“Colorado Wolf Stories: Revealing the Hidden Life of the Gray Wolf,” by Clint McKnight, is a fictional account of a small pack of gray wolves in Colorado. The book, made up of short stories, is described as fiction, but the narrative draws the reader in as if watching a documentary unfold. McKnight brings readers deep into this mythic world of wolves.
He has had so much experience as a park ranger, interviewed countless experts and done vast research to draw and immerse readers into the rarified universe of Canis lupus. He also brings readers into the natural world with his wonderful, descriptive writing that illuminates the essential flora and fauna that make up the mountains of Colorado.
The adventure begins with the release of a gray wolf into foreign territory after having been captured and tagged by humans. He is all alone without his or any pack. He quickly learns about his surroundings using his keen sense of smell. The olfactory capabilities of gray wolves are incredible. They can detect both old and fresh odors of their fellow living creatures. After exploring his new territory and howling, trying to find more of wolves, he finally meets a coal-black female. They team up and hunt together.
If you go
WHAT: Talk and book-signing with Clint McKnight, author of “Colorado Wolf Stories”
WHEN: 6-8 p.m. Feb. 5
WHERE: Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave.
MORE INFORMATION: Visit https://tinyurl.com/58ezz3fa
After the arrival of four little pups, they become a pack. They have two females and two males. Their names in the stories are dictated by their physical appearances. The most assertive female is Amber Eyes, her sister is Green Eyes, the bigger brother is Black Pup and the smallest male is Little Wolf. Later, the pack is joined by Black Wolf, brother to the Black female. The most important role for Black Mom is to protect the pups from all predators like coyotes, bears, foxes, mountain lions and eagles. Also, there is hunger, starvation and one of the biggest dangers: humans.
A fascinating thing to learn about gray wolves is how they survive by what and how they eat. When Black Mom has to stay in the den to feed the pups, her mate must hunt and bring food to her so she can make milk for the pups to survive. How does the mate accomplish this? The mate fills his belly with a kill and returns to the den and when his mates greets him with licks on his face, it triggers a reaction and he regurgitates some of the kill for the mom to eat. Sounds gross, but wolves are not known to carry bags or purses. Later, when the mother can go out to hunt, she will do the same when the pups lick her face.
In order for gray wolves to survive in the wild, they must hunt prey. An adult can go about a week without eating. It is truly feast or famine for them. Gray wolves can hunt alone but it is more dangerous. As a pack, the chances for success are better but not guaranteed. It is interesting to learn the order in which they eat the parts of their kill and who gets to eats first.
McKnight also goes back in history and shows how modern wolves have evolved to survive in many harsh conditions. For example, wolves have several layers of fur to protect them, including long guard hairs and a dense undercoat. Their teeth are uniquely suited for tearing through the thick fur of their prey, and they are able to travel vast miles to find food.
McKnight has created a wonderful story that personalizes the plight of gray wolves in our country. The chapters follow the seasons, as does the family story, which both evolve in a smooth, organic way.
"Colorado Wolf Stories“ should help readers see the unique, beneficial impact of wolves in our environment, which can be seen by the positive ecological effect of reintroducing wolves into Yellowstone Park.
This book is small but mighty, and should appeal to all who are interested in nature and our fellow inhabitants on Earth.
Leslie Doran is a retired teacher and freelance writer.
