WOLF

“No one knew what the Alpha intended. Perhaps he was just inquisitive or, after chasing a rabbit for fun, decided to explore this new territory.”

 Many years ago, while hunting bear in Quebec, I felt the back hairs of my neck raise when I sensed something watching me. A friend and I were way off the beaten path on a lumber road. I was alone on this one section.

I turned very slowly, then looked into a huge furry, black-grey, wolf. It had a massive head and snowshoe feet, awesome. It was about 175 pounds and stood looking me straight on, about ten feet away. I was not afraid, but respectful and did not show any aggression with my .303 rifle held across my chest.

At the time, I was a crack-shot and able to lever a cartridge faster and fire than he could move to attack. But I felt no aggression from the beautiful specimen. He kept looking at me with those deep eyes, and amazed to be this close to someone of my species.

He stared at my rife, understanding it should have made him feel fearful; he was unafraid. We were alone at the moment, in the deep woods with only a few chatting crows nearby.

Then he slowly turned and tail flying, daintily pranced away like a young moose. It was an extraordinary experience.