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Article: The Mega Predators.(research shows predators at the top of the food chain benefit animals at the bottom)
- Article from:
- Animals
- Article date:
- May 1, 2000
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2000 Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Life at the top of the food chain is tough. But without Large predatory animals, life on the bottom is no picnic.
A chorus of high-pitched wolf howls pierces the stillness of a frigid January morning. A blanket of new snow glistens in the brilliant sunlight as the alpha female stands her ground over a lower-ranked animal, her daughter. The pack hasn't produced pups since the alpha male died two years ago. Now, less than a month before breeding season, pack members jockey for position as their leader appears to be warming to the advances of another male. The pack could have pups to raise this spring.
This scene could have played out in Canada, Minnesota, ...