Wolf Information

"Through the centuries, we have projected onto the wolf the qualities we most despise and fear in ourselves." Barry Lopez, Of Wolves and Men

Historical Views

Historically, the wolf has been a symbol of fear and evil, the tempestuous predator. From childhood stories such as "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" to "Little Red Riding Hood" literature has portrayed the wolf as a nefarious creature. More contemporary examples are "An American Werewolf in London" and "Wolf." Conversely, other ancient beliefs have held the wolf in a majestic light and portrayed them as spiritual leaders and symbols of the magnificent, untamed wilderness.

Native Americans respect the wolf as with all living creatures. The wolf was often referred to as Pathfinder or Teacher and admired for its intelligence, courageousness and strength. However, different tribes viewed the wolf in different ways. The Navajo called the wolf mai-coh, a synonym for witch. Their fear of the wolf was not based on the wolf itself, but on human nature. Both Navajo and Hopi believed that human witches used or even abused the wolf's powers to harm other people.

"We listened for a voice crying in the wilderness. And we heard the jubilation of wolves!" Durward L. Allen.

Current Status

Wolves today are facing extinction. They are protected under the Endangerd Species Act in the United States (except Alaska, where they are not endangered). Gray wolves are listed as endangered in 47 of the lower 48 states in the United States, Minnesota listed them as threatened.

"Only a mountain has lived long enough to listen objectively to the houl of a wolf." Aldo Leopold.

Life in the Pack

Wolves are social animals, having three to twelve wolves in each pack, although packs of over 20 and 30 have been documented. The pack is structured with an Alpha male and an Alpha female, who are the leaders of the pack. There is also an Omega wolf which can be either male or female and carries the burden of the frustrations of the pack, is the last to eat or will go without food if it is scarce. In between the Alpha pair and the Omega wolf are the young subordinates, which will include a Beta wolf (second ranking), and the juveniles and pups of the pack.

The Alpha pair is usually the oldest and most experienced of the pack. They are confident, decisive and outgoing. The Alpha male and female guide the activities of the pack and share the duties of leadership. Most often, but not always, the alpha pair are the only wolves to breed.

The pack moves as a family, taking care of each other and making sacrifices for the good of the pack.

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