Mysterious Wolves

Pristine Wilderness

For hundreds of years the Great Bear Rainforest belonged to the wildlife living there. Native Americans lived in harmony with wildlife and were fully dependent on the resources that nature provided. This pristine wilderness is still largely untouched by devastating human activities.

I, Gregory, was very fortunate to visit the area around Bella Bella, a place belonging to the Heiltsuk nation. I was there with an academic delegation to do research, which I will touch on  later in another blog. Since the local people had roamed the area for hundreds of years, it was best to get their guidance. Our guide, a Native American, was one of the best teachers I have ever had, coaching us in a very gentle way. During our journeys many stories were shared about his encounters with wildlife. Bears, orcas, whales, cougars, all very beautiful, but the most spectacular of all… the wolf.

Looking for coastal wolves

Coastal wolves are different to ‘normal’ grey wolves, as they mainly forage on what the ocean provides. Their main diet consists of fish and crustaceans. Although they roam the coastlines, they still remain very elusive and are very alert to human activity, making them difficult to find.

We observed our surroundings closely, during the six week we spent in the rainforest, hoping to see the wolves on one of our research days. Even a glimpse would be special. Our guide told us where he had encountered wolves and showed us tracks and signs. He taught us what to look for, what to expect and so on. Six weeks long we had no luck.

As we planned our last day in this area of extreme natural beauty, we decided to split up the group so we could work more efficiently. Two men and myself were dropped off and started our hike towards the research area. Suddenly, far off in the distance against the treeline, we saw something moving. About 250 metres in front of us, just at the forest edge, 5 greyish shapes were moving around. Wolves! We had found them at last. We couldn’t believe our eyes. Watching them for over an hour was the most thrilling end of the expedition we could have hoped for.

The knowledge of the locals had once again proved to be so valuable. We wouldn’t have found them without the information provided by our guide. I guess Native Americans don’t carry this name without reason. They are the ones who know their environment. They are essential in preserving the wild places on earth.

Coastal Wolves howling

Wolves playing around