The pack generally hunts at night. The alpha male will bark or whine and begin to roust the rest of the pack and often howl as the other members join the choral frenzy. If there are pups still too young to hunt, a pack member will stay behind to guard the den. The pack will hunt together, usually following the leader in a single line until prey is located and then they will spread out in a tactical manner. Even though wolves eat berries, mice, rabbits and other small critters, its primary diet consists of larger mammals such as caribou, moose, sheep and deer. The hunting method can vary from a surprise ambush to a short chase. Although wolves can run up to 30 miles per hour for short distances, most of the potential prey can outrun or defend itself against the wolf. It is generally the very young, old, weak or sick animals that become the target. The wolves will test their prey with a quick running burst, it intuitively can identify the animal that is weak or can’t keep up with the others. This is the one to be culled. As the prey tires, the wolves will slash at the tendons of the hind legs until the animal drops. This is nature’s way and is a vital process in the continuation of the survival of the fittest. A wolf can go for as long as two weeks without food, but when food is available it will often gorge itself. The alpha male eats first and will fend off all other wolves. When he is satisfied then the rest of the pack can join in on the meal. The pack will nap and stay in the area for days or until the carcass is devoured. However, in many locations, it is not long before the scent of the carcass brings in the grizzly bears that will chase off the wolves and finish the remains.

The Future