fruits. Although yes, wolves eat fruit a fair amount it's usually last resort, and wolves are still very carnivorous. Like I said, adding fruit to WQ might help players realize that wolves don't always eat meat. I understand if this suggestion isn't eligible for whatever reason but I think it was worth a try C-: