Wolf's Cry
For centuries, the wolf has enchanted us with its unending perseverance, its cunning intelligence, and, more than anything else, its untamed heart.
Unfortunately, there are those who feel threatened by wolves, a fear that stems from years of listening to 'Little Red Riding Hood', the ' Three Little Pigs' and other outlandish folklore. The 'Big Bad Wolf' does not exists, except in our own imaginations. Granted, real wolves are in fact predators who hunt and kill to sustain their families but they are also a necessity for our echo system. Their presence provides the balance that is an integral part in preserving the natural beauty of North America's wilderness. The detrimental impact of wolf populations is all too often exaggerated. It cannot be emphasised enough. One point must be made: No healthy wolf has ever seriously injured a human.
The Appearance of a Wolf:
The colour of a wolf's fur is usually greyish, although black, white, and reddish complexions are not unheard of. The thickness of their coat depends on the climate of their geographic region. Colder areas mean thicker fur, whereas wolves in warmer locations generally have shorter, thinner coats. A wolf has five toes on its forepaw and only four toes on its hindpaw. Nonretractable claws on each paw help bring down the large prey they usually hunt. Both wolves and dogs share several canine characteristics: a long muzzle, pointed ears, and sharp teeth. An adult wolf (minus tail) is usually 50 inches long, and weighs as heavy as 180lbs. Male wolves tend to be on the heavier side.
The Family Unit:
Wolves are very social animals, with the ability to communicate their thoughts and intentions just as easily as humans. Wolf packs can range from 3-30 members. The average pack, however, usually consist of around 8-12 wolves. A large local food supply generally raises the number of wolves in a pack. The pack leader is known as the 'alpha male', who rules over the other wolves with the 'alpha female'. They are the only ones who are allowed to procreate and also have the sole privilege of being the first ones to eat. This hierarchy is sometimes challenged by others within the pack, with only the bravest attempting to seize control from the existing 'alpha male'. The outcome of such a fight can result in a change of leadership or, in some cases, the demotion or expulsion of the former leader or the defeated challenger. Wolves banished from the pack become known as lone wolves, who sometimes travel vast distances in search of a new mate and a new place to hunt. Some lone wolves simply linger behind another wolf pack, gobbling up whatever is left on an abandoned carcass.
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