Page 34 - North Haven Magazine Issue 32 Winter 2024

by Sally Brockett

There are many myths and folklore about wolves, and it can be difficult to sort out what is true, what is mythical, and what
has been handed down through generations that may, or may not, be accurate. Let’s see if we can sort out some of this and
learn about these interesting creatures.

Native Americans and Wolves:
Just as many animals become entwined in human culture,
the wolf became an important part of Native American cul-
ture and continues to be a significant feature in their rites
and lives. Several tribes believed that the wolf was the cre-
ator of the earth and wolves were viewed as beings with
mystical powers. The intelligence and power of the wolf was
highly respected by these people, as was the organization of
the wolfpack, which they tried to imitate.

One communication form is through howling, growling,
and barking.

Sometimes young wolves from a previous litter will remain
with the family and assist with their care.
Wolfpack Territory:
The pack establishes their terrain or territory which may
be as large as 1,000 square miles or less than one hundred
square miles. Howling and scent marking are used to warn
intruders they are entering private territory.

Wolf Diet and Hunting:
Wolves are canines and mostly hunt mammals. Working to-
Eastern wolves have light brown or reddish fur. gether, nine or more wolves can take down a bison, while
two to six can manage an elk with ease. They also hunt small
Wolfpack organization: game, often individually, and they are very patient hunters.
When we think of wolves, we quickly think of their pack They have been observed lying in wait for 30 hours to catch
mentality. Except for wolves and the domestic dog, not a lot beaver.
of animals organize themselves into the structure of a pack.
The Native Americans learned how to work and hunt as a When hunting as a pack to take down large animals, the hunt
single efficient unit from observing wolf behavior. begins by trailing the herd for days to observe and identify a
potential victim, an animal that is smaller, or weaker, and to
The leader of the pack is usually the oldest male, referred to wear down the animals. Weather and terrain are also an im-
as the alpha male, and the wolves have a lasting bond with portant consideration because those factors impact on how
family members. Each member of the family has a specif- easy or difficult it is to capture the prey. The wolves herd the
ic role that serves all members of the pack. It is a case of animals to an area where they have the advantage over their
pack before self. In the natural environment, the pack usu- prey. A dry creek is difficult for hoofed animals to traverse,
ally consists of the adult male and female, and their young. but not a problem for the wolves.

34 North Haven Magazine - Winter Issue 2024