The Laughing Wolf

What A Day!

Speaking strictly for myself,Winter Wolves was a nice success! Despite the weather, we had a fair turnout though I suspect some did stay away. After all, the television was full of dire warnings and predictions, but they did not seem to match reality. Wonder if it was yet another case of the models being right and the Earth being wrong... Other than some back roads I took, there were no problems though I did discover the racing tires, while technically snow rated, are not truly snow and ice rated. Took the turns carefully, and made it over in very good time.

Now, I am not saying it was a balmy day, just that I was well dressed and prepared for it, up to and including two containers of fresh coffee. The sad part is, I stayed out and so busy, I didn't get to drink much of it nor did anyone else.

We had multiple tours:

The wolves put on some good displays all day, from napping in the snow

to demonstrating the proper way to eat venison

to some "play" behavior that says a lot about social dynamics

and to having several show that Snoopy gets it naturally

The bison also appeared to enjoy the day and, unlike many of the human visitors, the weather.

Some of the puppies also managed to give me a good laugh. Off camera, for the most part, is a child of between 8-10 (I think) who was delighted that the pretty wolves were right there and following them down the fence. The delight I leave to you to imagine. Now, look at those faces. Think of the store, and shoppers sizing up chickens at the meat counter. Nuff said.

Now, being new and very well dressed for the weather, I spent almost all day outside helping with tours and such. Until the very end of the day, I had no problems with temperature or wind. I cheated with a special under layer that protected the chest area, and in fact made it hard for me to stay inside for more than a couple of minutes. Break my heart, I had to spend all day walking around, answering question, and watching the wildlife.

The only dissapointment of the day was that Wild Bill, the extremely elderly coyote in residence, let the staff know yesterday morning that he was not feeling well. As a result, he found himself off to the vet and missing the festivities. He is 17, which is considerably well beyond the 5 or so years that I am told is average for local wild coyotes, and I got to start "meeting" him a bit last week. Being a volunteer does not automatically get you anything, except a chance to work and learn and prove yourself. Part of process is being slowly introduced to the various residents, how to interact with them, and more. If you are lucky and good, you do eventually get to go in with some of them -- usually to pick up things with tongs and put them in plastic buckets. While I was not allowed inside, Bill came up to where I was standing outside and introduced himself/checked me out a bit. His vision is not what it used to be, but he sniffed me over and it was a very surprising and pleasant meeting.

Last night, however, brought me a very unexpected treat. I was taken inside the fox enclosure and introduced in person to the residents. Well, at least to one as the others take a little longer to decide you are okay. Basil, our "Platinum Blond" fox is not terribly shy at all, and as part of the fox lecture and demo at Howl Night, I was inside. I've been learning about them and the demo, and so -- to my surprise -- became a part of it last night. Basil spent time being scratched and meeting me, on my back walking around as I bent over, and I was even "kissed" on the mouth in a surprise move. The three of us being trained last night at one point bent over so that he could walk around over all our backs and show off a bit.

The wolves were very vocal last night, and the sing along a lot of fun despite the cold. The pack made lots of visits, and demonstrated a number of points for the audience. They don't always cooperate so well, but I think in some ways that they were having a good time too.

If you did not come out, you missed it. If you did, I hope you had as great a time as I (we) did with it.

LW