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The Wolf Box arrives via snowmoble from North American Bear Center January 2011
Tom Hennigan bringing the box to the cabin |
Picture is of Tashina and the wolves log lean-to
Arctic Fox area
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THE WOLF MOUNTAIN NEWS (we know this nerws letter is outdated, we are working on a new one, we are rely short staffed!)
This past year seemed to just fly by and the winter snows came early to Wolf Mountain. The much anticipated arrival of wolf puppies came with Natani giving birth to three healthy, plump pups. The pups were removed from their natural den at ten days of age. The next four and one half months were spent caring for the young wolves around the clock. Their socialization has gone exceptionally well. Many thanks go out to the puppy sitters for their efforts. The very well grown pups named Tala, Tashina and Dancing Turtle were reintroduced to their parents in early October. The entire event went off without a hitch and was video tapped for our archives. Now eight months of age, the juvenile wolves have been growing at a rate that will have them no doubt exceed their parents in size and stature. Our wolves received a varied diet of legally obtained road kill deer, rabbit, squirrels, fish donated by Morrisville State College, raw chicken, buffalo hearts, livers and as a supplement a high quality kibble mixed with Nebraska Brand feline zoo food is feed occasionally. Fresh water is put out twice a day and then there is the occasional baguette donated by the bakery which the wolves enjoy. 
This past year did indeed go by quickly but we were able to start construction of our temporary education building. Although unfinished, it was usable for our Pumpkin Festival and Christmas with the Wolves. In addition, this past year we completed a scenic overlook picnic area with seven tables under the shade of large trees. Adjacent to the picnic area we were able to open 2.5 miles of interpretive hiking trails and completed two composting restrooms (no more porta potties!!). The fully roofed fox enclosure was completed this year. And even though it was not utilized as such, the young wolves enjoyed the space and redecorated the area for a couple of months. We are still seeking arctic or grey foxes to occupy this facility. We also set the posts for a separation enclosure. This enclosure will allow us to better separate out animals if necessary and also be utilized as a “fun” new place to ramble. We were very fortunate to obtain approximately 2000 feet of 10ft used chain link fence in very good condition. This will allow us to begin construction this spring of our new 8.5 acre wolf area.
Volunteer Katie leading a hike Families having a fun picnic
2008 Events and Groups
Attendance was up considerably over this past year with an increase in the number of school groups and scouts groups. Many more people came to the center simply by word of mouth and interest also peaked as a result of the presence of wolf puppies. Even more interest was generated with our solar and wind power educational tours.
Our three events were successful and many people enjoyed seeing the whole pack together this past October but the foliage was not as brilliant as past years. The wolves loved destroying and then eating their pumpkin filled treats and hay bales. Matt Pryor gave a heartwarming solo performance for the crowd out in the meadow with the big hills as a back drop. The entire event was 100% powered by solar energy, compliments of Great Brook Enterprises, Mother Nature and Grand Father Sun. Our first “Christmas with the Wolves Open House” was a huge success and exceeded our expectations despite the single digit, blustery cold day. The children got to warm up with hot chocolate and meet Santa as their parents shopped for unique wolf gift items. To the surprise of everyone including the wolves, the Grinch made an appearance and attempted unsuccessfully to steal the wolves Christmas tree! The wolves did receive and enjoyed their tree decorated with treats.
Our Goals for 2009
- Construction of a small outdoor amphitheater to seat 30 people
Education/Gift Shop: insulation, wood stove and interior work
- Complete separation enclosure
- Begin construction of large enclosure and drive all fence posts
- Acquire Artic and/or Grey foxes
- Continue to pursue funding for the wolf education day camp
- Find a grant researcher/writer
Pumpkin Event Matt’s concert at the WMNC
Wish and Needs List, (see the complete list on the links)
Grant Writer/Researcher, lightweight snowplow set-up, outdoor benches, 2x10x14 wood planks, 9 gauge chain link fence and posts, walk-in freezer, log-splitter, many yards of crushed stone, 10x12 woodshed, 6’ cedar fence panels, tongue and groove pine paneling, log siding and glass display cases.
Dancing turtle Pups enjoying fish (thanks Ryan)
2009 Event Calendar
Welcoming the leaves Week-End, May 30-31, Gift Shop Open
Pumpkin Fest October 10th
Wolf Awareness week activities October 10-17th
Christmas with the Wolves Open House Dec 5 & 6 and Dec 19th & 20 Christmas Shopping at the Wolf Den Gift Shop, Santa and Grinch !
Visit www.thewolfmountainnaturecenter.org for more event information and seasonal hours including howl nights on Saturdays
Natani, momma wolf
At this time we would like to acknowledge the many hard working, dedicated volunteers who helped make this past year a success. THANK YOU to all who visited and supported the wolves this past year. We look forward to 2009 with excitement and hope as we work to achieve our new goals. I believe this will be a magical year here at The Wolf Mountain Nature Center. Many more people will come and experience the spirit of the wolf by visiting these magnificent animals. It has been truly an honor to be in there presence, I hope that you will come an experience them to.
Ah ho, Peace and spirit
Will Pryor
Dancing Turtle Tala
Tashina Nakoa dealing with Tala…again
Pack feeding on road kill deer
Nakoa ready for a nap with his deer hide
Another day comes to an end high up on the big hill