Oslo - Norwegian researchers have used cellphone text messaging for the first time to track a young wolf that recently crossed the border from neighbouring Sweden.
The wolf is tagged with a transmitter that transmits short text messages whenever the animal is near a cellphone communication antenna.
"Via the SMS messages we receive, we can locate where the wolf is, and we also get a time log," researcher Petter Wabakken told public broadcaster NRK.
The technology is cheap and enables the researchers to track the wolf which roams a large area, Wabakken said.
The wolf has covered about 1 000km since it left Sweden in early June.
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According to Wabakken most wolves roam about 100-300km , but researchers are not sure how many roam longer distances.
Young wolves which roam great distances are thought to constitute the largest danger to tame animals like sheep.
The tagged wolf has killed sheep and a request to shoot it has been filed to authorities in the county of Nordland that straddles the Arctic Circle. - Sapa-dpa
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