The Unlikely Hero: The Story of Wolf 8
The Unlikely Hero: The Story of Wolf 8
A couple of days later, the biologists cut a hole in the fence some distance from the gate and placed a deer carcass just outside the pen. This time, the six wolves carefully eased their way out of the pen, first to feed on the dead deer and then to explore their new home beyond the fenced enclosure. They didn’t go far on that first day. The wolves had grown used to the enclosure. For more than two months it had been their home, and now they were unsure what they should do. In fact, ten days passed before the Crystal Creek pack left the security of their enclosure for good, and four weeks before they began to fully explore their section of the park. Finally, they began to behave in the way they had before their capture—the way wolves had always behaved. And for the first time in seven decades wolves roamed freely in Yellowstone National Park.
The return of wolves to Yellowstone National Park in 1995 made contrasting headlines: biologists saw the reintroduction as a huge step toward recovery of the park’s ecosystem while ranchers near the park feared their livestock would become prey. One person was especially interested in the wolves’ success. Rick McIntyre has spent much of his life studying them and has created numerous books for adults. Now, he has collaborated with David Poulsen, popular writer of books for young readers, in this narrative nonfiction account. The team zeroed in on Wolf 8, the runt in the litter of a captured wolf family being relocated from Alberta to Wyoming. This is a tale of courage and character growth, of how little 8 overcame being bullied by his siblings, adapted to his new home, and became one of the strongest wolves in the park.
The authors use material from years of observations, building empathy for the young wolf in the first chapter. From the wolf family’s arrival and release, through encounters with both prey (elk) and predators (grizzlies) in and around the Lamar Valley where bison roam, the tone is set with exciting action scenes as the wolves interact, play and hunt. After establishing their territory, 8’s family settles into the routine of daily life. As 8 matures, he moves on to become alpha male in a new family where he adopts a pup who will later lead a second wolf pack, foreshadowing a potential confrontation between them. Rivalries for territory escalate with a third pack led by an aggressive alpha female. The climactic scene as the packs face off one day makes gripping reading. The story follows 8’s heroic leadership until, in advancing age and coping with numerous injuries, he meets his demise against an elk. But his legacy lives on in the wolves that rightfully belong in Yellowstone.
Throughout the narrative, the authors focus on the strength and courage of a wolf who started life with disadvantages but used his determination and intelligence to become a legend. In relating the tale of 8’s life, the authors shine a spotlight on wolves “similarity to humans in the way they care for families and interact with other wolves”. It’s a good message for young readers to consider: what we can learn from wolf society? This detail also dispels the misconceptions many have about wolves from negative portrayals in children’s tales. The thoughtful Afterword—We are all Related--is written by John Potter, an Ojibwe artist who also provided delightful sketches.
Interspersed with the story of 8’s life, inserts offer explanations of scientific terminology, some background facts on members of the various wolf packs, reflections about heroism and wolf family life, biographical detail about biologists involved in 8’s story, and observations of other wildlife in the park.
This book is tagged as “Chronicles of the Yellowstone Wolves, Book 1", fortunate for fans of the story who can look forward to further insightful adventures starring the park’s wolves.
Gillian Richardson is a freelance writer living in British Columbia.