Note on Skeletal Injuries in An Adult Arctic Wolf

Abstract

The desiccated corpse of an arctic wolf (Canis lupus) was recovered from central Ellesmere Island in summer 1986 near the skeleton of a musk-ox (Ovibus moschatus). External examination showed no evidence of the cause of death. Two old injuries, however, became apparent after the skeleton was cleaned. The right zygomatic arch and mandible had been fractured, as well as the right upper carnassial. Four left ribs (T9-12) had also been broken. The pattern and spacing of the skull and rib fractures suggest the impact of a hoof of a large ungulate such as a musk-ox was the cause. The wolf was old, and the bony fracture calluses were smoothed over, indicating old injuries.