The American Indians and early settlers existed together in harmony with the wolf. Many wolf’ ways were adopted by these early pioneers, as the wolf was considered a respected, wise and cunning hunter. It wasn’t until the white man began to “shepherd” and became ranchers, raising livestock for food instead of hunting wild game, that the wolf became a threat to him and therefore became his enemy.
The nature of the white man is to control that which he does not understand, if he cannot control it then destroy it. Once white man started to hunt wild game as a sport, the wolf became even more endangered, and was nearly wiped out completely. As white man became more civilized, he distanced himself from the wolf even more, as the wolf remained a wild predator.
In today’s world the wolf is a symbol of our wilderness, a world of our past, which we have nearly forgotten. It is only in recent history that man has made an attempt to protect and preserve the wolf as an endangered species. Many believe the future survival of the wolf depends on whether this mystical creature can be seen for what it really is a fascinating part of our wildlife heritage and remarkable representation of the wilderness.
To truly appreciate the wolf we must understand the wolf in the wild. From their special domain wolves can perhaps teach us to see their species in a new light. To do this we must unveil the mask of the myths, shed unfounded fears, appreciate this mystical creature for his uncanny perceptions and intricate social structure, which closely resembles our own. The wolf is in constant touch with the realities by which we live and die, and could teach us a lot, if we would only learn.
The wolf should not be measured by man as a lower form, but looked at as a species that could teach us much. They are gifted with extensions of the senses that we have lost or never attained; they live by a voice we shall never hear.
To not appreciate this mystical creature, and learn the lessons they can teach, is definitely man’s loss. |
