In the last newsletter we mentioned that the release of the Arkansas 'Four', into their new enclosure had been scheduled. (see Newsletter Fall 2001 for details about their rescue.)

  

Wolf volunteers finished the half-acre enclosure that would become their new home. After several busy weekends of work, 30 miles north of Fort Collins, it was ready to go.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to all of the volunteers who labored in the hot sun to complete this project.

Eric Epperson         Cheryl Budler         Steve Wolfsong          Tom Nayduch
Tony Hall              Brian Breeding        Steve Singleton          Brandy Russell
Robyn Gray            Hesi Durbin           Eric Strong               Coyote Osborne
Mike Stevens         Lance Van Dyke       Nick Russell              Briannon Hathaway

Thank You!!

  

Finally, after 10 months of living in a 30' x 60' foster home enclosure, the Arkansas 'Four' (Ringo, Foxy, Little One & Socks) were ready to be moved. On August 4th they were tranquilized at the foster home, loaded into travel kennels and taken the thirty-some miles to their new home.

The trip and the release went without a hitch. Their travel kennels were placed into the enclosure and the doors were opened. Tentative at first, they slowly came out of the travel kennels and began to check out the new territory. The smallest female (Little One) again proved to be the most bold. The other three hid in the large dog house as she checked things out.

  

If a subtle message was given by Little One to the others, was not noticed, however they all began to romp and investigate. This was GREAT! There was space to run, to jump, to stay far away from strangers. It was just what the doctor ordered.

It was, likewise, just what the volunteers needed. After putting in all of the work, you sometimes feel like -- what the hell am I doing? This is NUTS! After seeing their eyes, beginning to understanding their nature and feelings --
THIS IS WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT!

 

 

 

 

The morning of September 22nd started off like all other mornings. Frank was up just before sunrise tending to the early needs of the animals in the 'House Pack'. After getting them squared away in their respective enclosures he sat down, with his coffee, to answer the usual backlog of emails requesting information from Wolf.

The sounds of animals greeting the sun, each other and generally announcing a new day were very normal. Ashley dominating her sister, Jasmine, made Jasmine cry out her usual subordination, Spirit began a soulful howl that was joined by a number of others, Shaman's unique howl sounded above the rest seeking out Pat's usual response. As Frank took a minute to enjoy the chorus he detected a strange, faint cry coming from the direction of Bear's enclosure.

It was just different enough to get Frank out of his chair to investigate what was going on. As he walked the several hundred feet towards Bear's enclosure he heard the cry again. It sounded like Kiki, but was a sound that was new. The cry, although not real loud, also alerted Pat and she was coming out on the deck and yelling to Frank to find out what was happening. As Frank looked through the trees toward the top of Bear's enclosure he saw Matoskah biting at the back end of Bear, who was down on the ground and not moving. Frank yelled back to Pat that, "Bear is down", and rushed to get the gate unlocked. As he climbed the hundred plus feet to the top of the enclosure it was apparent that Bear was motionless. Matoskah moved away as Frank approached.

Bear was gone. Whatever occurred had just happened. Frank attempted CPR for about 15 minutes without results. He really was gone.

Even though ten and a half years old, Bear had never given any signs of slowing down or feeling ill. The day before, in fact, he performed his usual dominance in the selection of the choicest pieces of meat being handed out. What had happened?

All of the indications explained to our vet returned a confident belief that he had experienced a stroke and died very quickly. Although very unexpected by us, our vet clarified that as large as Bear was (155 lbs.) and as old as he was, that this was not a premature death. He had lived a very full and vibrant life.

Bear was an alpha male and had very elusive behaviors and strict rules of behavior for members of his immediate pack and extended human pack. Everything would have to be done on his terms -- no ands, ifs or buts about it. He ruled his pack from the top of his enclosure and almost always maintained his royal deportment.

The only time he was ever noticed to have discarded his regal demeanor is when his original owners would visit him. He would become the sweet, playful puppy -- dancing, jumping and sitting in the laps of humans half his size. It brought tears to the eyes of many who would watch.

Bear's remains were buried high on the mountain side across from the compound so he can continue to monitor of all his subjects.

To read Bear's Story click here.