Only during the past few decades have humans become more accepting of these predators and of their rightful place in nature. Wolves have been absent from Vermont and New Hampshire for this entire century. But some naturalists are trying to reintroduce wolves to northern New England and the Adirondacks where wolves were once abundant. Join naturalist Marcas Marx at Montshire at 7 pm this Friday. He'll be talking about the natural history of this remarkable creature as well as efforts to bring back the eastern timber wolf.
Wolves use strength in numbers to chase down prey.
The pack may single out one victim and take turns chasing it down until the prey is exhausted. Because their paws are large and slightly splayed, they have incredible balance and can move easily in snow and ice. In winter, wolves may try to trap elk, deer, caribou, moose or other prey in deep snow where these animals can't easily run or maneuver. By singling out sick, old or weak animals as victims, wolves actually keep the herd healthy over the long run. At 7 pm this Friday, naturalist Marcas Marx will tell us more about the natural history of the wolf, and detail efforts to restore the wolf population.