Wolf Ecology in Northern Minnesota

Wolves are actually one of the most mystifying yet misunderstood species on earth, which have aroused the minds of humans since the beginning of time.  Through the Audubon Center of the North Woods and Vermillion Community College, we are able to catch a glimpse of the true nature of the wolf through research and tracking them in the backcountry.
 

The Audubon Center in the Great Lakes Region holds a variety of different outdoor education activities year round, including the study of wolf ecology and behavior.  This course is held as a 21-day January-term with available college credit through Vermillion’s Environmental Studies.

The course is an awesome experience for anyone who loves the winter outdoors and has a passion for wolves or the environment. The first two weeks are spent learning detailed information about the wolf, explaining wolf behavior, morphology, communication, pack structure, and habitat.  Also included are the topics of winter safety and survival, tracking techniques, and map and compass navigation, which all help to prepare for the actual tracking that takes place in the second half of the course.
 

By snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or walking, we tracked wolves through the backcountry using all of the knowledge we had acquired about wolves and their environment, depending solely on our map and compass.  Experiencing the wild for the peace that it really is is worth the course in itself, but the beauty and mystery that arise from the sight or sound of a wolf will touch the soul.

The wolf ecology course also exposes one to aerial telemetry tracking, radio-collar tracking, and visitation to a captive breeding program where one can learn even more about wolves by actually observing their behavior.  By focusing on wolf ecology and behavior, we can gain a true understanding of this species and its role in the environment.
 

For more information about the wolf ecology course or any of the programs offered, contact Audubon Center of the North Woods; Becoming more aware of the world around us opens up our eyes to new and better possibilities.