What the Walrus said . . .

Photos and Anecdotes from a vagabond!

Crazy days!!!

Here I am in Moosepoint State Park in Maine, and once again there has been a total failure of truth in advertising!! There are NO MOOSE in Moosepoint State Park . . . not even tiny, little moose . . . NONE, ZIP, ZERO!! So . . . where in the heck do the Mainese hide their Moose. I have been in Maine for three days and still not even a peek of a moose. Frustrating!!

But I digress . . . I was able last night to process some wolf photos and wanted to drop them now before I get to Acadia National Park and all cell phone capabilities vanish along with the ability to be a mobile hot-spot!

Lakota Wolf Preserve, Columbia, New Jersey, is a fantastic place to go if you have a desire to see wolves up close. No . . . they are not tame wolves! These animals have become accustomed to four people, the owners and two wonderful guides. These are the people that protect them, feed them and ensure that recieve the best medical attention possible, including something wild wolves never see . . . an annual check-up. Most of the wolves here live long lives, 14 – 15 years, whereas a wild wolf may be able to survive 7 – 8 years. Life in the woods is tough, especially in States where wolves are still hunted as a “nuisance” animal.

Is this not an absolutely beautiful animal? Yes, he does look hungry, but they always seem to have that look!
And you have to love the yellow eyes!! You can definitely tell when you have their attention!
You can tell when a wolf starts to get older. This is a female artic wolf who is just about to be retired at 14. Lakota Wolves takes their animals off display at this age because it is less stressful for them. They get to then join the “retired” community away from prying eyes.
These are two of the Arctic Wolves. The littler one on the right is called Sassa. She is a “special-needs” wolf and was rescued when she was found to have a birth defect that left her crippled. The owners worked with her (physical therapy, acupuncture and most of all . . . love!) and taught her to walk. She is only now starting to run at five years of age. The alpha female and Sassa do not get on well since Sassa is now of breeding age. As you can see in this photo, Sassa displays a very timid look as she assumes her position in the pack.
Seriously . . . are they not just wonderful creatures. This is a young female Timber Wolf who is five years old.
This is the brother of the Timber Wolf shown above. They are the same age from the same litter. While watching the two Timber Wolves interact it was easy to see that he was the more aggressive of the duo.
Again . . . the eyes are just so expressive!
Wolves communicate a lot! The “retired” pack will always call the other packs when they know humans are close by. It starts with one howl, then two . . . then every wolf is answering the call. Standing in the middle of the packs, you can almost feel the vibration as the howls echo around the hillside.
Even the older wolves will join in the howl!
Sorry, but I was fascinated with the darker Timber Wolves. There was just something about the color of their coats and those yellow eyes.
Time to relax! You can only pose for the crazy human for so long. She looks so peaceful . . . becuase I am outside her pack’s paddock. I am fairly certain that would change quickly if I was silly enough to enter there domain.

One of the more interesting thing you learn from spending time with these creatures is that they are very, very, smart! One wolf always seemed to get my attention by being directly in my line of clear sight, pacing back and forth so I could see it. Yet, at the same time, one of the wolves would always try to flank me, and they have been known to jump at photographers how let their lens extend too far into the paddock through the viewing portals. Oh, if you lean against the fence while taking a photo, or leave your camera bag too close to the fence . . . and are not watchful . . . male wolves will urinate on you or your equipment!! Karma!!

“He’s a good Boy!” I have seen this look in the face of my own dogs. I wonder if it means they are all thinking the same thoughts!
Taking a break and hoping the sun comes out.
Quiet time . . . but ever vigilant to where I was and what I was doing.
The flanking approach . . . head down and eyes up.
I was trying for a reflection, but his sister kept jumping in the water!!
When they move, the heads are seldom up. They are constantly searching the paddock ground for any chance at food even though they are very well fed on a strict diet of meats and vitamins.

Lakota Wolf preserve is open daily for tours. You will need to make reservations now because they have so many people coming to see the animals. The wolves are not available for a close-up photo session again now until September. They are all starting to shed their undercoats, which comes out in large clumps (it is incredibly soft . . . I expected it to be wiry!), and the wolves will start thinning down for the warmer summer months. I know that some of you would have a truly enjoyable time having these animals to yourself to photograph like I have. This is my third time! I would recommend that you go right after the first snow fall . . . the wolves have there bulky winter coats and to see them in the snow is AMAZING!

I hope you enjoyed these pictures. Please let me know which photo you liked best!

I am on the move to Acadia National Park next. If, and it is a big “if”, I have a connection tonight, I will catch you up on my drive and stay in Cape Cod, MA, as well as my stay in Maine so far at Chewonki Campground, Waccasset, MA.

majik756

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