NEW 2006–2007 RETAIL CATALOG INSIDE!

A PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL CENTER WINTER 2006

WOLVES OF THE HIGH , page 4

EDUCATION THROUGH A WOLF HELPLINE, page 8 THE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER VOLUME 16, NO. 4 WINTER 2006 Features Departments The of the High 2 As a Matter of Fact 4 Arctic: Summer 2006 3 From the In summer 2006, L. David Mech and three Executive Director associates from the International Wolf Center traveled to , where Mech has International been studying wolves for 20 summers. The 11 traditional den site was once again occupied, Wolf Center Notes and the visitors were able to observe seven adult From Home

Nancy Gibson wolves and five pups in their High Arctic home. 14 Tracking the Pack Cornelia Hutt Expanding Education 16 Wolves and Wild Lands 8 Through a Wolf Helpline 18 Wolves of the World In summer 2006 the International Wolf Center launched the latest in its services to meet its mission of teaching 21 Personal Encounter the world about wolves. The Wolf Helpline, geared to families and businesses around the Center’s headquarters 22 Wild Kids in Ely, Minnesota, offers the type of information needed wherever people seek to coexist successfully with their 24 A Look Beyond wild canine neighbors. Tracy O’Connell On The Cover An arctic wolf on Ellesmere Island, summer 2006. Photo by Nancy Gibson. Read about the wolves of Ellesmere Island on page 4. Sherry Jokinen Publications Director Question: What is Mary Ortiz the intermediate host Magazine Coordinator of the wolf tapeworm Terri Ellman Echinococcus granu- Consulting Editor losus? Mary Keirstead Technical Editor L. David Mech Graphic Designer Answer: The wolf Tricia Austin is the “definitive” host of this tapeworm, International Wolf (1089-683X) is published meaning that the wolf quarterly and copyrighted, 2006, by the harbors the adults. International Wolf Center, 12615 Co.Road 9, The intermediate Minneapolis, MN 55441, USA. hosts of Echinococcus e-mail: [email protected]. All rights granulosus are most reserved. often hooved , Publications agreement no. 1536338 or ungulates. When Membership in the International Wolf an infected ungulate Center includes a subscription to is consumed by a International Wolf magazine, free admission wolf, the ingested to the Center, and discounts on programs tapeworm larvae and merchandise. • Lone Wolf memberships emerge from their are U.S. $35 • Wolf Pack $60 • Wolf cysts in the lungs of Associate $125 • Wolf Sponsor $500 prey, mature, and live Sherry Jokinen • Alpha Wolf $1000. Canada and other in the canine’s small intestine. Be aware that very rarely humans can countries, add U.S. $15 per year for airmail postage, $7 for surface postage. Contact the also be an intermediate host, and remember to wash your hands! International Wolf Center, 1396 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731-8129, USA; e-mail: What is the prey of wolves [email protected]; phone: 1-800-ELY-WOLF New Question in Riding Mountain International Wolf is a forum for airing facts, ideas and attitudes about wolf-related National Park in Canada? issues. Articles and materials printed in International Wolf do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the International Wolf Center or its board of directors. International Wolf welcomes submissions of personal adventures with wolves and wolf photographs. Prior to submission of other types of manuscripts, address queries to Mary Ortiz, publications director. International Wolf is printed entirely with soy ink on recycled and recyclable paper West Gate (text pages contain 20% post-consumer waste, cover paper contains 10% post- consumer waste). We encourage you to recycle this magazine. PHOTOS: Unless otherwise noted, or obvious from the caption or article text, photos are of captive wolves.

2 Winter 2006 www.wolf.org INTERNATIONAL From the Executive Director WOLF CENTER

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nancy jo Tubbs Chair Dr. L. David Mech On Lucas Vice Chair y first introduction to the International Wolf Center’s four ambassador wolves Dr. Rolf O. Peterson Secretary didn’t go particularly well. They were 4 months old. It was August and hot. Paul B. Anderson MShorts, t-shirt and Velcro-fastened sandals were the dress for the day. Into Treasurer the wolf enclosure I went to make their introduction. Dr. Larry D. Anderson Initially all went well, with exuberant greetings exchanged, until those sandals got in the way. They affected the pups like catnip affects cats. The pups’ sharp claws Thomas T. Dwight worked on the straps of the sandals, but mostly the claws worked on the top of my Nancy Gibson bare feet. The pups were having one heck of a rousing time but not so my feet. I had Hélène Grimaud no choice but to remove the sandals and toss them over the fence. Fortunately, when Cree Bradley the stimulant was removed from the situation, we all got along famously. Cornelia Hutt I was also relieved to learn that it was indeed the sandals, and not a Dean Johnson peculiar characteristic of my feet, that got the wolves so excited. Mike Phillips Thus began my association with the Center’s ambassador wolf pups Deborah Reynolds in 1993, the summer our new education facility in Ely, Minnesota, Jerry Sanders opened to the world. Paul Schurke These wolves have stood as proxies for their wild brethren and given Ted Spaulding us an opportunity to teach literally hundreds of thousands of people Teri Williams about what it means to be a wolf without the layers of misinformation that tend to inundate any coverage of the subject. Since those early days, Walter Medwid EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR many more thousands of people have come to know our ambassador Walter M. Medwid wolves via the Internet and our three Web cameras. One of the pups that worked over my sandals in 1993 was Lucas. In his maturity MISSION he seemed to have an aloofness about him, perhaps developed out of his stature as the The International Wolf lone male of the pack—he didn’t have much to prove to the others. Also distinctive was Center advances the survival his unique way of asking for a good scratch. While the other wolves would make their of wolf populations by needs known head-on, Lucas had a different approach. His “scratch ask” was subtle teaching about wolves, their in that no scratch would be allowed if you approached him. He had to approach you, relationship to wild lands and but that always resulted in his going just beyond your reach. If you stayed quiet, he the human role in their future. would perform a stiff adjustment with his back legs, causing his southern half to Educational services and move a few inches closer to you as if to get within his critical scratching zone. With informational resources that move he seemed to suggest two things: yes, it would be permissible to give him are available at: a scratch in the sweet spot located on his back and in the middle of his rear legs, but 1396 Highway 169 unlike the other wolves, he wasn’t going to get too excited over it (which was true). Ely, MN 55731-8129, USA After the requisite time, he would amble off with his scratch quota met. 1-800-ELY-WOLF Lucas was euthanized in July following debilitating medical conditions. His good 1-218-365-4695 work was done. e-mail address: [email protected] Web site: http://www.wolf.org

International Wolf Winter 2006 3 t was the highlight of my life. Hundreds of miles north of Hudson Bay, a thousand or “ more from the nearest city, I stood alone in the High Arctic—surrounded by wolves.” The Wolves IThus, in his book The Arctic Wolf: Living with the Pack, Dave Mech begins his account of what he called his lifetime dream: to travel to this remote and almost inaccessible region to study the white wolves. The arctic wolf lives along the northern and of the eastern shores of and also in some regions of the several huge islands between the North Pole and the edge of the North American continent. In these regions, sometimes called thermal oases, the snow melts for a brief period : each summer, and a variety of shallow-rooted High Arctic plants feeds musk oxen, arctic hares and . Conditions are harsh, and food is often scarce, so wolf pack territories cover enormous areas—more than 1,000 square miles. Because the wolves of the High Arctic have SUMMER 2006 never been harassed or persecuted by humans, they are not secretive or afraid of people the way wolves are in the southern latitudes. Thus, for 20 summers, Dave Mech has been granted a research by CORNELIA HUTT permit from the territorial government in Canada and has been able to observe the wolves for weeks photos by Nancy Gibson at a time each year, traveling with them, watching

hardy and diverse, yet so vulnerable to the edge, so the extreme c ife at —Walter Medwid, ondit It is l Executive Directo ions. r, Internati onal Wol f Center

4 Winter 2006 www.wolf.org them hunt their natural prey and broad valley surrounded by rolling although their noses were elongating, recording their behavior as they rear hills was home to seven adult wolves their sturdy legs were short, and their their pups and interact with one and five pups! The wolves welcomed gait clumsy. They were still young another as a family unit. Over the Mech and his companions with enough to pester their mother for course of 20 years in his research area cautious tolerance, and the team bouts of nursing whenever she would on Ellesmere Island, he has seen the settled together at a respectful distance permit it, and their round bellies and prey populations flourish and wane from the den to observe the pack high spirits showed them to be and bound back again. Wolf numbers without causing them stress or anxiety. healthy and well-nourished. With fluctuate, too, and are related to the Mech estimated the energetic pups the introduction of regurgitated meat availability of prey. Some years the to be about 5 weeks old. They had to appease their voracious appetites, wolf pack is composed of several lost their newborn “kitten” look, and “Mom” was slowly weaning the adults and numerous offspring. Other years, a mated pair may produce only one pup—or none. And sometimes there are no wolves at all to be found. For example, in the midsummers of 1997 and 2000, accumulating snow The pups on Ellesmere, in Mech’s research area caused a heavy estimated to be about reduction in musk oxen and arctic 5 weeks old, had lost their hares the next year. The wolf numbers newborn “kitten” look, and although their noses reflected the scarcity of prey, and from were elongating, their 1998 through 2003, Mech found no sturdy legs were short, wolves denning in the area. and their gait clumsy. However, improved weather condi- tions since 2001 have allowed prey to increase slowly, and in 2003, wolves returned to the area. Then in 2004 a wolf pair produced four pups, and in 2005, three pups. Thus, hopes were high for summer 2006 when Mech, accompanied by three associates from the International Wolf Center, arrived in the High Arctic. The group’s first visit to a traditional den site revealed that it was once again occupied. This beautiful rock outcropping with a panoramic view of a

The group’s first visit to a traditional den site revealed that it was once again occu- pied and was home to seven adult wolves and five pups.

International Wolf Winter 2006 5 fast-growing youngsters. A dutiful By discovering identifying charac- Ball was unabashedly disheveled and mother, she nevertheless willingly teristics (method of urination, a scar, encrusted with mud. Gimpy had a turned over the job of keeping the a limp, a whorl of hair, a distinctive hitch in its get-along, Grayback pups amused to the young adults in shedding pattern), Mech and the wore a silver gray shawl around the family. After a nursing bout, she others sorted out who was male and muscular shoulders, and the shape of often ambled down the hill to a sunny who was female and who was who. Bottlebrush’s tail made naming this spot in a meadow filled with arctic Mom was pure white, her winter coat wolf easy! The breeding male, a wolf poppies and waving cotton grass and still long and luxuriant. Redneck’s the team called Brutus, was distinc- flopped down to doze undisturbed collar of dried blood was doubtless a tive mostly because of his size and his by her exuberant offspring. stain from a musk ox kill, and Dirt demeanor. Brutus had “Attitude.” He was a regal Mr. Cool, aloof and impe- rious. His job was to hunt, bring food back to Mom and the pups and then Whether alone with the to sleep, undisturbed by his ram- pups as “nanny” for the bunctious progeny. Occasionally he day or together when the entire pack was at would rouse himself from a nap, the den, the young stroll over to the small group of adults seemed to relish human visitors and give them a no- playing with the pups. nonsense appraisal. Satisfied, he would saunter back to his resting spot against the rocks to resume his nap with no more regard for the human guests than he had for the mosqui- toes that buzzed around his ears. As yearlings, the young adult wolves had lost most of the traces of adolescence save for the wispy strands of hair on their shoulders and necks, a trademark of youth some- times referred to as a “bad hair day.” A friendly young These exuberant young wolves took raven, named Edgar by the team, became turns babysitting when the parents their mascot. and the rest of the pack left the den to bring in food from a recent kill or to search for another musk ox calf they could catch—not an easy task, even for an efficient predator like a wolf. Huge and lum- bering as the musk oxen are, they are quick to form an impenetrable defensive circle around the calves. The wolves seemed to know when the jig was up, and they would head off to find another, perhaps less wary herd, covering the huge distances at a ground- eating trot. They could be miles away, yet still be visible without the aid of binoculars. Like luminous moving dots on the vast landscape, they would trot tirelessly over the

6 Winter 2006 www.wolf.org rough terrain, disappearing into his three companions left Ellesmere, thriving. Perhaps, along with Edgar, gullies and popping up again as they Edgar had made permanent friends they will be there next summer, too. traversed the higher ground. with the personnel of a small, remote (Board members Nancy Gibson, Whether alone with the pups as weather station in the area. Cornelia Hutt and Ted Spaulding “nanny” for the day or together Whether or not one believes in traveled with Dave Mech to the High when the entire pack was at the den, harbingers of good or ill, Edgar Arctic in July 2006. They sponsored the young adults seemed to relish seemed to symbolize the unqualified themselves for the trip.) playing with the pups. Brimming success of the summer’s observations with energy, the youngsters tumbled and data collection. Perhaps he Cornelia Hutt is an educator and and roughhoused with their older will be there when Mech returns in International Wolf Center board member siblings. A piece of musk ox hide summer 2007 to continue his study who lives in Purcellville, Virginia. served as a hotly contested prize in of the wolves of the High Arctic a fierce game of tug of war. The pups and to share his discoveries with the would capture the prize, snarling and scientific community and the general Because the wolves of the High Arctic have mauling the spoils of their victory. public as well. It was hard for the never been harassed or persecuted by humans, Sometimes the adult wolf’s tail team members to leave but good to they are not secretive or afraid of people the became the object of their attention. know the wolf family is healthy and way wolves are in the southern latitudes. Tugging fiercely, they would attempt to detach the tail from its indulgent owner, and then giving that up as a lost cause, they would climb on the big wolf’s belly, growling ferociously and inviting another game. As if the wolf family’s daily rou- tines weren’t enough reward for the hours of patient observation, another drama unfolded with the arrival of Edgar. Ravens are fairly rare in these high latitudes, so when the big glossy bird swooped in and landed on the rocks behind the wolf den, it caught the team’s attention. After regarding the humans with bright-eyed interest, the raven gave a hop, flapped its wings and landed right beside the astounded group. Strutting around like a barnyard chicken, it looked at each person quizzically as if to say, “So! Where’s lunch?” Throughout the days, Edgar became the loyal mascot of the team. He was a young bird, and someone, somewhere had certainly hand-raised him—perhaps another research team. In any case, when Mech and

Read Neil Hutt’s journal of her trip to research wolves on Ellsmere Island with Dave Mech, Nancy Gibson and Ted Spaulding. Through unique and exciting day-by-day descriptions, you can learn about Mom, Brutus, Grayback, Edgar and, of course, the puppies. Visit www.wolf.org’s home page to start your experience of wolves in the High Arctic.

International Wolf Winter 2006 7 Expanding Education Through a Wolf Helpline by TRACY O’CONNELL here’s a wolf outside. It’s been he encountered when the service guests that luring wildlife for up-close coming into the yard the past launched in mid-May. An example of viewing creates a problem for the “ several nights. It stands by the calls he received was one from animals, which become habituated, or my children’s swing set and within three blocks of Ely High School, accustomed to being around people. Tdoesn’t seem to be afraid of me. I’m where a cat had been killed and a Some resort guests acknowledged worried about letting the children dog chased by a wolf in two separate discarding meat scraps and grease play outside, or letting the dog out. incidents in June. On June 29, six wolf in open pits outside their cabins, What should I do?” pups were seen on a golf course near unaware those actions can cause wolf Calls of this type became common Lutsen, Minnesota; the pups were behavior problematic for the wolves last summer as the International reported mangy and malnourished, and the area’s other residents. Wolf Center launched the latest in its with no adult wolves present. Chihak underwent more than 20 suite of services to meet its mission of The helpline (800 ELY WOLF, hours of training at the Grand teaching the world about wolves. ext. 34) was augmented by an out- Rapids, Minnesota, office of the U.S. The Wolf Helpline, geared to reach effort that Chihak also carried Department of Agriculture (USDA) families and businesses around the out: bringing the Center’s “Living with Wildlife Services before he took to Center’s headquarters in Ely, Wolves” flyer to area businesses, the phones and the field at the Minnesota, offers the type of infor- publicizing the helpline around the Center. Included were instruction mation needed wherever people seek community, and speaking to groups. in investigative procedures and to coexist successfully with their wild In one speaking engagement, Chihak conflict management, identification canine neighbors. fielded about 50 questions from a of wolf depredation compared to “We got about 15 to 25 calls a home-owners group concerned about wolf scavenging, and recognition week right off,” said Steve Chihak, the what they called a “dramatic increase” of wolf tracks from those of coyotes summer intern who initially staffed in wolf sightings. and dogs. Chihak also learned use the helpline, about the brisk business In his visits to area resorts, Chihak of aversive conditioning equipment, helped owners communicate to their such as the firing of 15mm

The Wolf Helpline, geared to families and businesses around the Center’s headquarters of information needed wherever people seek to coexist successfully with their

8 Winter 2006 www.wolf.org Left: Steve Chihak, the Wolf Helpline summer intern, set up a wildlife camera to record wolf behavior.

Below: This wolf, suffering from mange, was photographed by a

International Wolf Center International Wolf wildlife camera near the Ely, Minnesota, cemetery.

“whistlers,” to scare wolves away. Training in such equipment is required prior to its use to ensure safety and the humane treatment of animals, notes Wolf Curator Lori Schmidt, who supervised Chihak during his internship. Depending on the situation Chihak encounters, he responds to helpline calls with an initial phone consultation and additional follow- up calls and one or more visits to the site, during which he may present in Ely, Minnesota, offers the type wild canine neighbors.

International Wolf Winter 2006 9 “With more wolves in our area—the numbers are up from 2,400 to 3,000 in the state during the past decade—and more people moving into our region, the need for this service will continue to grow.”

the “Living with Wolves” flyer and In one case it was discovered that the crease in call volume at that time. Fall suggest ways the home owner can same wolf was causing home owners’ typically also sees a rise in wolf dissuade further wolf visits by tactics apprehension at two different sites, activity, and therefore calls, as young such as more tightly covering gar- having moved to one site after aver- wolves disperse in search of mates bage cans and not leaving pet food sive conditioning was begun at the and unclaimed territory. out. In some instances the attractor other. The aversive conditioning was Schmidt was instrumental in con- may be something in the area, such as then carried out at the second site. ceptualizing the helpline, having long wildlife in neighboring woods or Other Center staff helped Chihak field seen a need for the type of chickens in a neighbor’s coop. calls, and Information and Program information it offers. “I’d be in town At times Chihak mounted a wild- Specialist Jess Edberg along with shopping, and someone would ask me life camera at a location where there Wolf Curator Schmidt assisted in about wolves,” she says. In con-sulta- had been concern about wolves in an some of the site visits. tion with others, the idea took shape. attempt to record the wolf behavior. Calls dropped off in the middle of Wolf populations are increasing summer, and both Edberg and in the region, says Schmidt, speaking Schmidt attribute this to the success of the need for the helpline. “With The Wolf Helpline was a of early efforts to assist those area more wolves in our area—the residents who were asking for help. numbers are up from 2,400 to 3,000 collaboration of the USDA- “People we talked to were telling in the state during the past decade— Wildlife Services and the their neighbors the information they and more people moving into our International Wolf Center with received from us, and that helped region, the need for this service will cooperation from the law spread the word, so people were continue to grow.” enforcement divisions of the helping each other become ‘wolf The helpline continues, although Minnesota Department of smart,’” Edberg says. There is some Chihak’s return to classes at the end Natural Resources and the seasonality to calls, Edberg adds, of August meant a slower response U.S. Forest Service. The venture noting that as pups get old enough time to calls; the message machine was financially supported in to leave the den in summer, there promises a response within 48 hours. part by these Ely businesses: are typically increased sightings. This “Lori and I are continuing to take the Grand Ely Lodge, Piragis year, however, there was not an in- calls, and Steve will volunteer his time Northwoods Company and as he’s able, with school,” Edberg says. Vermilion WELY End of the Road Radio. Community College has promised another intern for summer 2007, so the helpline will be back in full force at that time.

Tracy O’Connell is assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin- River Falls and formerly worked in marketing communications for corporate and not-for- profit organizations. She serves on the commu- nications committee of the International Wolf Center and lives in rural western Gary Meinz Wisconsin. In late June six wolf pups were seen on a golf course near Lutsen, Minnesota. The pups were mangy, a condition that comes and goes in wolf populations.

10 Winter 2006 www.wolf.org INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER Notes From Home

Man with Visual Impairment Stephanie emphasized “I am truly indebted to the that Mark doesn’t let his International Wolf Center.” Visits the International blindness keep him from If you would like to have learning or “seeing” what your own customized pro- Wolf Center Hands-On life offers. She explained gram at the International that he is a successful busi- Wolf Center, contact Program or Mark Balkowitsch’s volume as it gets closer to nessman who gives his full Director Jen Westlund at 63rd birthday, his partner, the collar it is set up to find. F effort to any challenge or [email protected] or 218- Stephanie Grady, wanted to “We went out and . . . Mark task. He owns a high-end 365-HOWL (4695). take him to a place where was able to use his keen audio business, is computer he could get a “sense” of his auditory senses to locate the savvy and loves to cook. He favorite , the wolf. collar that I had hidden,” even rebuilds and restores Being visually impaired, Mark explained Donna. After- vintage “hot rods.” would have the opportunity ward he tried to locate some Stephanie and Mark were Mark Balkowitsch, who is visually to benefit from a special collared wild wolves in the impaired, participated in a very happy with their spe- program that would allow Ely area. Although he was customized program at the cialized experience in Ely, him to use his other senses unsuccessful in locating International Wolf Center with Minnesota. Stephanie said it his partner, Stephanie Grady. to get to know the wild one, Mark had the full expe- was more than she expected, canine. So, Stephanie con- rience of how it is done by tacted the education team at wolf experts. the International Wolf Mark got a better “feel” Center, who, in turn, worked for wolves by petting wolf with special education teacher pelts and handling bones Donna Prichard to customize from their prey, such as a an educational program not moose femur and a deer leg. based on vision. Later, walking around the Mark and Stephanie Center’s wolf enclosure, he spent two days participating was able to discover the size in regular programs at the of the Exhibit Pack’s living Center as well as those area. As dusk approached Donna specifically created on a Wolf Communication for them. “I made some field trip, Mark howled in modifications/adaptations hope of a return howl from so Mark could fully parti- a wild wolf pack. cipate,” said Donna. For instance, while discussing animal tracks, Mark learned how to construct wildlife track pads in the sur- rounding forest rather than visually searching for tracks. By touching the pads he was able to discover the big difference in paw size between a wolf and a coyote. Radio telemetry allowed for a wolf search using his auditory senses. Telemetry equipment creates a beeping

noise that increases in Center International Wolf

International Wolf Winter 2006 11 Courtesy of Rolf Peterson Rolf Peterson secretary since 1997. He says he finds that the “fantastic Brings Riches and committed bunch of folks that also serve on the to the Board board are always interesting hen two bull moose and energizing.” Wwith antlers died from Peterson’s generosity to exhaustion in rut on Isle the Center and its projects Royale in the early 1990s, often takes unique turns. Earthwatch volunteers col- He once entertained Alpha lected some of their bones members with a fascinating on a hypothermia-inducing slide show and a tape of May day. Dr. Rolf Peterson, yowls of snarly foxes he had leader of the Isle Royale wolf encountered on Isle Royale. study, hoped to reassemble The photos illustrated the the moose, and over the difference between the be- years he looked for and havior of wolves and collected missing bones. The foxes, which are largely soli- result: a bull moose skeleton, tary, with none of the sub- which has become one of the missive or friendly postures International Wolf Center’s that wolves exhibit. most popular exhibits. And While the Center often Peterson became an integral benefits from Peterson’s member of the Center’s board wolf and moose expertise, of directors. in 2007 his contributions Peterson ended his tenure took an artistic turn when as professor at Michigan he donated printed cards Technological University in of one of his wolf paintings. May of this year. But he “The board can always doesn’t plan to slow down. count on Rolf for clear He will continue to research thinking, a fresh perspective wolves on Isle Royale as well and an abiding good humor as carry on his valued service in its deliberations,” said with the International Wolf board chair Nancy jo Tubbs. Center. “It’s an honor and a pleasure Peterson joined the board to work alongside him.” in 1994 and has served as

12 Winter 2006 www.wolf.org INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER Contributors

JUNE–AUGUST 2006

Major Karen Sternal Memorials In memory of Lucas: Royalties Richard Kandiko & the Kimberly Clark Donors John Tollefsen Larry & Evelyn Voyageur Press, Inc. In memory Foundation Anderson Robert Bell of “Jackpine” Dr. Dave Mech & Helen Tyson Gordon King & the Bob Cary: The University of Donald Benson Jr. Julie Atkinson WPS Resources Corey Voss Chicago & Connie Winslow Dick & Nancy Paul & Chris Batiste Foundation, Inc. Benson Viola Walkenhorst Gongoll Linda Behmer Joe Liello & the Dorothy Blair Douglas & Matching Alliant Energy Lenore Walters In memory of Danielle Belliveau Gifts & Foundation, Inc. Catherine D. Brown Frank Clybor: Frank & Maureen Black Foundations Caryl McNeilly & Bunny Bucho Ada Warner Fred Wuhrman Patricia Dantoni Janet Andersen & the International Marilyn Capouch Jaci Zweig the Philip Morris Monetary Fund In memory of Sandra Dehoyas USA Matching Gifts Annual Giving Michael & Betty Hawes: Program Campaign Doreen Deutsch Honorary Brian & Ellen Dietz Doris Eiselmayr Andrews Family Brian C. Ogren & Tom & Helen Dwight Pamela Dolajeck Foundation In honor of Wayne & the Ameriprise Gail Gilmore Barbara & Financial Employee Laura Block & Patricia Hawes Donald Benson & Marc Farley Gift Matching Jordan O’Donnell: the Thrivent Financial Grand Ely Lodge Suzanne Jensen Program Cheryl Folkner for Lutherans Joe & Jody Mary Louise Beardsley Judith Torrence Foundation Mark Rammer & Greenhalgh Nan & David Fry the UPS Foundation Sue Blomquist & the Katia Breslawec & Matching Gift Julie & Parker Hall In memory of Joseph & Xcel Energy Guy Peterson William Howard: Emily Gelwicks Program Gary Hipple Matching Gift Kimberly Ford & Jean V. Ruth Johanna Goering Program Leslye Teuber & F. B. Hubachek Jr. Robert Werling the United Way of Nancy G. Brooks & Robert Kolb King County Virginia Kluwin Brenda Gauvin- In memory of the Ameriprise Marian Sanders: William Littlewood David Lee & Family Chadwick Financial Employee Gift Matching Karen Green & Deborah Reynolds Sandra Lockwood In-Kind Mitchell Macenski Program Donations Paula Forman Andrea Nelsen Nadia Mead In memory of Michael Carpenter & Greg & Jane Laco Tricia Austin Buell Tubbs: Monte Pepperell the Community Dave Mech Solutions Fund Paul & Chris Batiste Joseph & Deborah Kathleen Kilpatrick D. Ann Rasberry Norgaarden William & Community Marilyn Capouch Mr. & Mrs. George Lori & Jeff Rhodes Patty Miller Economic K. Hem & McFarland Debbie Castel Thomas & Stomya Persaud Robert & Development Joint Victoria O’Connell Ray, Jayne & Janice Roseman Wireless Sarah Fleming Barbara & Bill Plantz Karen Pajari Robert Ponzetti Kelley Tees Fabricon Foundation Steve Gregg Kristin Summerwill Robert E. Patterson Dave & John & Donna Virr Raul Garcia & John Hyde - Wild Sharilyn Potter Carol Tellett the Microsoft Giving Things Photography Yvonne Pettinga The Warner Family Campaign Jyothsna Rayadurg & Lelia Kauffman Ted Rockwell Joyce Wells Sherry Green & Ajay Gupta Andrea Nelsen Elaine Schmidt Jaci Zweig the Microsoft Giving Randy Rud & Campaign Heather Richman John Sheridan Joni Anderson-Rud Sheila Jaimes & Lori Schmidt Gerard Snyder Linda Liden Urban the CAN Foundation Matching Gift Deb Smith & Chuck, Charlie & Program the UPS Store Kathleen Stelzner Susan Sweeney Thank You David Tetley

International Wolf Winter 2006 13 Tracking the Pack

Tracking the Pack intense than internal pack managers. This lack of the strife in the wild. option to disperse may also Captive versus Wild: The Nature versus Lack of Dispersal create a higher level of Nurture Discussion, Part II Option. Biologists estimate dominance activities than that as many as 40 percent is inherent in the wild. by Lori Schmidt, Wolf Curator, of wolves disperse or leave Understanding the moti- International Wolf Center their natal packs in search vations of wolves in the wild of a mate and an opportu- is critical when managing n the last issue of Wild offspring will follow nity to establish a pack in a captive wolves. But equally International Wolf, I the lead of their dominant new territory. Dispersal may critical is understanding the I discussed the similari- parents due to their strong be motivated by restricted influences of confinement ties of captive versus wild bond with them. In cap- food resources, space lim- on captive wolves’ behavior wolves. This article focuses tivity, especially at those itations or even a bold so that managers can estab- on the two most significant facilities that alter the personality trait that moti- lish the best practices differences between the breeding within the pack, vates a pack member to start possible to create a behav- ambassador wolves and the leaders of the pack may to travel. In the wild, the iorally dynamic and cohesive their wild counterparts. be more inclined to assert freedom to leave a pack is social group. The Center’s Social Pack Structure. their status through ritual- constant; in captivity, there captive wolf management One of the main differences ized dominance, often with is no freedom of dispersal. program strives for this relates to the composition of some intensity. Internal pack Changes to pack structure goal. packs. A typical pack in strife in captivity is well are at the discretion of the the wild consists of parents, documented at many facili- captive pack’s human offspring from one or two ties and may in fact be more years and pups of the year, depending on the number of years since pack estab- lishment. At the Center, there is no breeding, so pups are acquired from another facility and socialized to live with the existing adult wolves. While the wolves develop strong social bonds with the new pups in cap- tivity, they are likely not as intense as the bond between parents and their offspring.

Dominance behavior between wolves is common, but it is important for managers to discern normal dominance behavior from intense aggression heightened in a captive

environment. Theresa Williams

14 Winter 2006 www.wolf.org Alpha Legacy Profile urturing young ones When asked why Nis a theme in Cate and they’ve included the Doug Kautz’s lives. As par- Center in their estate ents of 4-year-old Kiera and plans, Cate explained, 2-month-old Darby and of “I realize that we’re

Doug’s 12-year-old daughter, young to have all this D. Kautz Kathleen, they know the in place, but as a nurse drill firsthand. practitioner, particularly Nurturing and learning having worked in on- from young ones at the cology, I see firsthand that International Wolf Center life is short. We wanted to has also been an integral make sure that our wishes part of their lives. As Doug were realized.” Cate and Doug Kautz explained, “My mom bought “I talk with patients, some with their children Kiera me a wolf adoption kit who are staunchly against minds. People just need to be (right) and Darby 13 years ago when I lived in wolves. I’ve convinced a educated.” Baltimore. The tradition con- few to read Shadow Mountain “We believe in the mis- tinued when my daughter by Renee Askins and know sion of the Center. Education Kathleen adopted Maya as that my conversations and is what the Center does best, a pup. Kathleen keeps track information have truly and that’s where we want our of Maya online to this day.” changed their hearts and money to go.”

Camp can make a big difference in your son’s life. We place him in an ideal wilderness setting, teach him, help him make friends and grow. Since 1951, our philosophy has evolved into a solid program that emphasizes fair play, fun, fitness and REAL CAMPING. Kelly Godfrey The Center’s pack consists of two distinct subspecies of wolves and does not have TRADITIONAL SUMMER CAMP FOR BOYS 10-17 the typical structure of a WILDERNESS CANOE & BACKPACK TRIPS wild pack of breeding wolves with offspring.

International Wolf Winter 2006 15 Highlights from the International Wolf Center’s New Exhibit: Wolves and Wild Lands in the 21st Century oss of wild land is the root cause about wolves. As human populations of most problems facing wolves. grow, wild land that supports wolves L These issues are depicted in shrinks to make way for residential the International Wolf Center’s new and commercial development. When traveling exhibit Wolves and Wild people reduce the amount of land Lands in the 21st Century, which was that is developed and natural resources featured in the Fall 2006 issue of that are consumed, the pressure on International Wolf magazine. In this wild species and their habitats eases. and future issues of this magazine Preserving wild lands ensures there readers will find synopses of the will be space for wolves and other exhibit’s interpretive panels, which, wildlife populations to function in composite, represent the chal- naturally without competing and lenges that wolves and people face conflicting with humans. coexisting in the same places. The exhibit reminds the viewer “The pending removal of wolves that humans are ultimately respon- from the endangered species list sible for the long-term survival of in the western Great Lakes and wolves. Each person can make a posi- Northern Rockies signals the begin- tive difference for wolves and all ning of a new era in wolf conserva- wildlife by learning more about tion,” says Andrea Lorek Strauss, wolves and wild lands issues, con- National Information and Education serving the earth’s resources and sup- Director for the Center and lead porting organizations that promote designer of the new exhibit. “Wolves wild lands preservation. and Wild Lands in the 21st Century introduces visitors to issues, including destruction of the wolf’s wild land habitat, interbreeding with coyotes, reduction of wolf-human conflicts and questions about hunting of wolves.” The exhibit uses mounted wolf specimens in combination with maps, You can display the original drawings, rare images and text Wolves and Wild Lands in to tell these important new stories the 21st Century exhibit at your local museum, community center, town hall or event. Visit www.wolf.org for further information. Monty Sloan

16 Winter 2006 www.wolf.org WOLVES IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS Highlights from the exhibit panel

Land development crowds wolves Explosive residential and industrial development in the Rocky Mountains affects thousands of acres of wild land each year. Bull-dozing prime habitat drives out elk and other animals that wolves eat. If their prey can’t survive, the wolves can’t survive. Bob Landis

Housing displaces wildlife Private ranchland often includes lush valley bottoms that are critical winter habitat for wildlife but are also prime home sites for people. When ranchland becomes valuable real estate, some ranchers are motivated to sell their acreage. Housing developers then Rocky Mountain wolf “The bulldozer and not the lupus occidentalis subdivide the land into a patchwork of roads, atomic bomb may turn out utilities, and houses. Wolves, and the elk they Looks: 85–115 pounds, with a mix of feed upon, are pushed out. black, white, gray, or tan fur to be the most destructive Eats: Prey includes elk, moose, bison, beaver, invention of the 20th century.” caribou, Dall sheep, deer, mountain goat, —Phillip Shabecoff, salmon and snowshoe hare. New York Times Magazine, June 4, 1978 Lives: Habitat includes mountains and high plains. Population: About 1,000 wolves. Status: Endangered. Paula K. Beswick

In this situation, keeping ranchers in business can help save animal habitat. The Jackson Hole Land Trust encourages ranchers in the Yellowstone Illustrations by Ken Avidor area to restrict future development on their land Wild lands transformed in exchange for reduced property taxes that Wolves have a secure home in federally make it affordable for them to continue ranching. protected parks and wilderness areas. Unless we curb rampant development and save room for Wolves lose to resource mining wolves outside protected public lands, we rele- gate them to ever-smaller pockets of habitat. Well sites and access roads for oil and natural gas exploration displace the elk, deer, and Historic range of the gray wolf moose that wolves eat. A coalition of sportsmen and environmentalists is working to prevent Current range of the gray wolf exploration that would degrade valuable habitat Area related to this panel’s stories near Glacier National Park and in Wyoming’s Note: The Rocky Mountain wolf is one type, or Upper Green River Valley. subspecies, of gray wolf.

International Wolf Winter 2006 17 18

J. L. Cossa Winter 2006 by Francesca Marucco France andSwitzerland in theWestern AlpsofItaly, a RecolonizingWolf Population Transboundary Monitoringof WOLVES INWESTERNEUROPE importance ofthewolfaspart ofa In thedecadesthatfollowed, the ApenninesrangeofcentralItaly. along 1930s, butwolvessurvived western Alpsduringthe1920sand wolves were killedinthesouth- extirpated intheAlpsregion. Thelast 1900s, whentheywere gradually W southwestern Alps atthebeginningof1990s. southwestern Wolves begannaturallyrecolonizing the Switzerland untiltheearly Italy, Franceand olves were widespread in recolonizing thesouthwesternAlps increasing. Wolves begannaturally ungulate andwolfpopulationsare Europe are improving, andbothwild effortsconservation inWestern Today, ecologicalconditionsand and theHabitatDirective in1992. after theBernConventionin1979 strictly protected speciesinEurope and listedasanendangered and was legallyprotected inItaly1971, came toberecognized. Thewolf naturally functioningecosystem and theEuropean Communityfundedthe same timeinItalythePiemonteRegion projects (1997–99and2000–02).Atthe sequently fundedbytwoLife-Nature monitoring program in1992–93,sub- Mercantour andtheONCFSstarted a the MinisterofEnvironment, theParc du Because ofthesequestions,inFrance the domesticandwildanimalsinAlps. the impactthatthesewolvescouldhaveon wolf origin,numbers,distributionand wolf populations,questionsarose regarding appeared progressively farther from source tions incentralItaly. arrived through dispersalfrom popula- nized areas intheAlpsproved thatwolves samples collectedintherecently recolo- analysis conductedonwolfscatandtissue at thebeginningof1990s.Genetic When thesesemi-isolatedpacks www.wolf.org BELGIUM

LUX.

GERMANY

“Progetto Lupo Piemonte” from 1999 to 2001, and from 2002 to 2005 the Progetto Lupo in the Italian Alps AUSTRIA was exclusively funded by the Switzerland Piemonte Region. France This exceptional extended period of funding allowed the study of the te n wolf recolonization process and the o Italy m

beginning and strengthening of a e i strict collaboration between the Parc du Mercantour P French, Italian and Swiss monitoring groups. The transboundary collabo- ration grew through the years from a sporadic and formal series of meet- ANDORRA ings to an actual and practical coordi- SPAIN nated program of monitoring and exchange of data. Today this coordi- nated working group is called the With improved ecological “Wolf Alpine Group.” conditions and conservation The large-scale wolf monitoring is efforts in Western Europe, based on a combination of noninvasive populations of both wild ungulates, like the ibex methods, using both the more con- shown here, and the wolf ventional techniques such as snow- are increasing. tracking and wolf-howling surveys, and the data from newly emerging DNA-based techniques. This com- bination of noninvasive techniques provided an optimal tool to monitor wolf pack dynamics and territories over large areas where radio tracking is not feasible or too expensive. A radio-marking program is conducted only on the Italian side of the Alps, at a finer scale, to answer specific ques- tions on predator-prey relationships. The natural expansion of wolves in the Alps is a great challenge for conservation biologists and wildlife managers of both countries because we try to achieve the goal of having a viable population while minimizing the conflict that the species might generate. Such complex, large manage- ment issues require an understanding of the spatial and temporal dynamics of the wolf population, and at the same time a huge effort to solve live- stock depredation conflicts through the implementation of prevention P. Arsan P.

International Wolf Winter 2006 19 Alpine wolves share their moun- tainous habitat with chamois (left) and marmots. Gilbert Rossi P. Pierini P. Gilbert Rossi

methods. Therefore, these trans- For more information: boundary research and monitoring programs will provide quantitative Plan d’action sur le loup 2004–2008 understanding of the genetic, demo- (text in French only) (2004–08 Wolf graphic and territorial aspects of this Management Plan): http://www.loup. Alpine wolf population, and will ecologie.gouv.fr/virtual/14/documents/ be fundamental to building an effec- pdf/Plan%20loup%202004-2008.pdf tive management strategy that will Site officiel du loup et des Grands consider the Alps wolf population Prédateurs en France (official Web site as a unique population. dedicated to the wolf and other big predators in France): http://www.loup. Francesca Marucco is the coordinator of ecologie.gouv.fr/frontblocksLoup the Piemonte Wolf Project in the Alps, Italy. She is also a Ph.D. candidate at the Il Lupo nelle Alpi (The Wolf in the Alps) University of Montana, Department of (text in Italian only): http://www.lupo Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences. Her nellialpi.it dissertation research investigates the effects of habitat loss and fragmentation on the wolf recolonization in the Western Alps.

20 Winter 2006 www.wolf.org Thump I’ve always wanted to see with total, unambiguous clarity. Nevertheless, the gift comes with some serious by Michael S. Smith strings attached. The wolf trots down the trail and “Oh . . . my . . . God,” I say aloud. Fourth night on the trail, enters my site, moving into the high The wolf and I stare at each other, its grasses behind me. It loops around 30 minutes before sunset. Alone. dark eyes boring holes in me, its ears and again is within a dozen feet. “OK, ’m dozing in my tent at my camp- erect. It’s not going anywhere. Two go on now,” I say, with a steady voice, site in the southwest corner of emotions, thrill and fear, concur- although I certainly don’t feel that Isle Royale, a remote spot on a rently explode behind my eyes. I’ve I way. The cover has been removed remote island in Lake Superior, 20 got my wish; indeed, for years, seeing miles from Minnesota and Canada, a wolf in the wild has been at the top continued on page 23 and 70 from Michigan. It is 40 of “The List” of things to degrees, threatening to rain, and the see or do in my life. But as 25-mile-per-hour cold north wind the wolf stares at me, I am makes me wonder if it is really May. afraid, which I tell myself I awaken to a thump, and as I lie is ridiculous, given my past quietly on the ground, listening reading of David Mech, to the wind in the balsams and white Rolf Peterson and Barry spruces near me, I hear it again. The Lopez. Additionally, I am a nearest person is at Siskiwit Bay or longtime member of the Windigo, both 10 trail miles away. International Wolf Center, Nobody has been here in seven appropriately having the months; it is the early season on the “Lone Wolf” membership Big Lake. I look out the vestibule of category. I know that the tent and see nothing of note. barring a possible instance The thump is an odd noise, in Saskatchewan last neither the scurry of a mouse nor the winter, there has rarely patter of a squirrel. One more thump, been a documented attack I tell myself, and I’m going out to by a healthy adult wolf on take a look. Something is out there. a healthy adult human in Courtesy of Michael S. Smith I put on my camp shoes, thinking North America. I know what will happen next. But that’s my intellect Thump. speaking. It’s quite another I bolt out of the tent, first seeing matter to be really close to nothing but aspen shrubs and tall a predator that clearly grasses behind my campsite. I then shows no fear, with no turn around, facing Feldtmann Lake other hominids within 10 and the cold wind. There, 12 feet miles, knowing I’m not away, separated from me only by dealing the cards here. air, stands a fully grown timber Wolves are supposed to be Michael Smith encountered a wolf while on wolf, Canis lupus himself. Its huge reclusive; estimates are that 1 in 900 Isle Royale, a gift with some strings attached. shoulders elevate its front end as if hikers on Isle Royale ever see one, it were standing on a platform. The and the sightings are usually measured creature is absolutely magnificent. in seconds or fractional seconds. I’ve I’ve heard that wolves look like dogs. been given one of the greatest gifts No way. This is pure wolf. of all: the ability to see something

International Wolf Winter 2006 21 Gray Wolves That Are Black and Even (e.g., Ford, Honda, Chevy, Toyota, and others). There are two main wolf White . . . What’s Up with That? species in the world: gray wolf, what biologists call by Steve Lokker Canis lupus red wolf, or Canis rufus hat would you expect to “Where are the gray wolves?” In addition, some scientists think see when you visit the you ask. After letting your sibling the Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) is WInternational Wolf Center? squirm for a minute, you give the a true wolf. Others think it is a jackal. “Wolves,” you say. In an attempt to correct answer. “You’re looking at Furthermore, scientists are now begin- trick you, your brother (or sister) asks, them. Despite different colors, all ning to believe that the wolf in eastern “What kind of wolves?” And because wolves that you see here at the North America is not the gray wolf but you’re smarter than they think, you Center are called gray wolves.” rather an animal they call the Eastern correctly answer, “Gray wolves.” Most people think “gray” refers wolf (Canis lycaon). Then, when you visit the Center only to a wolf’s color. In fact, “gray But that doesn’t explain why you see a white wolf (Shadow or wolf” is actually the species name Malik and Shadow are white, while Malik) resting on a big rock, a grizzle- of an animal that could appear buff, others are black, gray and brown. It’s colored wolf (Maya or Grizzer) brown, black, white or gray. There are because Malik and Shadow are a chasing minnows in the pond, and different species, or types, of wolves subspecies of the gray wolf known as a nearly black wolf (MacKenzie) on just as there are different types of cars the arctic wolf (Canis lupus arctos). the television screen. Cars have different models (Ford has the Explorer, Escape and Focus, for example), and each species of wolf Theresa Williams

Despite different colors, all wolves at the Center are gray wolves.

22 Winter 2006 www.wolf.org Personal Encounter wolf. Emotionally, however, “Peter continued from page 21 and the Wolf” from my childhood and past irrelevant encounters with from my pack, but my food, in a “campsite bears” win the day. I’m out plastic bag hanging from a nearby of here as soon as I get packed. I’ve spruce, is untouched. already covered 10 miles today. The wolf drops its head, moving I’m going to do another 10 in the it back and forth, neither a sign of dark, batteries permitting. It’s worth submission nor aggression but prob- it. I start collecting my gear. ably more curiosity. It is definitely I look up, and the wolf has van- ACTIVITY: sticking around, and its interest in ished, with nary a thump. Maybe it You can see the wolves at the my gear is most disquieting, as if went to check out the moose I saw International Wolf Center by I needed any more disquiet right earlier in the evening. I’m not at all going to the Center’s home page before sunset. “Get out,” I yell, and certain whether it will return. No at www.wolf.org and clicking on the wolf moves back, but only a few matter. One way or another, I’m not “Watch live wolves” in the center feet, arching its tail. I can’t believe going to be sleeping much tonight. that I am actually trying to get a May as well be walking. I’ll have a of the page. Can you spot a white wolf to leave my campsite. What’s lot to think about on the trail—and wolf? a gray wolf? a black wolf? going on here? for a long, long time to come. For five minutes, the wolf and I watch each other. I don’t know what Michael S. Smith lives in Tucson, has different models, or subspecies, its thoughts are; I keep telling myself Arizona. He has canoed in the Boundary which are like races of wolves in it won’t attack and that the many Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for 25 different areas. Most arctic wolves live moose on the island, including the years, often hearing but never seeing a north of the Arctic Circle, a barren bull I was near just two hours ago, wolf. He plans to return to Isle Royale again next spring. wilderness covered with snow and are far more a threat to me than a ice for most of the year. The unique characteristics of arctic wolves help them survive in one of Earth’s most unfriendly environments: Being white, like snow and ice, helps arctic wolves blend in with their surroundings when they stalk and hunt their prey. They are large because the prey they hunt (caribou and musk ox) are large. Rounded ears protect them from the dangers of the bitter cold weather such as frostbite. Now you know more about wolves. When you have more knowl- edge than your brother, sister . . . or even your parents, you can help correct some of the wrong impres- sions that people have of wolves. And people who have correct impressions make informed decisions about how they feel toward wolves.

Steve Lokker is a freelance writer who lives in Madison, Wisconsin. He has been active as a volunteer for the International Wolf Center and the Dane County (WI) Humane Society. Lynn and Donna Rogers/www.berastudy.org Lynn

International Wolf Winter 2006 23 Wolves, Freedom and the Landscape threatening the connectivity of the whole system. For this reason, by David Johns, Kim Vacariu and Margo McKnight conservation groups, including the Wildlands Project and Y2Y, have luie was a 5-year-old, gray This work rests on a set of values joined forces to make maintaining female wolf researchers first and a scientific understanding of connectivity a top priority. Pradio-collared in Kananaskas what makes for healthy natural Such steps are only a beginning. Country, Alberta. For more than two and human communities. The values The destruction of several reintro- years, they followed Pluie’s travel include respect for all species and duced packs of Mexican wolves in from K country across the Crows the land that supports them, along the Southwest is proof that wolves Nest Pass into British Columbia, to with the recognition that wolves are need much larger wild-land habitats the Flathead Valley, then to Glacier important to natural communities to minimize contact with livestock National Park in Montana, farther in part because they regulate the and humans. Ultimately the survival south into Montana, across the Idaho numbers of many other species and of wolves will depend on more than panhandle into Washington, and how they interact. Healthy wolf recognizing we have no right to then back to Kananaskas. In some populations depend on two things: destroy other species. It will depend jurisdictions within the 100,000 good habitat with a diverse prey base, on the deeper understanding that our square kilometers of her range Pluie and freedom from human persecu- connection to wolves and wilderness was legally protected but never tion. These two needs are best met by is our connection to what is best in entirely safe. In other jurisdictions large connected protected areas. us: our capacity to care for our natural it was open season, and in British Conservation plans detail the heritage and to embrace freedom for Columbia on December 18, 1995, vision for healthy wild lands along other creatures as well as ourselves. Pluie, her mate and one pup were the Spine of the Continent. The plans legally shot by a hunter. are like the picture on the front of David Johns was a co-founder (1991) Pluie’s story represents the larger a jigsaw puzzle box—a shared set and first president of the Wildlands story of wolves and the wilderness of goals many groups work toward. Project, and a co-founder (1993) of From the borderlands of the Sky the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation needed to sustain them. How will Initiative. Kim Vacariu is the Southwest that story unfold? The past could be Islands in southern Arizona to the Director for the Wildlands Project. the future: continued persecution of northern U.S. Rockies, the Wildlands Margo McKnight is Executive Director wolves in the name of protecting live- Project and partners are acting to of the Wildlands Project (www.twp.org). stock for ranchers and ungulates for expand protected areas, reconnect hunters. Or we could restrict wolves to landscapes across highways, and re- isolated outdoor zoos in Yellowstone, cover native species like wolves. The Banff or Glacier-Waterton. Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation But another future is possible—a Initiative (Y2Y) has identified much brighter one for both wolves similar steps. Y2Y has under- and people. That story is being taken or inspired written throughout a wildlife corridor important work such that runs from the Sierra Madre as the TransCanada Occidental in Sonora, Mexico, north Highway overpasses, along the Rocky Mountains to the which wolves are Yellowstone ecosystem and on to the using. Through- Canadian Yukon. A broad coalition is out the Spine of working to protect and restore the the Continent, health of the land, water and wolves wild areas are in this 4,000-mile-long international being developed, passage, often referred to as the destroying “Spine of the Continent.” habitat and International Wolf Center International Wolf

24 Winter 2006 www.wolf.org