Humans, in the western world, have always shown animosity and fear towards wolves. Childhood stories such as ¡°The little Red Riding Hood¡± reflect the haunting fear of wolves at the time as vicious and efficient killers. Although these wolves appear menacing at times, there is no known record of human casualties from wolves in either Canada or the United States. In British Columbia, the wolves have been hunted, poisoned, and brutally killed for threatening the livestock and the game population in the area. As urbanization continues to increase, the wolves are being egregiously exterminated. Not only do wolves play a pivotal role in maintaining the environment¡¯s food chain, but they can also teach us the importance of loyalty and social structure. Without wolves in British Columbia, the demise of the inexplicable link between nature and humans seem imminent. Wolves are one of the critical species to the environment in maintaining balance and harmony in nature. With the onslaught of industrialization and the increase in the human population, wolves are in danger of extinction.

This project focuses on the general understanding of wolves, including environmental significance

Research revealed that wolves have highly organized family structure. The pack consist of the dominant male parent, alpha male, and female parent, alpha female, including a few other wolves and pups. The bonds formed between the wolves are strong since they rely on each other for survival. In the winter season, when the wolves bonds are the strongest, most of their time is spent hunting and traveling. The wolves¡¯ reproductive cycle is unique to dogs. While dogs can breed almost any time of the year, wolves can only breed only once a year. After about a nine-week gestation session, litters of about five pups are born. When these pups are born, they usually reside in a den where they will remain for a month. The parents, remaining loyal to each other, seek food while a babysitter takes over the responsibilities. The adolescent wolves learn to hunt not from instinct but from playful attempts to ambush other pups.

Some topics in this essay:
Senses Wolves¡¯, North America, British Columbia, Canis Lupus, Origins Evolution, Europe Asia, Riding Hood¡±, University California, Introduction Humans, IV Conclusion, dire wolf, social behavior, wolves appear, canid species, british columbia, senses highly developed, human population, highly developed, north america, senses highly, livestock game,