Trip Review Wild Wolves BC
Wild Wolves in BC Trip Review 2017 - Wild Wolves Photo Workshop Details
Our photographers felt the cold this year hitting -33C. Our dedicated photo group were determined to photograph wild wolves and other winter animals coming to our sites. A wild timber wolf is one of the most challenging animals to photograph. Our photographers, endured sub-zero temperatures and waited patiently in a blind which paid off with some incredible timber wolves and coyote photography moments. On some of the images, it was noticed a bit of a haze on some of the images. David Hemmings pointed out this is a result of the temperature of the cold ice and warm air and had a similar experience on the Polar Bears Mother and Cubs Workshop.
Becci, and Steve were lucky enough to capture images of Timber Wolves and Virgil had incredible moments with a very healthy and very large coyote. In Ontario wolves have started mating with coyotes, now called the Coywolf, could this be happening in BC as well?
At the end of each day we warmed up next to the cozy wood stove and shared our moments and reviewed images. We took some time out to drive to some of the most beautiful winter landscape areas and photographed some Tundra Swans and other waterfowl on the river. While driving we saw Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles and even a couple of wolves crossing before our truck including a large dark gray alpha male wolf. What a wolf photo that would have been!
We had snow, cloudy and sunny days and some extreme cold weather moments. Last week we hit as low as -34C and this week our temperature is at +5C. Just like northern BC, our weather system keeps the weather man guessing. We are excited for next year’s Wild Wolf Photo Tour and we will continue to expand our winter animal photo moments to include bald eagles, red fox and lynx. There are also wild horses in the area. There is currently a healthy wolf population in BC. Below are some facts that may interest you:
A wolf pack size is typically 4-6 wolves and can be up to as large as 30+ in certain areas with their range of 50 -100 miles. Typically a female scout is sent in to investigate a food source prior to another wolf or pack attending. A female wolf is identified by carrying her tail typically in a downward position. The wolves in BC range in color from light gray, dark gray, white and even black.
Wolves typically move 50-100 miles from their natural pack and leave the pack at age 1-2 years old. Mating season is during the months of February and March with more wolves on the move in search of a mate. Some will start a new pack, while others may join an existing pack.
They can survive on consuming 2 ½ pounds of food per day and don’t necessary eat every day. They can also eat as much as 20 Lbs in a sitting when a kill is made. They will also store food in areas for harder times. Wolves typically hunt injured or sick prey. In British Columbia wolves commonly hunt and eat deer, elk, beaver, hare, moose, cattle and horses. They will also consume birds and fish. Humans are the wolf main predator. Humans and development in wildlife areas directly affect wildlife populations. As well, humans continue to hunt for deer and moose substantially more than wolves. However, the wolf continues to be blamed for low moose and deer as well as low caribou populations. Wolves are an important animal to the wildlife system and the habitat in which they live. Read more about the Wild Wolves Photo Tour. Watch the wolf video.
