Wolf (Canis lupus)

[Tshokwane]

Credits to Jasper Trails Alliance.

The Grand Madame of JNP, Wolf 112, the lone, wild soul who roamed the roadways of JNP has died.


Her story is remarkable; when she was first collared in 2009 she was jet black and over the years had transformed into a stunning grey, white and black beauty. She had been on her since 2015, racking up incredible distances on the ever constant hunt for food. Oddly, she favoured the roadways, seeming obvious to bustling noise, human barrage and was often spotted trotting on the shoulder. The direct stare of her wild eyes, peered into our psyche and pierced our conscience.

Ironically, the roadways which had helped keep her alive was the place where her life ended. She was found lying on the road out by the west gates of JNP, she couldn’t walk, would attempt a few steps, lay back down and was euthanized by JNP wildlife experts.

Kendra a wildlife guide for Sundog Tours reminisces with a sigh;
"She was a regular visitor on our wildlife tours; she'd make an appearance every few weeks in crazy spots. The Jasper Airfield one week, Medicine Lake the next, JNP west gates later, Sunwapta and all the way back down Maligne. The girl got around!! It was neat seeing how far she could/would travel”

Wolf 112 was one unique, resilient gal; the GPS collar data from her extensive roving has kept JNP’s biologists busy and much was learned, she bestowed the gift of special wild to the many who were fortunate to see, and photograph her and managed to bring down and feast on a caribou calf in February as a senior citizen.

She’s now back to being black, her joints young and limber, trotting carefree and roaming other wilds. 
We’ll all miss her...

Thanks to Joe Urie, Dieter Kepper and Kendra Neef Nace for the photos of the ultimate, beauty queen of JNP.

*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

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