Native Americans in general, and the Nez Perce in particular, respected and regarded the wolf as animal brothers - because they saw how the wolf lives in a cooperative effort. Europeans, however, regarded the wolf as bloodthirsty creatures who are the embodiment of evil. Throughout recorded history, the wolf has been attributed almost super-canine traits. I read of a story in France, where one single wolf was accused of killing 50 people and many cattle. King Ludwig XV did not rest until that one poor creature had been hunted down and killed. We all remember the fairy tales of Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs - no good press for the wolf there. The actual truth is diametrically opposed to this hysteria. Wolves are very shy creatures, and despite the fact that the wolf has an immense pressure bite (1500 pounds per sq. inch), there is not one documented case of a wild wolf killing a human being . . . and the white man has slaughtered over 2 million wolves in North America alone!

So what are the facts?

The wolf is an affectionate and very social animal, whose very existance is dependant upon the cooperative unit, known as the pack. The pack is an extended family, made up of mother, father, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc. The pack's hunting range is about 80 to 100 square miles of territory, and they primarily hunt large animals such as deer, elk, caribou, moose, and bison. Pack leaders (alpha males) are the only ones allowed to mate (being the strongest) and they determine where to hunt, who gets to eat first, and who mates. It is a dictatorship, but one that ensures the survival of the pack. The omega wolf has a tough time, as it is he/she who is the lowest rung on the social ladder and becomes the virtual scapegoat for the pack as they let out their aggressions on it. This serves a purpose however, as the omega usually resorts to play and diffuses potentially violent situations. It is very, very rare that an omega is actually hurt by its pack members. Wolves are very playful, and all wolves love puppies. The whole pack dotes on young ones, lavishing them with affection, and one member of the pack usually becomes the baby-sitter and caretaker of the pups.

Wolves howl for more reasons than we'll ever know, but when the alpha male howls, it is commonly a signal for the pack to gather around and pay their respects, shown by licking his face and other submissive behavior. Wolves also howl to communicate, when happy or sad, or to rally together in solidarity.

The Discovery Channel broadcast a wonderful program entitled, "Wolves At Our Door", (October 27) and it chronicles the Sawtooth Pack of wolves. Two researchers decided to live among the wolves in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho and filmed remarkable behavior. Discovery plans updates on the pack, now living with the Nez Perce and in their care. First update is scheduled for October 31 - check your local listings or Discovery Online.

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