Click on the Wolf image to enlarge

Wolf

Wolf is an image taken at Kroschel Films in Haines, Alaska. This is a captive wolf.

Kroschel Films is located near Haines, Alaska. I had an opportunity to take a photo tour there while attending the Bald Eagle Festival that occurs nearby in November.

Being able to so closely photograph a Wolf was an experience I will always cherish.

The Wolf is a beautiful animal. Alaska is where the largest remaining population of gray wolves survives in the United States. 7,000 to 11,000 wolves live in the State of Alaska. They perform an important role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem and biodiversity as their role as predator.

Due to the fact that they are still hunted with more than 1,000 per year trapped or hunted, they are intensively managed in the State of Alaska.

Hunting and trapping methods and seasons for the wolf have benefited the hunter across much of Alaska. Since 2003/2004 the State of Alaska has done aerial predator control using private hunters and pilots. The wolf is hunted from the air, either shot from the air or chased until landing provides an opportunity to shoot. Both of these techniques are considered unsportsmanlike by defenders of the wolf.

In Alaska two subspecies of wolf are recognized. Wolves in Southeast Alaska tend to be darker and somewhat smaller than those in northern parts of Alaska. The fur color of wolves living in Alaska ranges from black to nearly white, with also every shade of gray and tan. Gray or black wolves are most common in Alaska.

Wolves are carnivores and will prey on other animals. They are opportunistic and will take advantage of the unhealthy. But even an animal in prime condition can fall prey to a wolf.

Many studies have shown that the wolf is important in providing for a healthy ecosystem. The balance between wolf and prey populations is fragile and must be delicately managed.

Having the opportunity to photography a wolf even in a captive environment is an experience I will never forget.