THE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER VOLUME 19, NO. 1 SPRING 2009 Features Departments

Living on Tundra Time 3 From the Board of 4 A participant on the International Wolf Center’s Directors’ Education August 2008 trip to Aylmer Lake in Canada’s Northwest Committee Chair Territories describes watching wolves and other wildlife on the tundra. 18 Tracking the Pack Chris Senior Chris Senior 21 Wolves of the World

Management of Wolves in 23 People for Wolves 8 the Western Great Lakes: Is There a Middle Ground? 24 A Look Beyond After nearly two years of state and tribal management, a U.S District Court placed the gray wolf once again under the On The Cover full protection of the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) in A gray wolf at Wolf Park, a Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Although two authors take nonprofit education and research facility, Battle Ground, Indiana. different positions on some issues, they are agreed that a solution to the conflict over wolf management lies in finding a middle ground. Photo by Yair Leibovich. Yair Leibovich is a professional International Wolf Center International Wolf Where from Here? Jim Hammill photographer who lives in Israel. He strives to educate people about Open Season or Open Debate? Adrian Treves wolves through his photography.

A Wolf Plan That Works Did you know... In July 2008, the U.S. District Court in Missoula, Montana, 13 one easy way for you reinstated protection of the Northern Rockies “distinct population segment” to help us conserve of gray wolves under the Endangered Species Act. The author proposes a natural resources is to make way to resolve this wolf controversy quickly. sure we have your email address! Simply email your address to: Bill Schneider [email protected] Kelly Godfrey Mary Ortiz Designated as Executive Director ary Ortiz has been designated as executive director of the International Wolf Center following the recent departure Mof Marc Anderson. The Center Publications Director wishes Marc well with his future Mary Ortiz endeavors. Magazine Coordinator Her years of experience with the Sharon Reed Center and her commitment to the mission of the organization make Mary Graphics Coordinator Ortiz uniquely qualified to head a Carissa L.Winter strong leadership team including Ely Consulting Editor Interpretive Center Director Sharee Mary Keirstead Johnson. This leadership team will guide Technical Editor the Center through the current period L. David Mech of national economic downturn. The Graphic Designer dedicated staff, volunteers and board of Tricia Austin directors will carry on the vital work of the organization, and we all greatly International Wolf (1089-683X) is published appreciate your continued support. ■ Center International Wolf quarterly and copyrighted, 2009, by the Mary Ortiz International Wolf Center, 3410 Winnetka Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55427, USA. e-mail: [email protected]. All rights reserved. Publications agreement no. 1536338 Membership in the International Wolf Center includes a subscription to International Wolf magazine, free admission to the Center, and discounts on programs and merchandise. • Lone Wolf memberships are U.S. $35 • Wolf Pack $60 • Wolf Associate $125 • Wolf Sponsor $500 • Alpha Wolf $1000. Canada and other countries, add U.S. $15 per year for airmail postage, $7 for surface postage. Contact the International Wolf Center, 1396 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731-8129, USA; e-mail: [email protected]; phone: 1-800-ELY-WOLF International Wolf is a forum for airing facts, ideas and attitudes about wolf-related 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. PHOTOS: Unless otherwise noted, or obvious from the caption or article text, photos are of captive wolves. International Wolf is printed entirely with soy ink on FSC certified paper. We encourage you to recycle this magazine.

2 Spring 2009 www.wolf.org INTERNATIONAL From the Board of Directors’ WOLF CENTER

Education Committee Chair BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nancy jo Tubbs Chair Dr. L. David Mech A High-Yield Investment Vice Chair Cree Bradley by Cornelia Hutt Secretary Paul B. Anderson obody needs a reminder that big dividends are on the endangered dollars list, but Treasurer the International Wolf Center is still a high-yield investment. The current and Nfuture state of the economy has us all punching new holes in family budget belts Dr. Larry Anderson as we prioritize our spending. Nonprofits that rely on the generosity of members to sustain Tom Dwight their missions are being scrutinized and their merits evaluated. Are we returning real value Amy Bromberg Funk for the dollars you invest in our work? Nancy Gibson The Center is feeling the crunch, too, and we are tightening our organizational belt. But Hélène Grimaud our enthusiasm for our work is higher than ever because what we do matters. And we are Jim Hammill confident it matters to you as well. Cornelia “Neil” Hutt We are on the lookout for creative sources of funding to keep our budget Dean Johnson healthy and to implement our wolf education programs. Our 2008 fall Linda Lemke donation appeal took on a special urgency, even though sticking to our Dania Miwa guiding principle of projecting a balanced, factual view of wolves means Dr. Rolf O. Peterson bypassing the gold that can be mined from highly emotional pleas, laced with hyperbole and half-truths. Mike Phillips We have some ideas for bolstering the bottom line, and we would Debbie Reynolds welcome your input as well. Watch for challenges on our Web site Jerry Sanders (www.wolf.org), which is being redesigned and given a face-lift. The site Paul Schurke recently received the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits’ highest recog- Paul Sletten nition, but we are setting the bar higher still! The site will offer easier Ted Spaulding International Wolf Center International Wolf Cornelia Hutt access to basic wolf information, continued breaking news bulletins, a Teri Williams menu of interactive activities, fresh resources for educators and wolf lovers everywhere, and up-to-date information about management challenges as wolves live ever EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR closer to humans. Mary Ortiz What can you do? Give the gift of a membership to someone who is celebrating a birthday or a special event. And if the situation arises, memorial gifts are a powerful way MISSION to recognize the values and passions of your loved one. Check out the affordable adven- The International Wolf ture trips on the Web site, and don’t forget to shop online at the Wolf Den Store. Dozens of Center advances the survival new items are featured, and ordering is easier than ever! And of course, plan a visit to the of wolf populations by interpretive center in Ely, Minnesota. Been there, done that? You’ll be surprised and excited teaching about wolves, their relationship to wildlands and the by the changes underway and by the new welcoming committee—fast-growing pups! human role in their future. The recent death of Lakota marked the end of a deep connection for many people to the Center’s founding ambassador wolves. This issue contains a tribute to Lakota, and the Educational services and Center’s YouTube channel features a heart-lifting slide show (http://www.youtube.com/ informational resources user/IntlWolfCenter). But hope is born of small things, and the advent of the two pups in are available at: summer 2008 ushered in a new era in the vibrant life of the Center. We will continue to 1396 Highway 169 focus on our mission to advocate for wolves and wildlands through education. One token Ely, MN 55731-8129, USA of our appreciation for your support is this magazine, which according to a recent survey, 1-800-ELY-WOLF our members read from cover to cover and rate with high marks. 1-218-365-4695 Thanks to all of you! ■ e-mail address: [email protected] Web site: http://www.wolf.org

International Wolf Spring 2009 3 There are two kinds of adventurers: LivingLiving onon those who go

’m suddenly awakened by a flash- light shining directly into my eyes, TundraTundra Imaking it impossible to see any- thing else. It is the voice behind the light, however, that has commanded my complete attention. “Chris! There’s a wolf outside the cabin!” I grab Time clothes and camera and race out into Time total darkness. And in a pool of illu- mination from the flashlight, I see her—a beautiful, white female wolf, calmly trotting between our cabins, seemingly unconcerned at both our Text and photos by presence and our excitement. It is only 1:00 in the morning, and this is CHRIS SENIOR the start of a day filled with wolves and wonder. . . . I’ve come to Aylmer Lake in On their flight to Aylmer Canada’s Northwest Territories with Lake, trip participants could see the lakes and the August 2008 trip organized by rivers of the tundra inter- the International Wolf Center. There spersed across the land. are 15 of us, all with our own hopes and aspirations for this adventure to the largest wilderness left on the planet. Trip leaders Dave Mech, Nancy Gibson, Neil Hutt and Canadian biologist Dean Cluff are here to en- sure that we intrepid tourists have a great time, learn something about the abundant wildlife, and aren’t a nuisance to any of it either! We all meet up in Yellowknife, capital of the Northwest Territories, on the shore of Great Slave Lake. From there, a noisy flight some 240 miles north-northeast in a Twin Otter floatplane brings us to Aylmer Lake Lodge, a destination so remote that it can only be reached by air. The facilities are basic in order to keep impact on the environment to a

Trip participant Karina Huang ready with a scope to view wolves and other wildlife.

4 Spring 2009 www.wolf.org truly hoping to find adventure and those who go secretly hoping they won’t. —Rabindranath Tagore

minimum, but the bunkhouses are confines of the plane and walk being separated from the rest of cozy, and the lodge provides a central toward our new home, sik-siks— humanity for this short time. point to meet, talk, eat the delicious arctic ground squirrels—pop up to Dean asks for a single volunteer food provided for us, and look out see us. They are so used to humans to take a 45-minute boat ride down at the local wildlife. from eating the generous supplies Aylmer Lake to a place called the And the scenery is simply stun- of peanuts put out for them by our Narrows so we can check a known ning. I watch the last of the trees fade hosts, Alan and Kathy Rebane, that den site. I’m lucky enough to form out during the early-morning flight they will take nuts from fingers and part of this advance scouting party. as we head up north of the tree even visit a friendly lap. Out on the water, senses reel again as line and into a landscape of tundra, My mind and senses are still water and sky meet in places, giving where the land is covered only in trying to cope with the sheer scale brief feelings that I am suspended small shrubs, grasses, mosses and of this new land. An all-encom- inside a huge bubble. Back to prac- lichens. Lakes and rivers are inter- passing sky, with no tree cover or tical matters, we find plenty of paw spersed across the land, and in this other shelter, gives the impression prints and other signs of recent early light, the water glows like molten that everything that happens here is occupation at the site. This is signifi- gold. Linking both land and water subject to scrutiny, leaving no room cant, as no wolves were seen at all are embankments called eskers. for lies or falsehoods. And yet, the previous year, and the tracks offer These were formed by rivers flowing despite that feeling, there is also hope that we may catch sight of the within the glaciers that once covered the sense of splendid isolation, of local inhabitants. the land, which left behind their sediment of sand and gravel as the ice walls melted away. Their loose con- struction, in a land where all else is solid rock or water, allows them to be much used by wolves as den sites. In this fresh, strangely silent land- scape, even my footfalls seem crude and intrusive. The silence really is deafening, and those few sounds present are distinct: the water lapping against the shore, an occasional song from the few birds present, insects buzzing, the wind blowing over a rock. These sounds are all separate, something to savor and relish, not the cacophony of near-constant noise that we are all subjected to in our Above: Dave Mech and Debbie Hinchcliffe examine a wolf den that has been unused for daily lives. To quote a favorite author, several years. a man could be driven to commit philosophy, and I am guilty of this on Left: Sik-siks, or arctic ground squirrels, are so frequent occasions. used to humans at Aylmer Lake that they will As if this landscape of beautiful take nuts from fingers. desolation and silence is not enough, there is wildlife to be seen at almost every turn. As soon as we leave the

International Wolf Spring 2009 5 Every change in viewpoint reveals some subtle difference to be appreciated— this place is never boring.

Sunset of the first day finds us all its compacted layers visible against that render those from the camera up on the ridge behind the lodge, sunlight. Every change in viewpoint almost perfunctory. She’s only here, in scopes and cameras ready for wolves reveals some subtle difference to be ap- our space, because she chooses to be, or any other creatures that care to preciated—this place is never boring. and I feel that if I blink or even visit, but we see only blackflies and Just to be out here, surrounded by breathe, it will all disappear like some mosquitoes, and close enough not pristine air and water, is a privilege for vivid but quick-forgotten dream. So to require scopes! The sunset is spec- all my senses to savor. The wet sand I savor the moment, locking those tacular—here, each one is, while all shows up more wolf tracks in transient few minutes into my mind. being utterly different—and no one detail, but we are being taught patience We spend much time viewing is anything less than content as we in this benign wolf hunt. these two wolves from the catered head down to our bunks. This far north there are maybe comfort of the lodge. Another male So, the week continues. We are here only four hours of total darkness each also joins them on one occasion. to watch wildlife, but just being in this night, and we all enjoy the long hours How great this is—we point our remote place, knowing that wolves, of daylight, to see and experience scopes and cameras through the caribou, barren-ground grizzlies, arctic all that we can. One night brings its windows and eat meals in between. hares, peregrine falcons, and all the own treat, too. The northern lights And we thought that wildlife biolo- others are around—somewhere— give us a show in greens, whites and gists had a hard life! The only person makes the landscape seem alive, even reds. This unearthly glow brings ap- less than impressed is Kathy, her when nothing moves. Not that we don’t propriate oohs and aahs from us, lovingly prepared meals constantly look hard, searching by foot and boat, especially with a side order of meteors interrupted by our rushing in and out pausing to admire the scenery and from the Perseids shower thrown in of doors, to get a better view of the chomp on 10,000-year-old glacial ice, for good measure: Even the night is latest happenings. full of wonder here. Supporting cast members of this We do finally see our first wildlife play decide that the wolves wolves, at the end of the day as aren’t going to have the stage to them- we head back to our boats, selves. We spot a musk-ox across the after spending hours watching water and also a lone caribou from wolf rocks, caribou rocks and the 128,000-strong Bathurst herd. even musk-ox rocks: It is This herd is due to migrate across amazing how the eye can play the area, passing south to its winter tricks. But here, so close to our range, but only this single representa- group, a beautiful, mature tive is evident. A peregrine falcon female walks. She is joined by hunts near the beach, showing the a younger, more nervous male, most incredible aerobatics, while a who remains up on the ridge, bald eagle and the female wolf have a keeping his distance. small dispute in almost the same spot Being suddenly awakened the next day. And I don’t even mind Trip participants spotted a lone by the flashlight that night is only missing the glimpse of a wolverine caribou from the 128,000-strong the start of a remarkable day of wolf as I am out hiking elsewhere. It is Bathurst herd. encounters, with the female visiting impossible to be everywhere, and I the lodge again as we are getting ready never feel fully connected with any to eat breakfast, walking around a landscape unless I have experienced mere few meters away. This is beyond it on foot, each step bringing me our wildest imaginings for the trip, closer to the land itself. and seeing her staring right down my Since the trip, I often describe this camera lens leaves images in my mind place as barren but in a positive

6 Spring 2009 www.wolf.org sense, with no human influence save After hours of watching for for our lodge on the lake. This open wolves, the participants in the International Wolf landscape, full of sky and water, Center’s 2008 trip to seems to draw you in, invite you to Aylmer Lake were finally sail around the next bit of land, or able to observe a pair of walk up one more ridge, just to see wolves. what awaits beyond . . . and beyond that. It is bleak but never boring, full of life both in the vegetation and animals that abound here, swal- lowed into this huge space. There are possible threats to this, however. The same geology that stuns me also houses gold and diamonds deep within itself. Many consider these to be more precious than the wilder- ness, but standing on an esker, feeling the breeze, listening to deaf- ening silence interspersed with occasional sounds, I know that this is wrong. This last great wilderness must remain, unspoiled and truly wild, for if we lose this, we lose something infinitely more precious and utterly irreplaceable. ■

Chris Senior works in digital mapping, or GIS, for UK-based environmental organizations. He is a writer and avid photographer and traveler. He lives in South Yorkshire, England. For a photo journey of the 2008 trip to Aylmer Lake, visit Chris’s Web site at http://www.pbase.com/pawsforthought/ canada_nwt.

On occasion, the wolves could be watched from the catered comfort of the lodge, with scopes and cameras providing close-up views.

International Wolf Spring 2009 7 Ann Mayo-Kiely Management of Wolves in the Western Great Lakes: fter nearly two years of state and tribal management, a U.S ADistrict Court placed the gray Is There a wolf once again under the full protec- tion of the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) in Michigan, Wisconsin and Middle Ground Minnesota. On September 29, 2008, the court ruled that the U.S. Fish and ?Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) decision A combined population to delist the wolf in the Western Great exceeding 4,000 wolves now lives in Minnesota, Lakes may have been based on a mis- Wisconsin and the Upper interpretation of the ESA. Peninsula of Michigan. The plaintiffs say that under state management the species’ long-term survival remains in doubt in part because of hunting of wolves. Al- though the authors of the following articles take different positions on issues related to hunting of wolves, they are agreed that a solution to the conflict over wolf management lies in finding the middle ground between the extremes of opinions that too often drive the decision making. Sherry Jokinen

8 Spring 2009 www.wolf.org United States has exposed the weak- was wrong, very wrong. People in the Where from Here? nesses of the ESA and served to Great Lakes states strongly supported further polarize people who hold wolf recovery, measures have been put by Jim Hammill different values for wolves. in place to help reduce wolf-human Seeing and participating in the conflict, and wolves have proven to be he ruling by a federal court recovery of wolves in the Great Lakes highly adaptable and more capable of judge in September 2008 to states have been the highlight of using various habitats and tolerating return Midwest wolves to T my career as a wildlife biologist. people than we imagined. endangered status had nothing to Actually, I thought it would never Wolves are recovered in the Western do with the court’s concern for wolf happen. I believed that there were too Great Lakes states. A combined pop- populations in the Western Great many anti-wolf people, that wolf ulation exceeding 4,000 animals Lakes distinct population segment. conflicts with people would be insur- now lives in Minnesota, Wisconsin Likewise, the ruling had nothing mountable, and that the wolf itself and the Upper Peninsula of to say about state management would never adapt to the presence of Michigan. Contrary to some opinions authority versus federal oversight so many people on the landscape. I that wolves have “just recovered,” the of wolves. Instead, the ruling was based on procedural weaknesses in the Endangered Species Act (ESA) itself. The judicial tug of war that has become wolf management in the

Open Season or Open Debate? by Adrian Treves

y last winter’s count, Wisconsin hosted 540 wolves, Michigan Bhad a similar number, and Minnesota had several times as Phil Hands many, across a single connected In the effort to transfer wolf management authority to the states, a persistent conflict is population contiguous to the much between pro-hunting and anti-hunting groups. larger Canadian one. As a result, the wolves of the Midwest reached the compromise. I write this in hopes in regional meetings of those with numerical target for removal from that the majority in the center will strong interests in wolf management, the federal list of threatened and speak more loudly and states can I heard other views also. Thoughtful endangered species several years regain wolf management authority. and serious individuals who do not ago. Nevertheless, since 2005, the Calls for hunting wolves have pull triggers easily will say things akin U.S. government has twice lost chal- become louder and more prominent to “A hunting season is our best way lenges in federal court to its effort to since 2007. In my town of Madison, to control wildlife. Making wolves transfer wolf management authority Wisconsin, many respond to the idea into game would convert wolf-haters to the states. Underlying the tech- of a wolf hunt as follows: “Already? into wolf conservationists because nical details of the court cases are Didn’t they just recover?” Consider an game is valued. If hunters take wolves, clashes of values between interest analogy: When a star football player there will be fewer attacks on live- groups. The persistent current clash comes off of injured reserve, do you stock and bear-hunting dogs.” Both is between pro-hunting and anti- put him in a game immediately, or sides appear equally reasonable. The hunting groups, neither of which watch him in practice and training key word is appear. We need more listens well to the other nor wishes to for a few weeks? In other areas and evidence before deciding.

International Wolf Spring 2009 9 truth is that numerically wolves met convening round-tables, assembling were received during the time when recovery and delisting criteria here focus groups, and taking input from wolves were listed as endangered. years ago. Political and admin- the public for decades. Is there more One of my great concerns is about istrative paralysis delayed the that can be learned? Yes, and there public opinion if wolf populations delisting process, and sadly that always will be. But the argument that are not controlled. I recall when continues today. we need to ponder the issue longer white-tailed deer, giant Canada geese, The wolf is one of the world’s most and wait for new evidence just does and even wild turkeys were held in studied mammals. Most aspects of not hold up in the face of the informa- a precious public trust. Today, those the animal’s biology have been probed tion that already exists. We have the species are so numerous that they by good scientists, and the quality factual foundation on which a wolf have decreased worth in the eye of of the research is without equal. management program can be built. the general public. Why? Because We’re especially fortunate to have had Some people believe that the their populations have been allowed Dr. L. David Mech and Dr. Rolf ESA provides an inviolate cloak of to increase in many areas beyond Peterson study Midwestern wolves. protection for wolves. This is not the what is healthy for the ecosystem, As a result of their research and wolf case. In Michigan, 147 dead wolves and the costs in many areas outweigh research all over the world, we know have been handled by the Michigan their benefits to society. Consider the a lot about the biology and human Department of Natural Resources example that in Michigan, motorists dimensions concerning wolves. from 2005 to the time of this writing endure over 60,000 car-deer collisions Likewise, people’s attitudes about in 2008. These animals died as a yearly. Millions of dollars of farm wolves and wolf management have result of indiscriminate shooting, crops are destroyed yearly, and native been queried in all the Midwestern disease, vehicle collisions, and U.S. flora is being altered by deer feeding states. We have been conducting Department of Agriculture control so significantly that recovery is not surveys, polling opinion leaders, actions at farms. All these carcasses likely to occur for generations, if ever.

The common ground in Wisconsin includes support Because problem wolves have for a wolf hunting/trapping always been a minority of the Wisconsin population and hunters season if biologists deem may wound or kill the wrong animals, a selective harvest of prob- it sustainable and if lem wolves might be tricky to design. wolf damage to property Furthermore, a hunter-scientist re- cently reviewed evidence for whether becomes unmanageable. hunters act as good stewards of their game. He concluded that “hunters This center position is often hold attitudes and engage in behaviors that are not supportive of far different from the broad-based, ecological objectives . . . polarized extremes some- [and] the behaviors of hunter groups and individuals are often counter to times heard in the press desired needs of ecosystem steward- ship” (abstract and p. 813 in Holsman, (especially on TV) and 2000, Wildlife Society Bulletin). In my mind the jury is still out about from representatives of Adrian Treves hunting as a solution to the problems Adrian Treves, a professor of environmental certain interest groups. studies, measures public opinion about of long-term wolf conservation and wolves as part of his research. reducing wolf damage to property. What about money you ask? Sure, hunters’ fees could help pay for long-term conservation of a stable

10 Spring 2009 www.wolf.org What may be the costs of allowing too many wolves to exist on Midwestern landscapes? We are al- ready seeing a decline in people’s support for wolves in Michigan and Wisconsin. The usual reason given What may be the costs of for this lack of support is that no management or control measures are allowing too many wolves in place. Wolves that live in desig- nated wilderness areas should not be to exist on Midwestern affected by human-contrived controls. A high percentage of the wolves in the landscapes? We are already Midwest, however, live in “working seeing a decline in people’s forests,” places that are managed for a variety of values, not wilderness. support for wolves in Midwestern wolves live among or within an easy drive of 18 million Michigan and Wisconsin. people. Managing wolves in these conditions should be a responsibility The usual reason given for of state conservation agencies. International Wolf Center International Wolf this lack of support is that Individual “problem” wolves in Jim Hammill, now retired, served as a Midwestern states will likely need to wildlife biologist for 30 years for the no management or control be controlled selectively, possibly by Michigan Department of Natural Resources. measures are in place.

wolf population, but we need to wolf compensation program. Other consider the trade-offs. For example, unanswered questions loom. Will will traditional contributors to the Chippewa tribes step in and claim Wisconsin Endangered Resources their rights to half the wolf permits? Fund stop donating if wolves become If they do, how many Chippewa game? These contributors have paid hunters will participate? We know for more of state wolf management very little about some critical issues. funding in Wisconsin than hunters. I hope respectful listening will By our team’s estimates, the fund prevail during this new period of might lose half a million dollars debate over wolf hunting. But the annually in donations, with dire issue has long been charged with consequences for other endangered deeply held beliefs and values toward species such as whooping cranes. wolves. Yet not many people sit at Then comes another uncertainty. the table when policy is defined. Who will pay for wolf permits? No That’s why I devote part of my research one knows how many hunters will efforts to measuring public opinions apply and how much each would be in surveys. We found the majority willing to pay. Will it be enough to we surveyed share common ground offset the many costs of wolf man- in the center. The common ground agement such as the current generous in Wisconsin includes support for compensation payments? Compen- a wolf hunting/trapping season sation for damage by game species (84–89 percent of 1,899 respondents doesn’t cover loss of pets, calves, and from across the state measured in farmed deer and vet bills, which are two surveys conducted in 2001 and currently covered by Wisconsin’s 2004). But this support has impor- Center International Wolf

International Wolf Spring 2009 11 state or federal employees, just as they life conservation efforts, and have need leadership at the state level to are now. However, any hope of effec- financially supported recovery efforts formulate a wolf-management pro- tive population control will require for many endangered species, plants gram that is effective and as free from much larger efforts. I believe a wolf and animals. political intervention as possible, management program in the Midwest We have heard from many based on the best human dimensions could and should provide for a regu- segments of the public: non-hunters, research and biological science lated, recreational take of wolves. hunters, landowners, conservation- available. No one said this was going It is true that individual hunters ists, farmers, wildlife enthusiasts and to be easy, but it is necessary for the and even some hunter groups are not others. Most people want our deci- long-term well-being of wolves and supportive of sound environmental sions to lead to a pragmatic and flex- people in the Midwest. ■ policy. The same can be said about ible program for managing wolves other individuals or groups, no that is considerate of the wide range Jim Hammill is retired from the Michigan matter what their feelings are about of values that people have for wolves. Department of Natural Resources, where hunting. However, let there be no They also want to see the wolf popu- he served as a wildlife biologist for 30 doubt, hunters, trappers, and fishers, lation remain viable and retained years. He is a member of the federal primarily through licenses and fees, as a legacy that can be passed on to wolf recovery team, past member of the Michigan wolf recovery team, member of have done the heavy lifting for future generations. However, right Safari Club International’s conservation wildlife conservation in this country now people at the extremes of the committee, member of International Wolf for over 100 years, and they continue opinion spectrum seem to be driving Center’s board and president of Iron Range to do that today. They contribute the decision making. For this to Consulting and Services Inc., a land and billions of dollars annually to a broad change we must get beyond the grid- wildlife management consulting business. range of game and non-game wild- lock we are now in. Then we will

swayed by loud, influential minori- Although the states presided over ties and values other than those of a historic recovery, a few extreme pro- tant preconditions for many of our their constituencies, then plunge wolf groups do not want them respondents: if biologists deem it headfirst into some solution with- to have control. National groups, not sustainable (37–38 percent), and if out budgeting the time, effort or local ones, are challenging state wolf damage to property becomes resources to track the outcomes vigi- authority over wolf management. unmanageable (19–30 percent). This lantly. If we don’t watch our step, The national debate and litigation center position is far different from we can’t make mid-course correc- have undermined the state-level, the polarized extremes sometimes tions, like a toddler that stumbles participatory decision processes we heard in the press (especially on headlong on eager, unsteady feet. tax-payers invested in for years. Court TV) and from representatives of Most people agree we need the cases are not the answer. In particular, certain interest groups. Can centrist wolves to stay wild, eat wild, and run the recent court-mandated relisting opinions prevail? wild. Pro-hunting folks may think of the wolf reflects a widespread mis- Centrism isn’t always popular hunting is the only way to keep that conception about the Endangered because the vocal extremes both look from happening. Anti-hunting folks Species Act. It was intended to protect upon those in the middle with dis- may think rubber bullets, shock them while they recovered, which trust. “Pick a side,” I imagine them collars, livestock-guarding dogs, they have. Wisconsin residents can thinking. But in this issue we are electric fences and so on may be continue to make good decisions about better off not picking sides against better. What do you favor? Well at our wolves. We have so far. ■ other people. We have to stay flexible the moment it doesn’t matter what and open to changing conditions you or I favor because the federal Adrian Treves is an assistant professor of and new evidence. Starry idealism, government has authority— although environmental studies at the University I know. What I fear will happen in- they have little capacity so they of Wisconsin-Madison. stead is that policy makers will be contract the states to manage.

12 Spring 2009 www.wolf.org Even though the Yellowstone wolves have prospered, they have done it in A genetic isolation. There are between 1,500 and 2,200 wolves in the Northern Rockies, but not many of them go successfully from one Wolf Plan recovery zone to others. Kelly Godfrey ThatWorks by t seems as if most people in the New West would prefer to see the wolf BILL controversy resolved, and agencies could quickly do this. Will it happen? SCHNEIDER Anybody who follows the endlessly volatile wolf issue—and it’s hard Inot to follow it with all the news coverage—knows the greens won a big victory last week. Judge Donald Molloy of the U.S. District Court sided with This article first appeared on Earthjustice and 12 conservation organizations and essentially relisted, July 24, 2008, at NewWest.Net. albeit temporarily, the wolf as an endangered species. So, what now? That’s the question I’ve been asking people on both sides of the debate this week, and I might have the answer, a way to quickly get the wolf debate behind us. Does that sound good? Actually, everybody generally agrees on the current options before us, but nobody will say which option they’ll pursue. It’s complicated, of course, and we must keep in mind that Molloy’s ruling doesn’t overturn the proposed rule to delist the wolf. It more or less says the wolf is endangered while the courts decide if it is, or not, whereas over the last four months, the wolf has been off the endangered species list and under state control while the legal battle over delisting rages in the background. If agencies prevail in the main case, Molloy’s ruling would merely go down as an aggravating delay for agencies in implementing hunting seasons and state management.

International Wolf Spring 2009 13 This leaves agencies with three The two major sticking points are it did not want—more wolves and choices: lack of what’s called “genetic connec- more federal control. Altogether • Appeal Molloy’s decision to relist tivity” and Wyoming’s totally unac- now, can we all say “self-defeating the wolf in addition to continuing ceptable wolf control plan. Neither insanity”? to fight the main legal battle over Stone nor Honnold would guarantee The Nation of Wyoming has to be delisting. that fixing these two problems would a team player and along with the • Ignore Molloy’s ruling and concen- make wolf delisting litigation-proof, other states give in to the greens, trate on trying to win the primary but I strongly suspect resolving them regardless of how much it hurts. delisting case, forgetting about would keep us out of court. Those bruised egos eventually heal. wolf hunting seasons for this year The first point, Wyoming’s dual- Addressing the second point, and perhaps next year, too. status plan that declares the wolf a genetic exchange, also seems easy • Suck it up, meet with the greens, “predator” (Wyomingish for vermin) enough. By definition “genetic and have a little “out-of-court in 90 percent of the state so, as exchange” means wolves moving back settlement” to resolve the wolf Honnold says, “it can be killed by and forth between the three recovery issue right now. anybody anywhere” needs to go zones (Yellowstone, central Idaho and I asked both Ed Bangs, wolf re- away. Radical pro-wolfers are prob- northwestern Montana) without covery coordinator for the U.S. Fish ably loving Wyoming right now being whacked. Even though the and Wildlife Service (FWS), the because if the state doesn’t give up Yellowstone wolves have prospered, federal agency in charge of endan- on dual status, it may hold up they have done it in genetic isolation. gered species programs, and Chris delisting for decades allowing the Like it or not, it’s a numbers game. Smith, chief of staff for the Montana wolf to reclaim its entire former As I write this commentary, we have Department of Fish, Wildlife and range throughout the western United somewhere between 1,500 and 2,200 Parks, what their agencies plan to do. States. Already, we have indications wolves running around the northern Both dodged that question but didn’t of wolf packs forming in Washington Rockies, but not many of them rule out any of the three options. and Oregon. Soon, Colorado greens making it from one recovery zone to I called Suzanne Asha Stone, will have their dream come true, the other without getting in trouble northern Rockies representative for wolves in Rocky Mountain National and being “controlled.” Defenders of Wildlife, and Doug Park to control elk numbers. All Collectively, the three state Honnold, managing attorney for thanks to Wyoming. management plans call for killing Earthjustice, self-acclaimed as “the “It’s going to take the other two down the population to about 1,100 nation’s leading environmental law states (Idaho and Montana) and other wolves. Based on the science he has firm,” which is handling the case for interested parties to push Wyoming read, that number minimizes the the 12 conservation groups, to ask to develop a safety net instead of a chance of genetic exchange, says them what the agencies would have free-firing zone,” Honnold speculates. Honnold, and Judge Molloy agreed to do for them to accept delisting and Even though the FWS had earlier with him and his clients. withdraw the lawsuit. Keeping in rejected Wyoming’s plan, “when (former “At a population level of 2,000 mind that Stone only speaks for her Idaho Governor Dirk) Kempthorne wolves, we are likely to have genetic organization, not the other groups, came into office (as Secretary of the exchange if we can maintain it for and that Honnold can only speculate Interior), the Wyoming plan that two years or more,” Honnold says. “If on what his clients might decide, both had been unacceptable became magi- there were a commitment to maintain gave me the same answer. cally acceptable.” a population of 2,000 wolves, I think And, of course, gave Judge Molloy these genetic issues would be solved.” another good reason to enjoin de- That’s the winter population, he listing, giving Wyoming exactly what adds, not the spring population, which includes the new crop of pups, many of which don’t make it to their first birthday. The recovery plan and delisting documents call for a minimum of 30 packs or 300 wolves. But the greens believe—and again Judge Molloy agrees—this is not enough to facili- tate genetic exchange. So now, I’m scratching my head.

International Wolf Center International Wolf How hard can this be?

14 Spring 2009 www.wolf.org The two major sticking points are Kelly Godfrey lack of what’s

We have roughly 2,000 wolves, different views of the available called “genetic a tolerable but probably not ideal science, which will probably always level for agencies or the livestock be the case. And assuming judges keep industry. I say go with it and move agreeing with the green view of the connectivity” on. It sure trumps any alternative we science, wolves will be on the en- currently face, such as years of expen- dangered species list. and sive litigation while wolves continue The agencies have already said breeding and the real possibility of that having 1,100 wolves is enough, the greens prevailing in court and scientifically, to declare the wolf Wyoming’s keeping the wolf an endangered successfully recovered, so 2,000 species for a long time. wolves would only be more recov- And, please, let’s not do the ered, right? It might be more wolves totally is-there-a-number-between-1,100- than agencies think we need, but and-2,000-that-might-work approach. less than we’ll have if we don’t get out unacceptable The greens have an ace in the hole, of the courthouse soon. and Molloy flopped another ace “We need to bring the stake- for them, so right now, they have holders to the table and develop wolf control the winning hand. Let’s pick up on an acceptable plan,” Stone proposes. that and fold. “Montana did a great job in their Stone tells me the decision must plan in bringing all the stakeholders plan. be based on science, but that’s exactly together, but this needs to be a what Bangs says. They simply have region-wide effort. There are people on

International Wolf Spring 2009 15 Kelly Godfrey

How hard can this be? We have

roughly both sides who are willing to work “It’s a mess,” he admits. “And it’s together for a good outcome.” getting expensive. More wolves do 2,000 wolves, Bangs, on the other hand, has more damage. If you want more little optimism of any such agree- wolves in more places, you keep the ment ever happening, not now at wolves on the endangered species list.” a tolerable least, because his experience tells Is anybody in Wyoming listening? him people can’t be rational about Bangs also accused me of being but probably not wolves. “Wolves will eventually wear “too rational” (which hasn’t happened everybody out, but right now, too often) in suggesting agencies and ideal level emotions are too high. It will work greens could settle their differences. out eventually.” Nonetheless, I persist in believing we But do we want “eventually”? How could resolve the wolf issue by the for agencies or many wolves will we have by then? end of next week. All it would take How many millions will be spent is the agencies collectively deciding the livestock on wolf control that hunters would to maintain a population of 2,000 pay to do? wolves (the status quo) instead of industry. “Wolf management has nothing to 1,100 and pressuring Wyoming to do with reality,” Bangs reminds me. commit to plan something similar to “A rational person could sit down plans written by Idaho or Montana. I say go with it and figure this out in a minute. If this This is doable, folks. In fact, it were any another animal, this would looks easy. ■ and move on. already be a done deal, but people aren’t rational about wolves.” Bill Schneider is the travel and outdoor editor for NewWest.Net.

16 Spring 2009 www.wolf.org INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER Major Contributors and Special Gifts SEPTEMBER 2008 – NOVEMBER 2008

Major Donors Donna Mack-Iwanski Memorials Karen L. Pajari, M.D. In memory of Spanky: Matching Carmen Alfaro, Sylvia Manning In memory of Terri and Robert Pierce Jeffrey V. Wojtowicz Gifts and Tony’s Kwik Mart, Lars Madsen and Ema Annunziata: John and Donna Virr In memory of Foundations and the generous Merete Prior Milton Stenlund: people of Grand Mr. and Mrs. Robert Doris Werner ADC Foundation Blanc, Michigan Christian Mueller Kendall Dennis and on behalf of Catherine White In memory of Carol Brandon Dennis “Ray” Wells Phillip Angwin Karen L. Pajari Shirley Canfield: In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Mauricio Austin Robert Patterson Jay Luehrs: Jay Janecek Ameriprise Financial Dale and Joan on behalf of: Rolf and Cluckey Doug and Ellie Pflager Doug and Richard and Nancy Brooks Marilyn Capouch Carolyn Peterson Junior and In memory of Kathryn Schneider Kristine Elias MacKenzie: Robert E. Carlson Deborah Reynolds Michael Ramalia Donald and James Yuenger Brian and Ellen Dietz Ted Rockwell In memory of Jean Armstrong Marguerite Shavor Eddie Henrich: Nancy jo Tubbs GlaxoSmithKline Patricia Farrant Ceridwen Sanders Barbara Wallen Foundation Terri and Robert Pierce on behalf of Judith Fech Connie Schultz In memory of Misty: Honorary In memory of Gail S. Ramee Charles Schwartz Daniel, Susan, Emily Nancy Gibson and Matthew Kolb: In honor of Ron Sternal and Kaitlin Cook Nan Snyder Amy O’Neill: Kimberly Clark Phyllis Burke Gail Gilmore In memory of Foundation on behalf of Kathleen Suozzo Noel Collamer In memory of Lakota: Matthew O’Connor: Richard Kandiko Margaret Gish In honor of Michael Swanson Patricia D’Antoni Susan Castonguay Charles and Sandy and Microsoft Giving Nancy jo Tubbs Sharon Heck Chris Batiste In memory of Mark Randoll: Campaign on behalf of: John and Donna Virr Rajah Oey: Raul Garcia Judy Hunter Barbara Farley The Amy Shelton Kathryn and Aimee Oey McNutt Trust Sherry Green Neil Hutt Kenneth Housey Robert Vizas In memory of In honor of the Nuveen Investments Emily and Pat Ingram Judy Hunter Elmer Schueler: Wolf Care Staff: Corey Voss LLC on behalf of Dean Johnson Kimberly Johnson The Tracy A. Weeks Gary and Judy Hunter Nancy Gibson and Vanice Bakko Virginia Kluwin Fund of the Jan Lloyd Ron Sternal Saint Paul Foundation Lilyann R. Bergan Estates Bud Lackie Sandra Lockwood Mrs. Margie Wellman Krystle Kathleen Evelyn Whaley Estate In-Kind Connie and Betty Magnuson Leona Brown Nick La Fond Deb and Dennis Wells Donations Rebecca Mesa Leon Kaump and Conrad Lenzo Katherine Wilcox Henry Crosby Barbara Moody Sandi Conant-Kaump Bruce and Lynn Lutz General Mills Inc Marcia Mummau Patrick Lee on behalf of Kathleen Judy Hunter Andrea Nelsen Lee and Family National Camera Lauren and Exchange and Video Kathryn Moen Mary Petrone Jane and Deb and Denis Wells Joseph O’Koren The Zimmerman Family

International Wolf Center International Wolf Thank You

International Wolf Spring 2009 17 Tracking the Pack

often offspring of previous Behavioral observa- Watching Wolves: Behavioral years. Thus, in a captive tions during previous Observations Provide Clues pack, the introduction of pup introductions at pups that are not related to the Center were hand- about Wolf Interactions the other wolves must be written on paper. This done carefully and with a recording method made by Lori Schmidt, Wolf Curator, plan to predict, monitor and it difficult and cum- International Wolf Center intervene if negative be- bersome to analyze and havior occurs and if there is interpret the data. This n summer 2008, the Pack is now composed of potential for injury to any of year, a generous grant International Wolf Center two arctic wolves (Canis the wolves. from Hewlett-Packard Iin Ely, Minnesota, cele- lupus arctos) born in 2000, To implement this plan, enabled the Center to brated a historic event. For two Great Plains wolves the Center formed a Behav- acquire the laptops. The the first time, the Center’s (Canis lupus nubilis) born in ioral Observation Team. data collection for this “high- world-renowned Exhibit 2004, and the new members, Participants were trained to tech” approach to pup intro- Pack included wolves of two Rocky Mountain, or use a comprehensive behav- duction was more detailed three distinct age groups, Northwestern, pups (Canis ioral dictionary called an and thorough, and the data each group representing a lupus occidentalis) born in ethogram, and each team analysis more efficient and different North American spring 2008. member was equipped with accurate. This in turn yielded subspecies of Canis lupus, A wild wolf pack is a a new Hewlett-Packard lap- valuable insights into the the gray wolf. The Exhibit family consisting of parents, top computer for recording complex social dynamics of pups of the current year and every detail of wolf inter- a captive wolf pack. action during the first critical When staff is observing days of the pups’ introduc- the Center’s pack, they record tion to the Exhibit Pack. a wide variety of behaviors: International Wolf Center International Wolf

Grizzer resting on a Greeting Rock. Determining the wolves’ choices of sleeping and resting companions provides an idea about their relationships and individual tolerance of one another.

Shadow asserts dominance over Grizzer, while Maya shows a submissive head posture. International Wolf Center International Wolf

18 Spring 2009 www.wolf.org may interpret fear as weak- Did you know... ness and then challenge a submissive wolf. one easy way for you Howling. In the wild, to help us conserve wolves howl for a number natural resources is to make of reasons including rallying sure we have your email address! the pack and defending Simply email your address to: [email protected] territory. In captivity, a pack member’s degree of social cohesiveness can be deter- mined by its willingness to start or join in a howl or, conversely, by its sudden day recording the interac- retreat when the rest of the tions of the Exhibit Pack. pack interacts. The location The Wolf Care Staff analyzed of a wolf during a howl and interpreted over 5,000 can also be an indicator of data entries August 4

International Wolf Center International Wolf its status or position. At through August 8. Pack Shadow (front), Grizzer (left) and Maya howl. A captive pack member’s the Center, higher-ranking dynamics will continue to degree of social cohesiveness can be determined by its willingness to wolves often climb to the top evolve as the pups mature start or join in a howl. of a hill or a rock to howl. and find their places in The introduction of the the group. We should see 2008 pups was deemed a some interesting behaviors resounding success. The this winter, and the result Resting. Determining the whether there is tension in Behavioral Observation will be new insights into our wolves’ choices of sleeping the pack. Team worked 24 hours a wolves’ social interactions. ■ and resting companions Following and chasing. provides an idea about their When dominance interac- relationships and individual tion occurs in the pack, a tolerance of one another. more dominant wolf will Eating. The degree of often attempt to intimidate confidence when eating or a lower-ranking wolf by defending food as well as following it. This can result the ability to acquire food in chasing and “mobbing” by from other wolves can be an the other wolves. Recording indication of status. Data the subtle behavior that collected from observing leads to this can alert staff to eating behavior are also trouble brewing. important for monitoring Tail and ear postures. each wolf’s nutrition. Wolves use a variety of body Walking, wandering, and postures to express status approaching. Even in a and confidence. A high tail captive environment, wolves is indicative of a confident spend a fair amount of time or aroused animal. Ears investigating and checking perked forward demonstrate scents. These data can re- interest or intent. This intent veal a solitary individual as can be to display dominance, opposed to a wolf that seeks or it can be a signal of pre- social interactions. datory behavior. In contrast, Greeting and muzzle pulled-back ears and a biting. When wolves inter- tucked tail are signs of an act, facial contact includes animal that is fearful or licking and muzzle biting. submissive. This is often Whether the muzzle bites are an indication of potential hard or soft can often reveal trouble, as pack members

International Wolf Spring 2009 19 Farewell to Lakota, the last member of the International Wolf Lakota: Another Center’s Retired Pack, died Chapter Ends on November 7, 2008.

by Walter Medwid Center International Wolf opened to the world. I closed he end of an era” says it well, one chapter in my life when I left “ but at the same time it just Minnesota last year to return to Tdoesn’t quite capture the signifi- Vermont. With the last of the 1993 cance of Lakota’s passing on November 7, pups now gone, another chapter ends. To 2008. From spring 1993, Lakota and her siblings say it mildly, those chapters do not end easily. Kiana, MacKenzie and Lucas did the thing they did best . . . What remains for me are the memories of having had the they acted like wolves. They had a unique stage on which great privilege of being a small part of a remarkable group of to engage and educate a global audience that measured in animals. Each one had a distinctive personality, with Lakota the hundreds of thousands. That audience watched Lakota standing out among her siblings as the one with the greatest as a pup, saw her grow to become a magnificent adult, and exuberance—or perhaps it was just a dose of hyperactivity. witnessed the dominance battles in the main enclosure with Lakota and her packmates worked in bridging the gap her siblings, and especially with the new gang in town, Malik between humans and wolves in the wild. They stirred our and Shadow, the two arctic wolves that joined the main pack imaginations, increased our knowledge of natural systems in 2000. Finally, we all watched her in her new quarters as she and kindled our passion for things wild. joined the Retired Pack when life in the main enclosure with We say good-bye, but also job well done! ■ the arctics became too precarious. The year 1993 has some resonance with me, as it was Walter Medwid is past executive director of the International the year I joined the staff of the Center as executive director. Wolf Center and is now the executive director of the NorthWoods It was also the year the Center’s magnificent building Stewardship Center in East Charleston, Vermont.

20 Spring 2009 www.wolf.org W O LV E S I N M O N G O L I A A N D I N N E R M O N G O L I A RUSSIA Protectors of the KAZAKHSTAN Grasslands Ulaanbaatar MONGOLIA

by Cornelia Hutt A L I O Gobi Desert G N O Out here, the grass and the grassland M

Alxa R are the life, the big life. All else is League I N N E Beijing N. KOREA little life that depends on the big life for survival. Even wolves and China S. KOREA humans are little life. . . .When you kill off the big life of the grassland, all the little lives are doomed. The damage done by gazelles far outstrips any done by the wolves. . . . Why do NEPAL you think Tengger (Mongol heaven) BHUTAN bestows favor on the wolves? The INDIA wolves kill only animals that harm *Many Americans think the grassland. How could Tengger MYANMAR VIETNAM Inner Mongolia is part LAOS not bestow favor on the wolves? of Mongolia. However, —Jiang Rong, Wolf Totem Inner Mongolia is part of China, an area running along approximately two- nterest in Mongolia, Inner of the wolves, which have hunted We respect thirds of China’s northern Mongolia* and the culture of the there for thousands of years. the wolves border. Mongolia, on From an old Mongol, Chen learns too much.” IMongols, an ancient people who the other hand, is an have survived for millennia on the about the delicate ecological balance Not so independent country. vast, isolated steppes of the region’s between the animals of the grassland some of the grasslands, has been heightened by and the nomadic shepherds who Chinese, who the recent publication (2008) in wander the trackless open spaces have for centuries despised and English of the novel Wolf Totem. with their livestock. Chen also demonized the wolf. With the arrival Released in China in 2004 (sales of discovers the value of individual of the “tillers of the land” after Wolf Totem are surpassed only by freedom as well as the value of the Cultural Revolution, a campaign Mao’s Little Red Book), the novel grouping together for survival. begins to exterminate the wolves. recounts the experience of Chen Wolves do attack and kill the nomads’ Returning to the region 30 years after Zhen, a young Beijing intellectual in animals, especially in winter, when his sojourn there, Chen finds the the 1960s. During the Cultural even guard dogs, semicircles of old Mongol’s grim prophecy fulfilled. Revolution (1966–76), Chen is sent, wagons and mobile fencing festooned The landscape has been savagely along with millions of other young with felt rugs can’t deter hungry cleansed of wolves, and the environ- urbanites, to the grasslands of Inner wolves. Nevertheless, the Mongols mental destruction accompanying Mongolia to work as a shepherd. Most venerate their wild foes and emulate China’s rapid modernization has of his contemporaries yearn to return them. “Two sheepskins put together destroyed the harmony between home, but Chen learns to appreciate won’t keep you as warm as a single humans and the land. As overgrazing and love the hostile land, the nomads wolf pelt,” the old Mongol tells Chen. and plowing deplete the grass, dust who befriend him, and the free spirit “But we don’t use them as bedding. storms from the encroaching desert

International Wolf Spring 2009 21 China is slowly periodically envelop responding to the areas of Mongolia, but settled possibly stable) population of 10,000 Beijing in fine, suffocating reality that one agricultural communities are to 20,000 wolves lives. No livestock yellow dust. of Earth’s largest becoming more common. damage compensation is paid either The book, part modern grasslands eco- Cell phones and computers in Mongolia or in Inner Mongolia. fable, part epic and part haven’t replaced throat But since herders in Alxa League systems is turning social commentary, is singing and equestrian games cannot shoot, snare or poison wolves, harshly critical of the rapidly to dust for entertainment, but tech- a 100-kilometer fence has been built devastation the Chinese and desolation. nology is making inroads. along the border in the hope that have wrought in Inner China is slowly responding the barrier will discourage wolves Mongolia— and critical of the to the reality that one of Earth’s from entering. Chinese character as well. It is a largest grasslands ecosystems is Despite such reclamation efforts, wonder the book is so popular in turning rapidly to dust and desola- Mongolia and China in particular China—and an even greater wonder tion. Over the past six years, nearly continue to modernize at a break- that it has escaped censorship. 2 million hectares of grassland have neck pace, and pessimistic though The “way of the wolf” in Wolf been restored in Alxa League, an the closing words of Wolf Totem’s Totem is often a stretch in terms of area in the westernmost end of the epilogue are, they have the ring of an accuracy. The wolves are allegorical Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. “inconvenient truth.” Chen is in and in some episodes do not China reports an increase in the Beijing, looking out the window at a resemble the real animal in all its numbers of some animals such as “yellow dragon” sandstorm that has magnificence. But Chen gets a lot of the Mongolian gazelle and the obliterated the sun and the sky. “The things right. Musing about his life khulan (Mongolian wild ass). Herds wolves had receded into legend, and with the nomadic herders, he thinks of camels and sheep are thriving the grassland was a distant memory. back to his childhood: “Not until where there is ample grass—and so A nomadic herding society was now coming to the grassland did he are the wolves. extinct; even the last trace left by realize that in nature there is no wild The restored region is popular the wolves on the Inner Mongolian animal that has evolved more highly with itinerant wolves from across the grassland . . . would be buried in or more perfectly than the gray wolf. border in Mongolia, too. Wolves are yellow sand.” ■ Books, and especially fairy tales, he protected in Alxa League, but not saw, often misled people.” in Mongolia, a vast country larger Cornelia Hutt is an educator and International Wolf Center board member Steeped in romance and mystery, than Alaska, where an estimated (and who lives in Purcellville, Virginia. the region conjures up images of the fierce Mongol warrior Genghis Khan, 13th-century “emperor of emperors,” whose army swept out of the Asian steppes to conquer two-thirds of the known world. The origin myth of the deified Genghis Khan, recounted in the 1100s in The Secret History of the Mongols, teaches that the ancestors of the Mongols were a Blue Wolf and a White Fallow Doe, the male and female principles of sky and earth, light and dark. Legend also tells that the Mongols learned their combat strategies from the grasslands wolves. Eager to experience some sem- blance of the life of the Mongols, tourists now flock to both Mongolia and Inner Mongolia for horseback treks and to live in portable gers, drink airag (fermented mare’s milk) and dine on borts (dried meat), khushuur (fried meat pie), mutton, boodog (roast goat) and cheese curds. Nomadic life still predominates in the empty spaces of the remote Joan Ouellette

22 SpringInternational 2009 Wolf www.wolf.orgWinter 2008 22 we love; we love only what we under- Teen Aspires to Live the Center’s Mission stand; and we understand only what we learn,” at the Center. “Over the by Tracy O’Connell years I realized how wonderful these creatures are and how they have ast fall, Hillari Vashaw of communication was amazing! In such a huge role in the environ- Holland, Michigan, living the addition to hearing two faint replies I ment,” she says. “They are by far my L mission of the International also got to see the northern lights! favorite animal, and I would love to Wolf Center, was moved to teach The habitat hike was really fun. help them any way I can.” ■ students in the fourth grade at her I learned where a wolf pack could be local elementary school about wolves. or where a female could dig her den. Tracy O’Connell teaches in the Just 13 years old, the seventh-grader But I enjoyed most watching the Marketing Communications program put together a presentation using ambassador wolves; I was fortunate at the University of Wisconsin-River knowledge gleaned from activities enough to see them howl!” Falls and is an International Wolf Center in which she took part during a She was touched to see a favorite member who serves on communications- two-day visit with her grandparents, expression, “We conserve only what related Center committees. both teachers, to the Center in Ely, Minnesota. She had her students wear name tags of the ambassador wolves and established her role with a sign that For more information about the said “Alpha Wolf”—or perhaps she Timber Wolf Alliance, go to claimed that title because Shadow, http://www.discoverycenter.net/ the dominant wolf in the ambassador twa.htm, or contact the pack, is her favorite. The class organization’s coordinator, watched the ambassador wolves on Anna Cellar, at the webcam, played “pin the tail [email protected]. on the wolf,” showing their knowl- edge of body postures that wolves exhibit in various circumstances, practiced howling, and studied Kathy Nemeth samples of scats and paw prints that As part of her Vashaw brought to class. presentation about Noting that her favorite subjects wolves, Hillari Vashaw showed fourth-graders are science and social studies, Vashaw how to watch the hopes to be a wolf biologist. “I’m a Center’s ambassador nature girl,” she says, adding that wolves on the webcam. she loves camping with her grand- parents in the Sylvania Wilderness in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. That’s Seventh-grader where her interest in wolves began, Hillari Vashaw gave when she was in the third grade, and a presentation about where in 2007 she met Nancy Warren, wolves to a fourth- a volunteer with the Timber Wolf grade class, using knowledge gleaned Alliance, who made a wolf presenta- from a visit to the tion. In 2008 she heard Warren speak International Wolf again and went howling with her. Center in Ely, Vashaw describes the activities she Minnesota.

packed into two days at the Center in Kathy Nemeth Ely, noting, “My experience in wolf

International Wolf Spring 2009 23 24 tection ofour forests. Trees not only people caneasilysupport isthepro- done toourplanet,one idea most damage manysayhasalready been obviously affect wolvesontheisland. A declineinmoosepopulationwill site thatthrivesinwarmerclimates. the wintertick,apara- increasingly affected by vive thewinterandare weight neededtosur- enough toputonthe summers don’t eat trends. Mooseinwarmer affected bywarming ecosystem hasbeen how thatsmall,closed Peterson haveshown board memberRolf Lake SuperiorconductedbyCenter wolves andmooseonIsleRoyalein the wolfanditsprey. Studiesof to theimpactofclimatechangeon about it.Andthatlearningpoints the outdoorsandseektolearnmore no exception.Ourmembersembrace ronmental degradation. associate withhuman-causedenvi- other indicatorsthatmostscientists severe storms,warmerweather, and stem thepatternofincreasingly their actions—andare seekingto about theimpactofhumanactions— the globeare becomingworried cycle, increasingly peoplearound patterns reflect arecurring, natural continue toclaimourplanet’s climate all around ustoday. Whilesome focused onenvironmental issues,are once usedonlybythoseintently Spring 2009 C by Tracy O’Connell Going GreenHelpsWolves Too As weseektosloworreverse the The InternationalWolf Centeris logical footprint. environmental protection, eco- limate change,sustainability, These terms, with traditionalprintingprocesses) volatile organic compoundsassociated protects airqualitybynotreleasing this magazinewithsoyink(which plays apar wolf complex and future generations. mic andecologicalneedsofpresent managed tomeetthesocial,econo- that theycomefrom forests thatare dently certified toassure consumers carrying theFSClabelare indepen- with offices in46countries.Products Council, anot-for-profit organization practices istheForest Stewardship environmentally responsible forestry gases associatedwithclimatechange. contributetogreenhouseotherwise “sequester”) carbon,whichwould from thesun,theyalsoretain (or from eroding, andshadetheearth create oxygen,helpkeepthesoil Concerned withprotecting the One organization thatmonitors web oflifeinwhichthe t, theCenterprints

Courtesy of Sexton Printing before thefirstEarthDay. reducing, reusing andrecycling since Center committees,shehasbeenbusy who servesoncommunications-related An InternationalWolf Centermember the UniversityofWisconsin-River Falls. Marketing Communicationsprogram at Tracy O’Connellteachesinthe make adifference. to [email protected]. Together, Simply emailyourmailing via email,ratherthanonpaper. help? Letuscommunicatewithyou on FSC-certified paper. Howcanyou sure wehaveyouremailaddress! Simply emailyouraddressto: natural resourcesistomake Did yo [email protected] one easywayforyou to help us conserve to helpusconserve u www.wolf.org know... ■ address we’ll

Lynn and Donna Rogers/www.bearstudy.org