TEACHINGS OF THE WOLF

"WAYA, THE WOLF"

The wolf is considered to be strong in courage, instinct, strength, loyalty, strong family “pack” structure and great hunters. Such as the bears, the wolves are our brothers and there is much we can learn from their teachings and ways of life. The wolf in Cherokee language can be spelled Waya or Wahya.

Several years ago my wife and I set out on a day hike of 17 plus miles. Our plan was to hike the south rim of Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone veering off from there into the back country and returning that evening. We set out from the trail head that early October morning. Temperatures in the low 40’s, quiet and still with fog hovering over the ground as thick as whipped cream. Checking each other’s packs we made sure our essentials were intact. Water, food, knife, first aid gear, cameras and of course bear spray. One never ventures out into Yellowstone country without bear spray. Fortunately for us, that fall seemed to hold an abundance of bears both black and grizzly so keeping ones bear spray handy was a must.

We left the truck at the trail head and began our journey into the thick, dense fog. With about five feet of visibility one could see where your feet were going but you could not determine what was up ahead and around the next corner. This indeed heightened all of my other senses to the extreme. The smells, the plethora of sounds my intuitions and the innate sense that I was not in my world but that of the wild. For the first couple of miles on one side of us we had the sounds of rushing waters from the Yellowstone river and water fowl in the air hunting for morning food. On our other we had the sounds of an occasional coyote, a raven passing by as well as the smell of prairie sage and good old mother earth. Changing direction from the river we began to head away and towards the Lamar Valley region. In the near distance we began hearing the howl of the wolf along with coyote. Mornings, evenings and nights are prime time for this to occur so did not think much of it. The further we walked, the closer the howls became. With the fog still quite thick I kept reassuring myself the wolves would disperse and retreat to their dens soon but I would soon be proven wrong.

Personally I did not have much fear of wolves, at least the North American wolf. During the past 100 years only three deaths have occurred from wolf attack in the US. While hiking in Spain last year I was a bit leery as red wolf attacks are much more common that we in America experience. My respect and honor for any wild animal is top priority and the bison have my utmost respect in the backcountry, that is even over bear. As we proceeded on our journey the wolf howls became closer and closer and at this point we had multiple wolves howling and growling. The pack seemed to be circling us as the tie went by, several times they were close enough that you could hear their paws hitting the ground. We both have been in the back county hiking with wolves, bears, mountain lions, moose etc. and we are well versed in the case of an attack or attempted one and with most creatures (the exception is with the moose) running is not a wise option. With bear spray in hand, standing back to back my wife and I stood our ground waiting for the next moment to occur. With heightened anxiety my wife briefly asked me “Tim, how far do you think the truck is from here?” I immediately grabbed the back of her pack and told her “don’t even think about it” and then trying to calm her down reassuring her that we were going to be alright. Hours passed so it seemed as the sun rose and the fog began to lift. The howling lessened and the patters of paws and growling began to get further and further away. With the fog nearly lifted I only had a few glimpse of the wolves for one short period and then they were gone. Just like that, gone with no reason. Adrenaline still pumping we decided to proceed with our hike for the day and began processing what had just happened. No rhyme or reason for it so we thought, just one of those encounters not to question but to accept.

Our hike for the day was wonderful, bison roaming the plains, hawks overheard and pronghorn scattered amongst the fields. Never once did we see or hear from the pack again. As we trekked closer to the end of our hike, not more than two or three miles from the trail head we both noticed vultures and ravens off to one side of the trail. As we closed in we noticed a mostly consumed elk carcass! Alas, the answer to our question made itself clear! The wolves of that morning were not attempting to attack us or anything of that nature but they were only protecting their kill which was blanketed by our vision from the fog. To this day we both feel blessed and a bit tickled at heart to have experienced this with the wolf.

My teachings from the wolf which I carry with me in life are as such. Never stray off your path in the presence of fear but face the present and persevere because when all is said and done our fears are most likely not as horrific as once thought. If we side step them they will still be there waiting for us to come to terms. Face the moment with confidence, reverence and wisdom. When we have dealt with the fear let it go and give it to God but never forget your lesson learned as you can bring it up in reference from time to time as well as share with others.