Was that a Wolf?
A guide to distinguish between wolves and coyotes in North America.
Telling the wolf’s story is especially important as people grow more removed from nature and we strive to understand how humans fit in to the natural environment.
Wolves spark intense emotions. They are revered as symbols of wildness, worshipped as the spirits of nature, idolized as the ultimate social animals. Yet fear and hatred of wolves, or at least of the ideals they symbolize, still runs deep. The challenge is to provide a whole sense of the animal and hope that with knowledge comes acceptance.
To educate people about wolves is to reveal an animal of stark contrasts and human-like behaviors. Wolves can form tight social bonds with other pack members, but at times they brutally enforce their hierarchical social order. Wolves may at times adopt and nurture the young of another wolf, yet at other times they will hasten to kill another who dares trespass in to their territory.
Prehistoric cave painting, Font de Gaume Cavern, France
Sometimes when talking or writing about wolves, people emphasize what is perceived in human terms as “good” or “bad” about wolf behavior. Instead of asking whether wolves are good or bad, we at the International Wolf Center teach about the complexities of the animal. How difficult is it to take down a 1,200 pound moose? How does a pack raise its pups? What impacts do humans have on wolf survival? What impacts do wolves have on humans? Indeed, there is much for us to gain from fully understanding wolves and their relationship with other wildlife and humans.
In telling the wolf’s story, the Center hopes to evoke a sense of wonderment and acceptance for nature even in full light of the sometimes brutal reality of life in the wild.
To facilitate and foster wolf-human coexistence, the International Wolf Center has produced the Wolves and Humans informational series:
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Living With Wolves
Tips to avoid conflict while living and visiting wolf country.
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Too Close for Comfort
Tips on preventing wolf habituation and food conditioning as well as what to do if you suspect this behavior in wolves.
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Are Wolves Dangerous to Humans?
A summary of two comprehensive reports on wolf/human conflict.
The International Wolf Center encourages the reproduction of these informational sheets for your personal use, or for distribution to any audience.
Each person holds a unique set of values towards wolves. Our value systems are often influenced by our cultural and personal experiences, perceptions and education.
Human Perspectives
Each person holds a unique set of values towards wolves. Our value systems are often influenced by our cultural and personal experiences, perceptions and education. Perhaps you are interested in learning about someone else’s experience with wolves. Below are three personal accounts of an experience involving wolves:
“Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?” — Revisited, by Dr. L. David Mech, wolf researcher
A Personal Account of a Dog Killed by Wolves, by anonymous resident of Ely, MN
Keeping the Wolf from the Door, by John Hart, wildlife biologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Wildlife Services program in Minnesota
Depredation
One world-wide controversial aspect of wolf-human interactions is the incidence and mitigation of wolf depredation, or wolves killing domestic livestock and pets.
Wolf-dog Hybrids
Additionally, the practice of wolves or wolf-dog hybrids as pets raises many questions.
