The Wolf: Friend or Foe?

The wolf has been called the spirit of the wilderness. The wolf is respected by Native Americans, and wolves are the forefathers of all of the modern dog breeds. Still, they continue to be the subject of controversy and debate throughout the world.

The glorious howl of the wolf echoes through towering mountains, and all of the other animals including the powerful grizzly bear, and the tenacious mountain lion, are keenly observant of the power of the pack, and take notice. Wolves can take down a full grown elk in less than five minutes, travel more than 100 miles in one day, easily ascend some of the highest, most rugged peaks and endure the fiercest of blizzards. They are one of the most efficient predators in nature.

Their devotion and determination is legendary, and they are known for their cunning and strength in numbers, yet their bravery remains when alone, and left to fend for themselves.

Fortunately, for several decades now, wolves have been positively featured in numerous films and literature such as "Call of the Wild," "White Fang" and "Dances with Wolves," but they are still often portrayed as evil villains and ghosts in countless other films.

"Little Red Riding Hood," the popular children's story was a tale spun from myth. Also, myths of Werewolves, creatures of the night, drawn by the light from the full moon and transformed into hideous wolf-like creatures at the stroke of midnight still prevail.

Perhaps no other creature is as misunderstood as the wolf. And the greatest enemy of the wolf is man, the one who understands him least of all.

In reality, wolves are often shy creatures and extremely wary of people.

To help us better understand the plight of the wolf, Wolf Song of Alaska, internationally-recognized for its educational programs and projects, provides us with a myriad of information about not only the wolf and other wild canids, but also about their natural prey.

Wolf Song of Alaska is committed to sharing with us an expansive and diverse amount of technically-correct information, in factual formats, to help us dispel centuries of misinformation about wolves. Through this non-profit organization, we are offered an exceptional opportunity to experience the wolf not only in Alaska, but throughout Lower 48 states and the world.

With Wolf Song of Alaska, we can effortlessly learn about the natural history of the wolf, its varied relation to humans through the ages, and its role as a major symbol in human folklore. myths, legends, art and religion.

Vast amounts of information about wolves can be found on Wolf Song of Alaska's website. The information is both diverse and expansive. Wolves in general, pack behavior, predator and prey relationships, and wolves interacting with and influencing humans are all topics that can be pursued, studied and enjoyed.

The vast majority of staff, volunteers and advisors at Wolf Song of Alaska have extensive backgrounds with both captive and wild wolves, and they are more than willing to share their wolf experiences. You are encouraged to support their wolf programs by becoming a member, adopting a wolf or simply by making a donation in the name of the wolf. Your involvement will be greatly appreciated.

For more information, visit Wolf Song of Alaska's website at http://www.wolfsongalaska.org

Now close your eyes, imagine the serenity of wilderness, and experience the most beautiful song of nature, the howl of the wolf. With the wolf, nature is in balance. The wolf is our friend.

I would like to thank Tom Talasz, Executive Director of Wolf Song of Alaska.