WildFact
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Information Section
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Terrestrial Wild Animals
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Carnivorous and Omnivores Animals, Excluding Felids
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Canids (Canidae) & Hyaenids (Hyaenidae)
Wolf (Canis lupus)
Wolf (Canis lupus)
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Wolf (Canis lupus)
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Wolves of the Rockies:
How to keep warm in extreme cold temperature. Thick camouflaged seasonal fur (anatomical) - The coat of the arctic wolf is always thick and highly insulating. It is light in colour, often almost white though can be quite grey too in some individuals. There are inner and outer layers to the fur with the inner being shorter softer hairs for insulation and the outer longer hairs a water and snow-proof layer that gets thicker as the colder weather starts to arrive. Fur on the paws (anatomical) - to insulate them from snow and ice and also provide for a better grip on slippery surfaces. Thick layer of body fat (anatomical / physiological) - for insulation and food storage to help survive the winter when food supply may be intermittent. Countercurrent heat exchanger in the paws (anatomical/physiological) - Along with many other animals including domestic dogs, there is a mechanism in the paws of arctic wolves that keeps them at a lower temperature than the body core so minimizing heat loss via this extremity that is in contact with the ground. Blood entering the paws is used to heat up blood that is leaving, this prevents the core from being cooled by heat loss at the extremities. Similar mechanisms are also found in the feet of birds such as ducks and penguins. Info from http://www.coolantarctica.com  *This image is copyright of its original author
Running Wolf Nature Photography by Deby Dixon:
Grace and Dignity. The White Lady As she passed by, on her way to the carcass, I was able to capture some stunning seconds of her essence. A moment I have long dreamed for - many a photographer has dreamed for. As for many of us she is our nemesis, the one we hope to capture but always miss. Her beauty is unrivaled, in her unique white coat. On a fall day, in yellow grass, and in sunshine, her white body stands out like the brightest, most beautiful of beacons of light. Most of the time she is a white dot stretched out on a hillside, taking in the sunshine. She might go unnoticed until the sun hits her just right and then we wonder how we could have missed her. Her mate, 712, could be beside her, blending into the landscape and unseen. So many times during the 2014 season, I saw that bright white light to the west of Alum Creek and though not photographable, it always brought smiles to my face. Even those memories brought smiles. I saw her one other time this summer and it was a brief glimpse as she followed her grandchildren up Mary Mountain. Just a glimpse but no mistaking that white coat. I tried to tell myself it was her daughter - the Wapiti alpha but knew better. And, then, bringing up the rear and far behind, the Wapiti alphas followed. To know that she visits her daughter, grandchildren and 755 made me very happy. Most likely the alpha males are at odds with one another but these wolves that we hold so dear in our hearts have family time. Finally, we know that the White Lady has at least one very healthy pup - a grey with markings that make it as unique as its mother. And we know that their two year-old male is with them. The pack looks very well - well-nourished. And, the White Lady appears to have become a very attentive mother because she would barely take eyes off of where her kids were. Once again the last day in Yellowstone, the last day of the interior season, gave me gifts that I could have only dreamed for. Haven't been in the park all week and might pay it a little visit if I can get out of the driveway. Deby  *This image is copyright of its original author
The Guardian:
Wolves return to Poland more than 50 years after being wiped out National park outside Warsaw says several of the animals seem to have settled there again after government cull in the 1960s Wolves have returned to Poland after disappearing in the 1960s. Photograph: Alamy  *This image is copyright of its original author Wolves have returned to a large national park on the outskirts of Warsaw, decades after they were wiped out there under a hunt launched by the communist authorities. “We’re really happy,” said Magdalena Kamińska, spokeswoman for the 150sq mile (385sq km) Kampinos national park, Poland’s second largest. “The fact that wolves have returned to our park, from which they completely disappeared in the 1960s, means that nature is in good health and is renewing itself.” Park employees spotted a first wolf in 2013, but the animal was just passing through. Now there are several and they appear to have settled in for the long haul, Kamińska said. A young male wolf was caught on a hidden camera just a few days ago, and in September another was spotted drinking at a watering hole. Poland’s communist regime organised a vast wolf cull in the 60s in response to their perceived danger, paying residents for every animal shot dead. The park’s last wolf pack was killed in 1964. Officials added the wolf – rare or extinct in much of western Europe – to the country’s list of endangered species in the 1990s following protests from ecologists and animal rights activists, including the former French film star Brigitte Bardot. The move helped reinstate wolves in certain areas, including the mountainous region of Bieszczady in the south-east. There are about 1,000 wolves in Poland today.
Running Wolf Nature Photography by Deby Dixon:
RIP to Yellowstone's Dear Wanderer, 968F Another child from the union of 870F and 890M is now gone, taken at the hands of a hunter in a place called Paradise Valley. It seems like just yesterday when I watched Yellowstone's "Happy Pack," from Hell Roaring. Wolves being viewed from Hell Roaring are always a long ways out and I only stop to watch at that distance when wanting to catch up with the pack and see how they are doing. On this day, in the Winter of 2014, forever etched in my memory, 870 and 890 were the proud parents of five happy and healthy pups. If memory serves correctly, there were 3 blacks and two grays, and none of them had a serious bone in their bodies. While the adults were getting down to business, these pups couldn't go 5 yards without playing. But 890 and 870 appeared easy going and content with their family and I couldn't get over how close all of the pack members were. The two alphas were raising two daughters and a son that were born to Puff and Ragged Tail in 2013. They originally had 3 daughters but "Drab," had been killed in the hunt. And, so, on that day, I laughed and giggled at the antics of the Junction Butte pups and went home smiling that 870 had gotten her family and about what great alphas she and 890 were. But, it was only days later when the world turned upside down. The Junction Buttes maybe paid for their not too serious lifestyle when they wandered into Prospect Peak territory. The Prospects responded by scent trailing the JBs back to their rendezvous area the next day, only no one was home. In a matter of days, however, the Prospects returned, and the Mollies and 755's group came for a visit. There were more wolves than we could count and when all was said and done, two JB pups were missing (one later found dead), one tried to join the Lamar Canyons and got bit in the butt by 926 and 870 was badly injured in an attack by unknown wolves. From happy to a real and tragic life in a matter of seconds, it was so hard to comprehend what had happened to the "Happy Pack." We celebrated victories - the day 870 got up and returned to her pack. The day that the bitten pup returned. And then 970 and 911 took over the pack and sent 870 and 890 out on their own. The pair did not stay together and eventually our dear survivor, 870 was on her own. By the time she passed away in March, there had only been one pup left - a grey female. But, as if by magic, on the day her body was retrieved, both bitten and 968 came back to the pack and we smiled and celebrated. It felt like an incredible coincidence and a small easing of the pain from losing 870. But, neither black pup stayed and the bitten pup was eventually found dead. 968 had wandered near and far - she had been in Paradise Valley before but had made her way back to Lamar. Today, when I talked to the wolf project crew, they said that her GPS collar showed she had been absolutely everywhere - lived in Cache Valley for a while, spent time out of the park - she was a young girl of the world. And, I remember the smiles when 968 returned to her pack late in September. Coincidently she returned right after the first wolf was killed near Gardiner, in the hunt. That wolf was reported to be with a black GPS collared wolf and given the timing of 968's return I will always wonder if it was her. And, I was surprised that she stayed so long - the pack was 19 strong with 968 and all were beautiful and healthy. She was back with dad, 890 (he was allowed to rejoin the pack) and her sister, as well as 969 and 907. But, not long ago, the pack had a carcass in Crystal and 970 was picking on 968. When the pack left to travel over to Lamar Valley and come down along the Lamar River where I photographed 14 of them, 968 stayed behind. My heart was already aching for her then and I hoped for a miracle. And, when she was seen with the pack a week or so later, I remember the crew smiling to see her again. I smiled at the news. And, then she was gone. It has only been about one week. And, as I often do, I dreamed a positive outcome of 968 and 965 hooking up and becoming a pair. I reasoned that 968 could nurse 965 back to health and they could be a great pair, just like with what happened when 911 and 970 got together. But, that fantasy ended yesterday afternoon when I learned of the death of our famous wandering yearling. A hunter shot her. There was one set of wolf tracks in the snow out there near Emmigrant, and so we know she was alone. And then she was shot - one bullet has taken another wolf from thousands who love these animals. RIP sweet dear - you will never be forgotten - we didn't see you much but your short life made an impression on us. You did your mother proud. And, now we have only your sister to carry on for all of you we have lost. Thanks for giving me a little time to compose my thoughts about losing 968 before talking to the world. These wolves, each one of them, live in my heart. I have watched them in life and now mourn them forever in death. Luckily, my heart always finds room for the next ones, even though from 820 until today, they each have taken a piece with them. Deby 968 is the young black female with the GPS collar. She is in every one of these images. 968 is the black wolf.  *This image is copyright of its original author 968 is the black on top of the hill, with the shiny white box on her collar.  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author
The best wolf documentary I have seen, about a big wolf called Storm, the one who took down the Bison in the earlier posters vid.
Running Wolf Nature Photography by Deby Dixon:
The traveling Lamar Canyons on a snowy day Here are some images of our wolves, taken yesterday, as they travelled from the carcass in Soda Butte Valley to find their next meal. The snow was really coming down shortly after they disappeared up the hill to the north. But, this is probably about as close as I have seen the wolves in a long time. The mange and their shaggy appearance is disheartening but it does not stop this pack from being proud and moving forward. They have a spirit that knows no bounds and they know that this is just a glitch in time and soon they will be sporting new winter coats. Reminds me of that Dolly Parton song that always used to make me cry - Coat of Many Colors. Wolf world is a tough place - the animals have to endure many challenges but they get up each day and do just that. And, it is hard for some humans who have been cast as not good enough to watch the animals of their heart. They have been deemed as too competitive, criminally so, and therefore unworthy of being a human. And so stories are told, false accusations leveled, all while they and their friends are doing things so much worse than the criminal would conceive of doing, and no one saying a thing. And, so someone has to fight for fairness and equality - for the right of every individual to be treated as human - breathing, feeling, bleeding, laughing - in their national park. Someone has to fight for this so those that come along behind will simply get to watch and enjoy the animals that they are in the park to see. And so the humans get up each day, with optimism in their hearts, and venture into the park to watch the wolves and to share them with all. And one has to wonder, who is competitive, the person who shares the animals with everyone or the one who keeps them secret so that the perceived competition doesn't know? And, when did working hard and being competitive, and trying to make a living, become a crime? When did trying to block traffic so wolf puppies could cross become a crime? When did sitting in one's car, 140 yards from an animal become a crime? And, when did they invent right angle cameras? The crime is in the lies, the games, the ostracizing through deceit - the constantly trying to get someone in trouble by making things up, while ignoring the actual wrongdoing of friends. Sort of makes someone who could actually care less about what others are doing sit up, notice and document in order to save themselves. A consequence of the unfairness is that those not involved in the games end up suffering as well. Wolf world is a tough place for the animals and the humans - it is about time it became all inclusive for everyone to enjoy without fear of the petty, childish games that could destroy lives. Time for the war to end because like the wolves, the humans will not be unfairly persecuted and run off from where they belong. Acceptance is key - and folks might find a pretty great person beneath all of those stories. Deby  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author
[video=facebook]https://www.facebook.com/WWF/videos/10153549604486305/[/video]
Rare encounter caught on camera 
Grey Wolf - High in the Mountains, Canada, Canada April 15, 2016
------------------------------------------------------------ For 6 days I drove around the Alberta mountains looking for the first Grizzly Bears which are leaving their dens. I wasn't having very much luck, so I crossed into BC for a few hours to change things up. No luck either. I was about to head back to Alberta when this gorgeous Grey Wolf appeared in front of me on the road. I only had a moment to grab my camera before it disappeared. I would have to say not a bad consolation prize for not seeing a Grizzly. I saw my first Grizzly of the year a day later as you will see in my post from yesterday. - Connect with me- Like my page facebook.com/jorelcuomophotography www.jorelcuomo.com Instagram: jorel_cuomo Twitter: jorelcuomo Canon 1DX + 600mm F4 IS II @1/500 F4 ISO 800  *This image is copyright of its original author
From UPI:
Study: Himalayan wolf in desperate need of protections  *This image is copyright of its original author KATHMANDU, Nepal, April 25 (UPI) -- The Himalayan wolf has been the source of taxonomic confusion for more than a century, but new research confirms the uniqueness of the species' lineage, as well as its presence Nepal. They may not be there for long, however. The new analysis, published in the journal ZooKeys, highlights the vulnerability of the species, Canis lupus chanco, and encourages stronger protections. The Himalayan wolf's appearance is distinct from its European neighbor. In addition to being slightly smaller, the Himalayan wolf boasts a longer snout and stumpier legs. Its coat is more wooly in appearance and its underside is marked by white fur. The species is also genetically distinct. Genetic analysis confirms the Himalayan wolf as the most ancient wolf lineage. Having become genetically distinct so long ago, it has evolved in isolation -- separate from the broader wolf-dog clade. The Himalayan wolf's genetic uniqueness make the species especially important to conservationists. According to the new research, farmers in Nepal view the wolf as a direct threat to their way of life. Their antagonistic approach to the wolf's presence has pushed the wolf to the verge of extinction, researchers say. "These genetically distinct Himalayan wolves deserve special conservation attention, at the same time that the conservation of this species in a context of human-wildlife conflict is challenging," researchers wrote in their study. "A species action plan needs be formulated that develops mechanisms to minimize conflict, and strategies for motivating local communities towards wolf conservation." The Gibbon wolf pack standing on snow. Photo by Doug Smith/Via National Park
 *This image is copyright of its original author A gray wolf lunges at ravens to scare them away from a kill in Yellowstone National Park. (Photograph by Barrett Hedges, National Geographic Image
 *This image is copyright of its original author Gray wolves, Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park, USA
 *This image is copyright of its original author |
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