How You Can See A Wild Wolf...

Have you ever wanted to catch a glimpse of a wild wolf?  If the answer is yes, you're in luck.  With the amazing recovery wolves have made in the US over the past 14 years, it is now easier to find them than it has been in over a century.  Thousands of people every year have the privilege of seeing a wolf in its natural habitat.  Now remember, that doesn't guarantee that you will find a wolf whenever or wherever you look.  It takes dedication, persistence and the right equipment to be successful.

The most likely place to find wild wolves is in the Northeastern corner of Yellowstone National Park.  Many different wild packs have called the Lamar Valley home over the years - rearing its pups, hunting and socializing within a couple of miles of the road.  When you reach Yellowstone, ask a Ranger where you might find the wolves, and then keep a keen eye out for large groups of people with spotting scopes.  The best time of day to see the wolves is sunrise to mid-morning, and then again in the evening.  Be sure to take warm clothes, sunscreen, water, binoculars, a spotting scope if you have one, and lots of patience.  The most important thing to remember is... respect the wolves and other wildlife... they need lots of room and you probably won't get closer than ½ mile away from them.

So, go out and enjoy!  Some of my fondest moments with wolves have been in the wild.  To deepen the experience, visit a refuge for captive wolves first.  While it is difficult to see such wild creatures living behind fences, there are many facilities around the country that act as a last refuge for the unfortunate wolves that people try to keep as pets.  These animals are so dependent upon humans that they cannot be released into the wild, and thus end up spending their lives acting as ambassadors for their species.  Most refuges happily receive interested visitors and are always looking for help.  From the captive wolves, you can get a close look at their eyes and learn about their personalities.  Then take what you have learned from the wolves and go see them in the wild, where they belong.