\wulf\ n, pl wolves \wulvz\ often attrib [ME, fr. OE wulf; akin to OHG wolf wolf, L lupus, Gk lykos] (bef.12c) 1. pl also wolf a: any of various large predatory canids (genus Canis) that live and hunt in packs and resemble the related dogs; esp: GRAY WOLF--compare coyote, jackal b: the fur of a wolf

What the dictionary doesn't tell you is how magnificant this animal really is. For centuries this creature has been misunderstood and feared. The Native American's worshiped the wolf. They understood it's nature.

For the early American settlers', it was easier to try to distroy something that they did not understand rather than take the time to learn more about it. Because of this barbaric mentallity of the settlers, the wolf was driven almost into extiction.

The wolf is a preditor, yes. It is a hunter with skills that are simply amazing. They go far beyond being simple preditors though. The wolf lives in a family unit called a pack. The pack is the center of the wolves universe. An Alpha Male and Alpha Female run the pack. There is a Beta Male and Female that is always ready to take control of the pack if the Alpha pair cannot continue their roll. The average size of the wolf pack now is about 10 to 15 wolves. They will live together for their entire life. The wolves will only mate with one mate. If the mate dies, they do not take another mate. The pups are cared for by the pack as a whole. If a member of the pack becomes ill or injured, it is sent out of the pack to die on its own. This may seem rather harsh or even cruel, but, it is needed. The pack hunts together. The team work they exhibit is amazing.

The wolf does not kill for fun. The wolf does not hunt humans. In fact, they are rarely seen by humans. Only when civilization moves into their territory and removes their prey do they even consider resorting to killing farm animals. The wolf in the wild is a creature of stealth and beauty.

Slowly, Americans' are changing their views on the wolf. There are very few places left in America that the wolf does exist in. They are making a come back though. Once again, they will resume their roll in the circle of life.



One of the greatest privilages I have had in this life is to hear the call of the wolf. The experience touched my life like no other. I have never seen wolves in the wild, that is a sacred sight for only a handful of people. I have not been that honored yet. I know they were there. I could hear them, see their tracks, and feel their presence.

On a hunting trip to the Upper Penisnsula of Michigan a couple of falls ago is when this occured. It was a beautiful, crisp, cool evening with a full moon. The sights of the woods alone was awe inspiring. We had spent the day scouting the woods for signs of whitetail deer. That night, we built a bonfire to sit around and discuss the prospects for the next days hunt. The air was still. We were miles away from any type of human activity. The closest road was a good 30 minute ride away that only the toughest 4x4's could make it down. We were truly in the wilderness. This was God's country. Pure and untouched, totally wild.

As we sat quietly talking and admiring the pure wilderness around us. In the distance, we heard the most amazing call of the wild one can ever hear. A pack of wolves was out on an evening hunt. We could hear them call to each other. The yips, barks and howls sent a chill through the soul. Their voices filled the night time air with the music of nature. We all sat silent listening. The wolves were close to our camp. We could tell by the howls. We scanned the woods for a glimps of this magnificant creature. They never showed themselves. We were only allowed the privilage of hearing them.

If you have ever heard their cries, you know the feeling of awe I am trying to discribe. It is like hearing the actual voice of God for a Christian. It is unlike anything in this world. The emotions that flow with each cry is overwhelming. I imagine that the feelings that flowed through my soul was compairable with the feelings of true reverence.

To think that we, humans, almost removed this magnificant creature from the face of this earth is discusting. We called them animals, but isn't it us that is the animal here? We too are preditors. Unlike the wolf though, we do not know our prey before we try to kill it. We have lost touch with the family unit. We do not hunt only to eat, we kill for pleasure, fun, profit, sport and fear. We no longer follow the codes of nature. We have become the worst type of preditor: Greedy, uneducated, fearful, and uncaring. We need to look closely at the wolf and follow their example. We need to learn from them instead of trying to kill them.

The next time you see a wolf, think of their struggle to survive and find a place in your heart to honor and respect them. They have survived worse than the wrath of God, they have survived the wrath of Man. They have earned our respect. Please give it to them.






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