The haunting and penetrating howl of the Wolf has the ability to reach into the deepest recesses of our souls.  Touching emotions ranging from adoration and reverence to intense fear and even hatred.  No other animal has inspired lore and mythology such as Wolf.  Considered by Native cultures as a protector, the Wolf is indeed wise, cunning, strong, courageous, gregarious and mysterious.  Wolves are much like humans in their commitment to community, loyalty to family and integrity to themselves.  The Wolf lives predominately in family packs with an established dominate male and female.  The packs are peaceful as every animal knows their individual responsibilities and the alpha pair are rarely challenged.  They prey predominately on hoofed animals and prefer the old and sick.  Wolves avoid human contact at all costs and because of this, research into their intricate social lives is quite difficult.  Originally the most widespread of all land mammals, wolves are now threatened with extinction stemming from centuries of misconception as well as habitat destruction.  Through understanding and appreciation of these magnificent animals, we have the opportunity and obligation to become more compassionate than our predecessors in allowing wolves to again populate our wilderness.  Wolf epitomizes the true spirit of the free and wild , and if America is sincere about preserving our environment, it will clearly be reflected by whether or not the wolf remains protected and it’s successful re-introduction onto public lands continues.