Advice from a Wolf ~ Trust your instincts. Be at home in nature. Keep your den clean. Stand fur what you believe. Howl with your friends. Be a leader. Pack life with good memories. ~ Ilan Shamir
Wolves – a most controversial subject, across the ages and around the globe. And why not, as we were raised to fear this highly intelligent creature, as far back as medieval times. They have become associated with what we instinctively fear – the dark, light of a full moon in the deep, dark forest, lonely howls.
The tale of Little Red Riding Hood, a book many had read to them in their childhood, dates back to the 1700’s, originally published by French author Charles Perrault. Although the storyline has changed over the years, passed from French, to German, to English hands, one thing has remained constant, the big bad wolf.
The legend of the werewolf has swirled around since Ancient Greek times, 9th to 6th century BC. Although each country has its own theory on how one shape-shifts from man to beast, folklore abounds.
Spanning the globe there have been many reports of wolf attacks on humans, with India seeming to have one of the largest problems with this issue today. The fact remains, however, that the primary food source for this canine is ungulates – horses, cattle, deer, bison, elk. Experts believe that wolf attacks against humans are the result of a diseased animal, human habituation, a defensive measure when provoked, or when a food supply is not readily available. Otherwise, the wolf tends to fear man, particularly in North America.
Our love affair with wolves was born several years ago in Yellowstone National Park, where Terry had the good fortune to assist the wolf biologists in some of their public education seminars. He was immediately enthralled with the various packs within the park and shared much of what he learned with me. There was nothing more thrilling back then than to stand with the wolf watchers on a crisp, clear Yellowstone winter morn, watching this magnificent, resourceful wild animal. Terry was blessed to see them interact as a family unit at the den and watch an entire pack celebrate a successful hunt, their yips and howls reverberating in the cold dawn. Speak to a rancher surrounding Yellowstone lands and his perspective takes on a whole different light. Loss of his livelihood, his livestock, is most likely foremost in mind, as well it would be.
The International Wolf Center was the reason for our side trip to Ely, MN. Their mission is clear, to “educate the public by offering the most up-to-date, accurate wolf information possible”. They envision a world where wolves co-exist peacefully with humans. The programs presented at the center by their interns are informative and passionately presented. The ambassadors at the wolf center are playful, mesmerizing, beautiful. So without further adieu, let’s meet the pack!
Six year old Aidan, 136 pounds, is the “alpha male”. Much more elusive than his mates, he seemed to carry an air about him that clearly spoke of his status in the pack.
Denali, also six years old, 134 pounds, loved to ham it up for the photographers, often coming to the window for photo ops. His and Aidan’s lineage goes back to that of the Yellowstone wolves.
Two-year old Boltz, weighing in at 112 pounds, was relaxed when his older siblings weren’t present, but clearly knew his place in the pack when they arrived on the scene.
Little Luna, two years old and the only female in the pack, is a slim 91 pounds, but we were told she can hold her own when food is presented, often times taking more than her share. She and Boltz are of the Great Plains sub-species.
If you find yourself near Ely, regardless of your opinion on this beautiful creature, the International Wolf Center is a fascinating place to visit. Yes, the wolf’s place among humans is a very controversial topic, but I wonder, if we humans cannot embrace tolerance, will we ultimately lose a piece of the wild places? And speaking of wild places, throw a kayak into the Boundary Waters while you are there. We did, and loved it!
Paint Your Landscape 
What amazing photos of these beautiful creatures LuAnn.
Thanks Sue!
How great that you were able to see this exhibit. After being in Yellowstone, I, too, am enthralled with these wonderful creatures. Like any wild animals, I feel people have to realize that they were here long before we were. We humans are the ones encroaching upon their habitat, and I feel we should respect their place on this planet and not try to destroy them, so we can take over their standing. You got some more great shots. So when does your job with NG start?
Very funny! Thanks Joan. 🙂
Although we don’t miss the bugs in the BWCA, we sure do miss our paddling days. The waters are so crisp, cool, and clear in northern MN. Love that opening quote and the lovely photos of these magnificent creatures.
Thanks Ingrid! We did not run into mosquitoes until we entered the boundary waters, which was not surprising to find them there. Luckily they didn’t bother us when we were out kayaking. Hard to bring a camera onboard though, as the rains came most every day.
This is a wonderful informative and educational post. We have watched the Nature program and learned a little bit about this creature. Great photos, as always.
Thank you for sharing, LuAnn!
My pleasure Amy! Thanks for stopping by.
Such beautiful creatures!
They certainly are!
What a neat post. We, too, saw a wolf in Yellowstone. They are beautiful creatures, but we will give them their space!
I agree with you wholeheartedly Marsha. We have such a great appreciation for them after our time in Yellowstone.
Wolf and humans to co-exist… that’s a mighty feat to convince people of that. That similar to people being afraid of sharks. I think the thing with wolfs is their howls. Really creepy. Like people being afraid of mice because of their squeaky noise. 🙂 Wolves do are elegant looking. I think I’m afraid that if I get a pet wolf, no one would dare be near me again. 😀
Good luck getting that pet wolf Rommel! 🙂
The wolves are gorgeous. The center sounds so interesting, especially for us animal lovers. This center and area are a must on our next trip through northern MN. There is still so much to see. Remind me to ask about how the wolves are kept at the center and why. What brought them there? We can discuss this weekend:)
Look forward to it!
What gorgeous images of these splendid creatures. Have you seen this YouTube: http://youtu.be/ysa5OBhXz-Q
Thanks Gunta! I had not seen this video. Thanks so much for sharing.
Such beautiful wild creatures — your photos of them are wonderful, LuAnn. We were hoping to see wolves when we were in Yellowstone for 10 days late last fall, but no luck. But it makes me happy just to know that they’re out there.
I rarely saw wolves in Yellowstone over the two years we were there except for the winter. It was much easier to see their coats against the snow and knowing where the wolf watchers were, they were always very happy to allow you a peek through their spotting scopes.
Thank you for sharing this and the beautiful photos! Wolfs are fascinating creatures!
Yes they are Anne. Thanks for stopping by.
Isn’t there a programme of reintroducing the wolf going on in some places…I am pretty sure I read about it in the National Geographic a year or two ago? Wolves are fascinating studies and the effect that we have on them and vice versa will make for fascinating reading. It’s great that there is a resource to educate the public and help foster understanding, we may do that amongst our own species one day!
Their faces are precious. The wolf and dog sure have so much resemblance don’t they?
They certainly do. 🙂
so jealous. you are very lucky
It was a wonderful experience.
A fascinating post LuAnn, I’ve read a lot about wolves over the years and was really interested and thrilled to read about the re-introduced packs in Yellowstone. Lovely photos of such beautiful creatures as well, thanks 🙂
Thanks Mike! We learned so much about the wolves in Yellowstone and have been enthralled with them ever since. 🙂
Fascinating creatures! Great captures of their various countenance, innocent and cuddly looking but fierce. I saw some wolves in Yellowstone n 2007. For me they are just fascinating to watch from afar.
Thanks LuAnn for this informational post, I will keep this in mind should be in that area next year.
Be forewarned MonaLiza, the mosquitoes do like to hang out around the boundary waters. 😦
Love the pictures of the wolves. What magnificent animals!
Yes, they certainly are. Thanks so much for stopping by. 🙂