Winter 2009 What’s Inside Face to Face with the Owyhee Pack (pg 4) Face to Face with the Sawtooth Pack (pg 12) News & Current Events (pg 14) Wolf Behavior 101 (pg 16) Adoption page (pg19) Education & Research (pg 20) Visitor Center (pg 22) Kids page (pg 23)
No organization can operate without a dedicated staff, board of directors, and team of volunteers and interns. The Wolf Center is blessed to have some of the finest and most committed in all those categories. With various backgrounds in business, engineering, wildlife management, and more, we blend personalities together with the hope of serving the mission of the Wolf Education & Research Center.
Winter 2009
Table of Contents
board of directors
Douglas Christensen, Idaho Chairman of the Board Doug.Christensen@wolfcenter.org
16
Roy Farrar, Idaho Board of Directors Roy.Farrar@wolfcenter.org Sally Farrar, Idaho Board of Directors, Secretary Sally.Farrar@wolfcenter.org
23
Sharon Lander, California Board of Directors, Treasurer Sharon.Lander@wolfcenter.org
19
Dennis Olson, Montana Board of Directors Dennis.Olson@wolfcenter.org Dr. Ceidwen Terrill, Ph.D, Oregon Board of Directors CTerrill@wolfcenter.org
WERC Staff
Chris Anderson Executive Director Chris.Anderson@wolfcenter.org Jeremy Heft Wildlife Biologist Jeremy.Heft@wolfcenter.org
2
4
See page 19
Executive Director’s Letter. . . . . . . . . . . 3 Face 2 Face with Wolves . . . . . . . . . . .
4
Owyhee Pack Introduced . . . . . . . . . . 7
Sawtooth Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
News and Current Events . . . . . . . . . .
14
Wolf Behavior 101. . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Wolf Adoption Form and Information. . . . . .
19
Education & Research. . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Randy Stewart On-Site Education & Tours Randy.Stewart@wolfcenter.org
(888) 422-1110 info@wolfcenter.org www.wolfcenter.org
Kids Page - Pack Facts and Fun. . . . . . . . 23
SLq Winter 2009
Wolf Camp Journal Entry. . . . . . . . .
21
Visitor Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Photo Courtesy: Owyhee Pack: donated by Mixie’s Photo Lab, Mikaela McConnell and Wolf Center Staff/Interns Sawtooth Pack: donated by Aaron Frizzell Photography
Send us your photos for a future collage from visitors and members!
Article
Author name, info...
New Challenges for Philanthropy Dear Friends of Wolf Recovery, Reminder:
A close friend recently emailed me a timely article from The Economist titled “The Downturn Poses New Challenges for Philanthropy” with the best intentions of helping me remain informed and ahead of any possible challenges. If you are in our email loop, you received several emails at Year’s end stating some of these same challenges, all that are threatening not only the Wolf Center, but many organizations that advocate for those who have no voice.
If you have not renewed your Membership, please do so in order to continue to receive the Quarterly.
As the Wolf Center braces for a tumultuous year, we are facing obstacles that cause us to shore up “Plan A” but always be mindful of “Plan B.” Strategically, this is both a highly accountable and adaptive place to be. One of the outcomes, however, is to evaluate how we communicate, the value we deliver, and how that message is funded.
Help the Wolf Center save money by emailing us to receive the Quarterly electronically.
This publication’s mission is to keep you connected to your wolves, our staff, and this important cause. When working well, the Quarterly directs you to our website or blog where you will find more information that helps you remain informed. We’re proud of this publication and as you can see, because of generous and skilled volunteers, we have minimized the cost of production and found a great method of providing a tool that you can share with others. Feedback from our readers have expressed affirming delight about the Quarterly and we hope to keep sending it for years to come. One important measurement in our effectiveness is the fact that the majority of donations that we have received in the past twelve months are from historical donors, those who hadn’t given to us in numerous years! “Plan A,” however, has some adjustments. To date, the past six issues have gone out to anyone who has supported the Wolf Center in the past five years, whether they are current in their support by donations or memberships. As of this printing, to firm up our finances and stewardship, the Wolf Center will only be able to send the publication to current members and donors. Of course, you can always access the website to get the latest information and updates. You’ll notice that you can now subscribe to the Sawtooth Legacy Quarterly!
Memberships help the Wolf Center promote education all year long! Become a Member today!
Cost of SLq when mailing to 4,000 Supporters: $2.07 each $0.28
$0.31 $1.48
Thank you for understanding as we take additional steps to honor those who generously support this effort by their time and resources. It certainly puts into perspective how important your membership, adoptions, and donations are! I know many of you care deeply about wolf recovery, the Wolf Center, and our ability to continue; thank you for your faithful support. Kind Regards, Chris Anderson, Executive Director Wolf Education & Research Center
Design & Layout
P.S. An abbreviated preview will precede each Quarterly on our website that gives you some snapshots of what’s coming by mail. If you would prefer to receive it by email, please notify me.
Bulk Rate Mailing
Printing
Winter 2009 SLq
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Face2Face
Written by Chris Anderson
Owyhee Pack
Owyhee Pack Up Close and Personal
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SLq Winter 2009
Face2Face Owyhee Pack
I
n April 2008, the Wolf Center made the most of a bad situation in SW Idaho by helping remove 17 wolves from a substandard facility. Five wolves in different degrees of bad to good health were transported to the Center’s 300 acre sanctuary and released into a two acre enclosure. The remaining wolves were transported to another facility in the SE United States. Upon releasing the wolves, Wolf Center Biologist, Jeremy Heft, began a vigilant effort to assess and restore the animals to good health. Visitors to Winchester could see the wolves right away if they were willing to watch from the parking lot and it became a common sight for the Owyhee Pack to be seen casting a curious eye toward vehicles driving up the long drive to the Center. Early this summer, the Wolf Center was excited to announce that the upper classroom had been opened and non-staff could finally get up close to the enclosure and view the animals.
Wolf A Himtuuqin’ (Bearded One) Weight: 90 lbs. Sex: Male Age: 5-6 years
Wolf B Kuckuc (Little Gray Girl) Weight: 65 lbs. Sex: Female Age: 4-5 years
Wolf C XayXayx (White Watcher) Weight: 70 lbs. Sex: Female Age: 4-5 years
Wolf D Leq’eyleq’ey (Gentle Water) Weight: 60 lbs. Sex: Female Age: 4-5 years
Naming the Pack Upon making the decision to rescue the wolves, it was also decided to pay respect to the Nez Perce, whose land we occupy as we provide sanctuary to wolves and education to the public. The tribe demonstrated great interest and were excited to return our respect by taking qualities that Jeremy had observed over several months
Wolf E MiyooXat (Wise Giant) Weight: 105 lbs. Sex: Male Age: 5-6 years
Winter 2009 SLq
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Face2Face Owyhee Pack
and translating them into meaningful names that embody the spirit of each animal. The Wolf Center is now releasing the individual names of each of the animals and over the next few pages, provide a visual and written description to help you meet the Pack. Pictures and posters of members of each pack will be available in the Wolf Center Store and will be included when supporters of wolf recovery “adopt� the animals. Adoptions are an important method of funding the $60,000 annual cost of caring and providing for captive wolves. Captive wolves are a critical part of continuing to educate the public about wilderness protections, the relevance and importance of holding the federal government accountable for our public lands, and preserving the future of these protections. When you adopt a member of the Owyhee or Sawtooth Pack, you receive the confidence that you are a valuable part of wolf rescue, recovery, conservation, and education. Please consider your role in these activities by purchasing an adoption today. You can also help perpetuate our mission by challenging young people to get involved in these activities by classrooms adopting the pack members.
Wolf C and D take a stroll in their new digs.
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One Year Cost of a 7-Wolf Sanctuary $58,375 Per Year $12,000 $35,800 $3,100 $4,050
$725 $3,100
Food Health and Licensing Maintenance Wolf Camp Expenses Vehicles & Repairs Staff & Intern Wages
Face2Face Owyhee Pack
Owyhee Pack
Himtuuqin’ The Bearded One
See page 19
Himtuuqin, or “Bearded One”, has solid black colored fur, and a pronounced gray area under his chin resembling, a beard. He has a white patch on the tip of his tail and striking yellow eyes. He appears to be the alpha-male of the Owyhee Pack who rules silently. He is curious and regularly approaches humans. He moves to watch every human that approaches the enclosure. His bright yellow eyes contrast against his dark fur creating a mystical appearance. Winter 2009 SLq
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Face2Face Owyhee Pack
Owyhee Pack
Kuckuc Little Gray Girl
See page 19
Kuckuc is the least social toward humans and the other members of the Owyhee Pack. She is also the most petite, and seems to always be moving quickly about her enclosure. She is the only Owyhee Pack member that possesses the classic gray wolf coloration, complete with the “bandit mask� around her eyes. Her timid nature and famous ghostlike gray coloration has earned her the name of the Little Gray Girl.
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SLq Winter 2009
Author name, info...
Face2Face Article Owyhee Pack
Owyhee Pack
XayXayxThe White Watcher
See page 19
XayXayx is known as “The White Watcher.� She is a solid white color with some tinges of diffused light red across the saddle of her back. She has pronounced dark brown eyes, and a large build for a female. She is the alpha-female of the Owyhee Pack, but rarely enforces her rank. She is always watching humans from near and far, hence her name, and is extremely curious of all events around her territory.
Winter 2009 SLq
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Face2Face Owyhee Pack
Author name, info...
Owyhee Pack
Leq’eyleq’ey Gentle Water
See page 19
Leq’eyleq’ey, like her sister, XayXayx, is pure white, but without the red tinges on her back. She appears quite gentle among the other wolves, and always maintains a very alert behavior when people are around. Her curiosity of humans is high at first, and then she tends to relax once she evaluates the handlers or visitors. One unique characteristic is that she frequently walks along the intermittent stream and puddles of her enclosure, often causing mud “boots” on her white paws. 10 SLq Winter 2009
Author name, info...
Face2Face Article Owyhee Pack
Owyhee Pack
MiyooXatWise Giant
See page 19
MiyooXat has a diffused light gray coloration, with a mostly white face, without a classic “bandit mask” and a white belly. He has very tall legs and a long body, hence is the largest of the Owyhee Pack. He is quite independent and often wanders about his territory alone. He makes slow, deliberate and confident movements, and is often seen sleeping in the sun. MiyooXat regularly follows or tracks handlers and visitors, which is why we call him the “Gray Tracker” and his namesake, “Wise Giant.” Winter 2009 SLq
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Face2Face Sawtooth Pack
Author name, info...
Sawtooth Pack
MotokiShadow
See page 19
Motoki (Blackfoot meaning “Shadow�) is a medium build female with a black back and head, now spotted with gray due to her older age, and a dark gray belly. Her white-tipped toes and mellow brown eyes are distinguishing characteristics from her similarly colored late sister, Ayet. She is quite social with humans, and can always been seen near her brother, Piyip. The one time alpha-female of the Sawtooth Pack, Motoki has an authoritative side, however in her older age she has become quite gentle. She maintains a distinct vibrato howl that can be heard most nights. 12 SLq Winter 2009
Author name, info...
Face2Face Article Sawtooth Pack
Sawtooth Pack
PiyipLittle Brother
See page 19
Piyip (Nez Perce meaning “Little Brother�) is a large and muscular male, taking after his father, Kamots. Piyip was jet black as a young wolf, but has increasingly grown gray through the years, a trait he obtained from his mother, Chemukh. Now he is nearly all light gray, with just a black and dark gray grizzled rump and top of his head. Piyip is very social toward humans and is usually within sight of his sister, Motoki. The once energetic youngster of the Sawtooth Pack has since slowed down in his older age to be a deliberate meanderer of his 20-acre territory. Winter 2009 SLq
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News and Current Events
North Central Idaho invites you to visit the newest additions to the pack! Take the opportunity to meet the wolves at the Wolf Education and Research Center and enjoy the history and culture of North Central Idaho. While in the area, visit Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest river gorge for breathtaking scenery and wildlife viewing. Contact the Hells Canyon Visitor Bureau, 208-746-1146 and www.hellscanyonvisitor.com, for visitor information. From mild to wild – your adventure is waiting!
Washington
Montana
Spokane
Missoula
Lewiston
Pendleton
Orofino
Winchester Hells Canyon National Recreational Park
Baker City
Idaho
Oregon
Boise Nampa
The Economy Strikes 2009 Wolf Conference Defenders and the Wolf Recovery Foundation want to thank you for your past support and bring you up to date on our change of plans regarding the 2009 North American Wolf Conference. While it is very disappointing to have to do so, with the challenges brought on by today’s economy and in order to secure long term success for this event, we have decided to cancel our 2009 North American Wolf Conference. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. As for the future of the conference, we plan on picking up right where we left off at Chico Hot Springs, April 19-22, 2010. The 2010 North American Wolf Conference call for papers will be announced during September 2009. 14 SLq
Winter 2009
15 Years of Remarkable Wildlife Success The Wolf Education & Research Center is a participating member of the Western Wolf Coalition, a group that has seen remarkable wildlife success. In 15 years, pack and breeding pair numbers have approached sustainability. Just as important, we’ve seen growing acceptance of wolves—example after example of ranchers, farmers, hunters and conservationists learning to live with and appreciate these animals in the same way they would a bear, elk or mule deer. Living with wolves and other wildlife is part of life in the West, and we believe that the citizens of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming can manage wolves in our region by working together. The Wolf Center, in collaboration with The Western Wolf Coalition (WesternWolves.org) is exploring the possibility of setting up an information table about wolves in Idaho’s beautiful Sawtooth Mountains for approximately six weeks this summer. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact: Terri Klug, Idaho Outreach Representative, Western Wolf Coalition at (208) 890-7820 or TKlug@defenders.org
Winter 2009
SLq 15
Wolf Behavior 101
Written by Jeremy Heft
BEHA Lesson 10: DIRECT REGISTRY
A
s the snow piles up here in Winchester, discussing one of the adaptive behaviors that allow wolves to live relatively easily in deep snow seems appropriate. Have you ever wondered how wolves navigate through snow that is too deep for humans to walk through? When considering the lowest level of the chest and abdomen for most wolves is just above knee-height of an average adult person, moving through snow that can accumulate to four feet or more overnight can certainly be a challenge. Wolves have evolved several physical adaptations to assist in moving through snow. First, the legs of wolves are proportionally taller when compared to their body size than most dog breeds. These
16 SLq Winter 2009
Wolf AVIOR101 Wolf Behavior 101
long legs allow wolves to punch through deep snow while keeping their bodies from dragging through the snow. In addition, wolves have skin “webbing� that joins each toe together. When in snow, wolves literally spread their toes when walking, essentially creating a built-in snowshoe effect. Then, if the long legs and snowshoe paws are not enough to keep the wolf above the snow line, wolves have also evolved a pointed chest that diverts snow to the side of the body. This snowplow feature allows wolves to plow through deep snow with much less effort than if with a broad chest like most dogs. Finally, wolves have learned to walk in a particular fashion to conserve energy when walking through snow. This method, known as direct registry, occurs when the hind paw steps directly into the depression or track made by the front paw. Therefore, the energy used in placing the hind paws is greatly reduced, making snow travel less difficult. Direct registry not only occurs among each wolf, but
it is also a phenomenon that occurs ous paw print from the wolf ahead. among an entire pack. Wolves inSomehow, someway (we do not stinctively follow one another when know why) wolves step exactly into moving through snow and literthe previous track, although each ally step in the tracks of the wolves wolf has a different saddle (width) moving ahead of them. This is why and stride (length) of their normal wolf packs are often seen walking gait. For this reason, even expert in a line. Contrary to past beliefs, trackers usually have difficulty in each member of the pack, not just determining exactly how many the alphas, then takes a turn at leadwolves are traveling along the same ing the pack and breaking a trail trail. So, direct registry not only through the snow. conserves energy Thus, the pack as among each wolf a whole conserves When in snow, wolves and the pack as a literally spread their energy and naviwhole, but it also gates the deep snow masks the number toes when walking, more effectively. of wolves in a pack. creating a built-in This behavior also This numerical snowshoe effect. can deceive humans camouflage can asor wildlife that ensist in both hunting counter wolf tracks in the snow. prey and avoiding the gray wolf’s Although there may appear to be only predator -- humans. In conclua set of tracks made by one wolf, sion, direct registry is an individual several or many members from the and pack-oriented adaptation that same pack may have used the trail is undoubtedly one of the contribtogether. The most amazing attriuting traits that allow gray wolves bute of this behavior is a wolf does to roam the snowy landscape of the not look at the track, or even the North through the long and chalground, when stepping into a previlenging winters. Winter 2009 SLq
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Wolf Behavior 101
J. Heft
cont.
provides a waterproof barrier along this outer layer, therefore preventing the inner undercoat from becoming wet. Snow and rain collect on the guard hairs and would eventually nother behavior commonly seen among wolves during seep downward to the undercoat the winter is the shake-off. This very basic, and likely if not removed. By shaking-off the instinctual, behavior is not social in nature, but rather precipitation, a wolf is ultimately is to promote care of the individual body. Shaking keeping the undercoat dry, which in turn maintains thermoregulainsulate well when saturated with tion for survival. The process of a snow, rain, and even dirt off the water. Conversely, the outer layer shake-off is quite simple, and ocfur coat is regularly seen among casionally comical. all dogs, some cats, and most other of fur, known as mammals, but there is a simple, yet the guard hairs, is The inner layer of fur is The animal typically begins by shakcomprised of long, very important survival motivation known as the undercoat. ing the head side behind such shaking. Wolves main- straight, hollowtain a dual-layer fur coat. The sel- shafted hairs that It is comprised of densely to side and twisting the neck, then are quite oily. These dom seen inner layer of fur is known compacted, always hairs vary in color as the undercoat. It is comprised of gray hairs (hence the the shaking motion quickly proceeds densely compacted, solid-shafted, dramatically and name gray wolf). through the body, thus create the inand always gray hairs (hence the ending with the dividual coloration name gray wolf) which comprise tail. Any person who has ever given to each wolf. The hair follicles of the the main insulation layer of the coat. a dog or cat a bath can surely attest guard hairs create oil that essentially However, this layer of fur does not to the velocity of water leaving the fur coat! Wolves also use this shakeoff behavior when their fur coats become dusty after bedding down in the summer and I have also witnessed it being used to expel flies and other insects that land upon the guard hairs. Even though most dog and cat keepers have probably seen the shake-off behavior hundreds of times, now you know that this simple behavior does have an incredibly important motivation among wolves—thermoregulation and ultimately survival.
Lesson 11: SHAKE-OFF
A
A wolves’ dual-layer fur is a wonderful insulator and key to its’ survival in winters’ unforgiving reality.
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Wolf Center Adoption Program
Owyhee Pack Wolf E MiyooXat
It costs nearly $60,000 per year to care for 7 wolves, including their health and upkeep, food that is not donated, and the maintenance of the Wolf Camp. The Wolf Center’s ability to carry out this function depends on your continued support. If you haven’t considered it, please adopt. And maybe consider giving an adoption to someone else so they can learn about this valuable program.
Sex: Male Age: 5-6 years
Please help preserve the legacy of the Sawtooth Pack by helping us out today.
Motoki
Sawtooth Pack Sex: Female Age: 13
Owyhee Pack
Owyhee Pack
Wolf A Himtuuqin’
Wolf C XayXayx
Sex: Male Age: 5-6 years
Sawtooth Pack
Sex: Female Age: 4-5 years
Piyip
Sex: Male Age: 13
Owyhee Pack
Owyhee Pack
Wolf B Kuckuc
Wolf D Leq’eyleq’ey
Sex: Female Age: 4-5 years
Sex: Female Age: 4-5 years
Dear Wolf Center, n I want to support care for the Owyhee and Sawtooth Packs by adopting the following wolves by pledging an annual gift of $25 per wolf or $150 for both Packs.
Owyhee Pack:
Sawtooth Pack: Wolves of the Nez Perce
n Wolf A: n Wolf B: n Wolf C: n Wolf D: n Wolf E:
n Motoki n Piyip
Himtuuqin’ (Bearded One) Kuckuc (Little Gray Girl) XayXayx (White Watcher) Leq’eyleq’ey (Gentle Water) MiyooXat (Wise Giant)
n Both Packs: $150 per year (save $25!)
n Please mail the Adoption or Gift Adoption Packet to the following person, business, or school: Name School/Business City, State, Zip Email, Phone n I would like to renew my Sawtooth Legacy Quarterly subscription now for $25 and save $5. n I am adding a gift of $___________to help the Wolf Center reach more people for Wolf Recovery. Please mail completed form with check or money order to: WERC, 3909 NE MLK Blvd, Suite 202, Portland, OR 97212 or Visit: www.wolfcenter.org, click on the “Meet Our Wolves” menu, and choose “Adopt A Wolf” Winter 2009 SLq
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Meet Our Interns
EDUCATION & RESEARCH
Kids4Wolves: Kids can make a difference by raising money, awareness, and working to save wolves
Brittany Moe Fall ‘08 – Winter ‘09 Intern
Lindsay Rasmovich Winter ‘09 Intern
1: How did you learn about WERC? I became aware of WERC through the Texas A&M Website. I was aware of the Sawtooth Pack: Wolves of the Nez Perce from when “Wolves at our Door” premiered on television in the early 1990’s. I did not make the connection between the pack and the documentary until after getting hired and coming here.
1) How did you learn about WERC? I learned about WERC through one of my professors at Delaware Valley College. I attended a meeting with her to discuss plans after college. When she described the organization, it immediately piqued my interest and I decided to apply.
2: What is your area of study? My area of study is Wildlife. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Ecology and Management. 3: What do you hope to learn while you’re interning at WERC? I hope to learn as much as possible about everything to do with wolves. By having background knowledge of wolves before coming here was a great jump off point to expand my knowledge about these extraordinary creatures. I also hope to learn about how to properly take care of captive animals. I am also looking forward to learning and experiencing living in the mountains with out any modern amenities. 4: How long is your internship? My internship will be about 8 months long. 5: What project will you work on while you’re at WERC? I hope to work on a study looking at raven/ wolf interactions with and around the enclosures. I have always been fascinated with these interactions. I hope to see similar interactions with wild ravens and our captive packs. 6: How will you use these new skills in your career? I will use these new skills to expand my knowledge and become a more well rounded individual with in both my personal and professional life.
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2) What is your area of study? I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science from Delaware Valley College in Animal Biotechnology and Conservation, with emphasis on Conservation and Wildlife Management. 3) What do you hope to learn while you’re interning at WERC? While interning here at WERC, I hope to gain as much experience as I can working with and caring for wolves, and to expand my knowledge on the inner workings of a wolf pack. 4) How long is your internship? My internship, as of now, will run 3-5 months. 5) What project will you work on while you’re at WERC? While I have not reached a final decision yet, it will likely revolve around behavior dynamics within a wolf pack. 6) How will you use these new skills in your career? In my career I hope to use these new skills to enhance my understanding of the need for conservation of wolves and wildlife in general, to strengthen myself as a person and to bring me closer to my career goals.
Written by Brittany Moe
Wolf Camp Journal Entry By Brittany Moe
ENTR Y 6: As I am heading back to my tent for the night listening to the still night air, all around me are the calls of the local coyote packs, and the occasional bark of a town dog. As I reach my tent the night is filled with the beautiful sounds of Piyip and Motoki of the Sawtooth Pack: Wolves of the Nez Perce howling, when suddenly the night is filled with even more beautiful howls as the members of the Owyhee Pack responds. As I sit on my deck and listen to the beautifully comforting sounds of the packs howling I start to reflect on the gracious fortune I have had for the past few months being an intern here at the Wolf Education and Research Center (WERC). My name is Brittany Moe, I am a Minnesota native and I have been an intern here at WERC since early August. When it will finally be time for me to go I will have been here for 3 seasons and I am thoroughly grateful for the opportunity to be here for so long. I am still in awe of how each season can be so different from each other here in the mountains; from the scorching heat of summer working at the Visitor Center to the freezing cold of winter as I perform e-walks, to everything in between. I have learned so many wonderful things during my time here that I am amazed I have been able to retain it all. Being under the guidance of my fellow staff members has broadened and deepened my knowledge in ways that have exceeded my greatest expectations. And I will always be thoroughly grateful for the opportunities and knowledge that they have graciously passed on to me. I have been fascinated by wolves from a very early age when I saw my first picture of a wolf. Ever since that time I have known that I would do everything in my power to work with these extraordinary animals. My life has been filled with absorbing any and all information I could attain about these wonderful creatures. I came into this internship thinking I had a pretty good idea about what makes a wolf a wolf and I’m here to tell you that almost
Wolf Camp Journal Entry
everything I knew went out the window. I have learned so much more than I ever could from reading books and watching videos of my childhood to being taught everyday through my interactions with the members of our two packs. You may have all the knowledge in the world about a particular animal but, being face to face interacting with them on a daily basis, creating a bond of friendship and trust, will teach you that you don’t know everything. This only goes to show that you never stop learning, there is always something new for you to learn. Never stop reaching for the stars, I know I never will. To Piyip, Motoki, A, B, C, D, and E, thank you so much for teaching me to be a better person and helping me understand that it’s ok not to know everything and that you will always be my friends and trusted companions. Again thank you everyone for the gracious opportunity to learn under your guidance. -Brittany Moe Fall 2008-Winter 2009 Intern
Cost of Education Outreach: $36,000 Per Year $4,000 $24,000
$3,500 $2,200 $2,300
Travel Related Expenses to Schools Printed Educational Material On Site Education Internship Training Salary & Wages
Winter 2009 SLq
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S VISITOR CENTER Providing information, education and up-close experiences with Wolves
panning 300 acres of remote and pristine wilderness, the Wolf Center sits on protected tribal land near three national forest systems; the Nez Perce Reservation serves as home to two wolf packs. The Center boasts three enclosures, one twenty acre enclosure where the remaining Sawtooth Pack: Wolves of the Nez Perce live out their years, a half acre enclosure that is used for managing the animals, and the two acre enclosure that is home to the recently rescued Owyhee Pack. Wolves at the Wolf Center are surrounded by rolling timberland with meadows and streams, as natural of an environment as possible for captive wolves.
Visitors to the Wolf Center get the rare opportunity to observe and learn about wolves in a natural habitat from two observation decks, or from the fenceline on a walking tour. By educating people about their kind, these gray wolves serve as
ambassadors for their wild cousins. Committed to enhancing the public’s awareness of wolves as a distinctive and threatened species, the Wolf Center conducts extensive outreach and education related to the interaction between humans and wolves. Visitors also get the chance to see other species of animals like wild turkeys, hawks, owls, elk, and deer amidst the vast woodlands and streams. The Wolf Center is also conveniently located near Winchester Lake State Park, where they sponsor programs at the park’s amphitheater, including videos, movies, and slide shows about wolf reintroduction and learn more about the biology of the wolf. Make your summer plans now by mapping out your route to the Wolf Center and get face to face with wolves. For information about visiting the Wolf Education & Research Center, visit our website at w w w.wolfcenter.org or call 888-422-1110, ext. 3.
The two viewing decks provide excellent viewing opportunities for observing the wolves in their natural habitat without disturbing them.
22 SLq Winter 2009
Find all 8 of the small wolf prints hidden on the page. HINT: the page number paw does not count.
FACT: Wolves c up to 1 an live 3 yea t he w i l r s in the ave d but rage is 6 to 8 y only ear s.
Who’s the leader and who’s not? 1) Highest ranking individual wolf within the wolf pack. 2) Second ranking individual wolf within the wolf pack. 3) Lowest ranking individual wolf within the wolf pack. A) Omega B) Alpha C) Beta
FACT: ter, the n i w e h t In i l h e l ps a t s ’ f l o w ir face e h t p e e k m cold o r f m r a w y sleep. e h t n e h w
Little Paw reminds you that it is important to read. Have you read a good book lately?
Help Dakota find his cubs at his den. 1
2
3
4
2
Color These Wolf Buddies
Winter 2009 SLq
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Answers: 1) B, 2) C, 3) A ; Path to the Den is 2; Paw prints, Top center edge, Right upper corner, Center right edge surrounded by paths, Bottom right corner, Left bottom edge under answers, Bottom left corner, Left edge over the word “Color”, Upper Left on Lil’ Paws neck.
SLq WINTER 2009 ISSUE
WOLF EDUCATION & RESEARCH CENTER 3909 NE MLK Blvd, Suite 202 Portland, OR 97212
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
WEST PALM BEACH, FL. PERMIT 593