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The call of the wild on an Idaho ranch
By Dr. Marty Becker
January 12, 2010
The pugs, Quixote and Shakira have been strutting around since their encounter with two wolves on the outskirts of our Almost Heaven Ranch in northern Idaho.
Their version of the story involves a great deal of brave action and a successful run-off of the maurading beasts. The wolves, I’m sure, have a different tale to tell, one that involves laughing themselves sick at the Christmas sweater and jingle bell collar, but I learned a long time ago: never disagree with the dogs.
Especially my wife and daughter’s dogs.
So just between you and me, I have something pretty amazing to share.
A local photographer, who asked to remain anonymous, shot these pictures of our neighborhood wolves on nearby Hall Mountain, and sent them to me via Fish and Game officer Greg Johnson with permission to use them here.
First are these big guys:
They really take my breath away.
Then there are the pups:
See why we call it “Almost Heaven”?
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Whadaya mean, “almost?”
Comment by Rori — January 12, 2010 @ 9:23 am
Great pics - thanks!
Comment by Snoopys Friend — January 12, 2010 @ 9:54 am
Beautiful pics, Dr. Marty. Can’t wait to see the place! Thanks for sharing them with us.
Comment by Dr. Tony Johnson — January 12, 2010 @ 10:02 am
I just gave a small donation to an organization to save the pup wolves.
Seeing these pups makes me glad I did.
Thanks for displaying the pictures, Dr. Becker.
Comment by Evelyn — January 12, 2010 @ 10:44 am
Wow. Just … wow. These are your neighbors. Mine: A pair of well-meaning spinster sisters with psycho rescue dog from hell who never, I mean never, shuts up.
Oh, and then there’s the questionable peeps in the former meth house.
And being Sacramento, the two vacant, for-sale homes no doubt on the brink of foreclosure, again.
Much rather have wolves.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — January 12, 2010 @ 10:56 am
Dr. Becker: I appreciated your sharing pictures of the wolves on your land. And with pups to boot. I live in Cuyahoga Valley National Park in N.E. Ohio.
I used to see cayote regularly. This fall and winter I have neither seen nor heard even one. I am afraid that people with homes abutting the N.P. have pressured the Park to severely reduce the packs.
I admire your point of view on the miracle of life in all its manifestation. What can Idaho teach N.E. Ohio about living with wildlife neighbors?
Sincerely, thom kelty
Comment by thomkelty — January 12, 2010 @ 12:32 pm
Wow, how lucky you are to be able to see them up close and personal in their natural habitat! I belong to several “wolf advocacy” groups and that would be a dream come true!
Comment by Bev — January 12, 2010 @ 1:24 pm
Many moons ago I had the great good fortune to see and hear wolves in west central Ontario and one of the highlights of my life. Here’s to the continued survival of the Hall Mountain Pack AND the Becker pack! Long may both thrive!
Comment by Anne T — January 12, 2010 @ 1:41 pm
Very beautiful! They look mighty healthy!
Comment by Nadine L — January 12, 2010 @ 1:42 pm
Makes me miss living in the Rockies. I used to see bear (black and grizzly)and cougar regularly, but moved before the reintroduction of the wolf. It’s good to be reminded that there are places where we are NOT at the top of the food chain. What great pictures! They do look VERY healthy.
Comment by C.L.H. — January 12, 2010 @ 1:56 pm
beautiful - I’ll have to show my brother - he has a place in northern Idaho - he will love these photos.
My own personal wildlife has consisted of roaming skunks lately - they set off their special cloud the other night and it was so potent my face burned - but other than that, I like them - also I see a raccoon and even a Coyote now and then but these wolves…simply grand.
Comment by mary frances — January 12, 2010 @ 3:01 pm
FROM BONNERS FERRY—Wow, the wolves are absolutely beautiful! I live across the street from the H.S. baseball field, and sometimes I can hear the wolves howling from Paradise Valley and the surrounding mountains. How lucky am I to live in such a beautiful place!! I’m new to your website, and I’m really enjoying it!
Comment by Susi Vogl — January 12, 2010 @ 3:05 pm
WOW, I imagine this IS what heaven looks like. This is magical!
Barbara Techel
Author of Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Book Series
A collection of true, inspirational stories dedicated to bringing positive awareness to disabilities, facing our challenges with dignity and grace, and giving back in our own, unique way
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Comment by Barbara Techel — January 12, 2010 @ 3:14 pm
Awesome!
Comment by Kim Thornton — January 12, 2010 @ 3:47 pm
Neat! Our several-dozen coyotes, intermittent bobcats, turkeys, skunks and beaucoup ‘dillos just doesn’t match up!
Comment by Amy D Shojai, CABC — January 12, 2010 @ 8:32 pm
Gorgeous! Amazing! Thank you.
Comment by Perri — January 12, 2010 @ 9:23 pm