denali – May 22, 2012 12:00 AM

Last Thursday, we had a bit of excitement with a forest fire that came within .8 miles of the Center. We implemented the first phase of the Center's fire management plan which calls for drawing the wolves into the smaller holding areas and giving them a light sedative. We then sprayed down the holding pens with water and fed the wolves small amounts of bone dust for distraction. Denali is the easiest wolf to manage in a crisis. He comes into holding without hesitation and is keyed into any treat that might come his way. Thankfully, the firefighters, air tankers and helicopters were able to contain the fire despite the intense winds. We are always thankful to those individuals who actively work a fire line in such dangerous conditions.