While at Algonquin Provincial Park last weekend, it was a delight to see not one, but three wolves.
I could only get glass on one collared wolf about ¾ of a mile away. The other two were at a greater distance and running though an open area in the surrounding woodland.
A dead, road-kill moose carcass was set out in a far-off clearing below the Visitors’ Center for the wildlife to scavenge and the enjoyment of people visiting the park. While the carcass could have been positioned in the woodland, it was placed visibly for Park tourists. The wolves were drawn to the carcass which was mostly gone by the time we arrived. Had the carcass not been at this spot, we likely would have not seen the wolves.
The Eastern wolf is a beautiful creature, living in an exquisite location in Canada.
The carcass also attracted Pine Martin, fox and ravens. We only saw the raven at the carcass.
The lone wolf…
I understand the collar helps in learning about the wolves, but I feel bad that it has to put up with such a large thing hanging on its neck. I do not love that on a wolf.
I agree, it is large. Do you have wolves where you live?
We have coyotes. Wolves are more in Minnesota where there are wooded areas. A couple of years ago someone thought they spotted a wolf west of town, but it was most likely a very large coyote. Not sure if they crossbreed with wild dogs, but that is more likely what might be in the area. Thanks for asking, it is always interesting to share that sort of information, and I so enjoy seeing your pictures.
Thanks Lucinda. I know you live out in the wilderness. Would love all that nature around me.
I agree with you both. This collar looks awfully big and intimidating.
Great photos!
Must have been exhilarating Donna. Over here, wolves seem to be making a small comeback, spreading from the north and east of Europe westwards. One has even been sighted in the Netherlands. It will make walking in the woods a bit more exciting!
It was very exciting to see the wolves. You are right, a walk in the woods makes one think. That is interesting the wolves are spreading in Europe. Having been in Europe, some countries seem prime for having the right habitat for them.
In the Algonquin area in some cases coyotes have bred with wolves-they are called coywolves, larger with longer legs and pointed faces.I am wondering if this is what this is.
that is pretty cool Jane!
Yes the rangers told us about the coy wolves, but since a ranger spotted this wolf, I am certain they would have known the difference. It would unlikely be collared either is my guess. The other two wolves were not collared, but were maybe getting one when finally darted and captured.
Wonderful to see in the wild even with that big chunky collar hanging around it’s neck.
stunning pictures of these beautiful creatures
Thank you.
It looks smaller, and perhaps not as wild as the gray wolves of the West. Great photos nevertheless!
Thank you. Never saw a Western gray wolf.
Lovely to see wildlife of your nature reserves Donna, monitoring them and learning how to help them to survive in our changing world. I guess our Dingo could be likened to your wolf, as our marsupial tiger was made extinct.
Thank you. These are Canadian, but wolves are in the States too. The Dingo is controversial in your country, is it not? At least we hear stories of them making off with children.
Yes it is, there are warnings in many places about them, especially not to feed them 😊
I live in Montana, where wolves are very controversial. I’ve been a lifelong lover of the animal, and saw my first “wild” wolves in Yellowstone a couple autumns ago. It nearly brought me to tears. If you are interested at all, Dan Flores wrote a book called Coyote America that might interest you; the focus is on the Coyote (or “Prairie Wolf”), obviously, but Flores is a great writer and a treasure. His book American Serengeti, which also came out last year, has a section on wolves. I just love his stuff.
I love wolves but i have never seen a Eastern grey wolf before.
Thank you for stopping in.