Factors influencing the potential establishment of the winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus) in Alaska.

The winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus) is not known to occur in Alaska. Survival and development of free-living (i.e., non-host-associated) stages of the tick were studied at three sites in central and southern Alaska. Female ticks survived, oviposited, and eggs hatched at all sites. Hatch success was low at one site where summer temperatures were low. Results suggest that establishment of winter ticks in Alaska following accidental translocation is possible, but several factors would affect such establishment.

Baseline body temperatures, heart rates, and respiratory rates of moose in Alaska.

Baseline body temperatures (BT), heart rates (HR) and respiratory rates (RR) were obtained from Alaskan moose (Alces alces gigas Miller) at the Moose Research Center (MRC), Alaska. Excitability, seasons and drugs influenced the values to varying degrees. Excitability was the most influential factor. Safe expected ranges were: BT 38.4 to 38.9 C, HR 70 to 91 beats/min (b/min), and RR 13 to 40 respirations/min (r/min). These ranges incorporated all seasons, a central nervous system depressant drug and a paralyzing drug. Values which may be considered critical and an indication that corrective action should be taken include: BT 40.2 C, HR 102 b/min, and RR 40 r/min. It is recommended that persons trained in monitoring vital signs be on hand during moose capture and immobilization procedures.

Comparison and assessment of drugs used to immobilize Alaskan gray wolves (Canis lupus) and wolverines (Gulo gulo) from a helicopter.

One hundred and three Alaskan gray wolves and 12 wolverines were immobilized in the Nelchina and upper Susitna River Basins of southcentral Alaska between March 1977 and May 1981. Sixty-five wolves were immobilized with a mixture of phencyclidine HCl and promazine HCl (PP/HCl); 38 wolves were immobilized with etorphine HCl (EHCl) and 12 wolverines were immobilized with EHCl or with a mixture of EHCl and xylazine HCl (XHCl). Phencyclidine HCl is no longer commercially available and an assessment of etorphine HCl as a replacement drug was made. Etorphine HCl dosage of 2.5 mg/wolf proved to be a suitable replacement for PP/HCl for immobilizing wolves while 0.7 mg EHCl with 50 mg XHCl appeared suitable for wolverines.

Beta-endorphin levels in blood from selected Alaskan mammals.

Blood samples were analyzed for beta-endorphin from 43 non-torpid black bear (Ursus americanus), 8 torpid black bear, 3 non-torpid brown bear (Ursus arctos), 14 moose (Alces alces), 6 mountain goats (Oreamnus americanus) and 30 Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus). Beta-endorphin levels were detected in all species sampled and there were no significant differences in levels among non-torpid black bear, brown bear and sea lions. Also, no differences were detected between moose and mountain goats, but all other comparisons were significantly different (P less than 0.001). Torpid black bear had higher levels than all other groups. Moose and mountain goats had the lowest levels. The possibility of beta-endorphin influencing behavior and physiology of mammals is discussed.

Moose milk and hair element levels and relationships.

Milk was collected from 21 Alaskan moose (Alces alces gigas) at the Kenai Moose Research Center (MRC), Soldotna, Alaska nad analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy for Al, As, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Se and Zn. Hair samples were collected from 100 moose at the MRC to correspond with the lactation period and serve as a metabolic indicator of mineral elements stored in tissue. Published analyses of bovine milk were compared to moose milk; Al, Fe, Se and Zn were higher in moose milk by factors of 1.6 to 290. Elements potentially influenced by nutrition and those determined genetically were also considered. Elements in moose milk and hair values were compared, since mineral element levels in hair potentially reflect the availability and intake of these elements. Calcium and Mg were the only values in hair lower than the values in milk (factors of 4.2 and 1.5 respectively). Moose, as well as domestic cattle, apparently are subjected to lactation stress by the genetically determined levels of Ca and Mg in milk.