79. ~ Wolf ~

Wolves can eat up to ten pounds of meat at one time. They can also go days without food. March is their mating season. Cubs are born deaf, blind and helpless. They usually live in family packs. A lone wolf will mark its unoccupied area with its scent and then attract a mate to start a new pack. Wolves travel and work in small packs. The wolf pack's code is survival. Wolves will disrupt the herd by working as a team to take down the weakest link. Wolves are experts at working in a group. They know cooperation equals making a living. In general, this animal rarely encounters humans. Wolf language is very complex. They use barks, gestures, and growls. Lesser members cringe or will lie on their backs in a sign of their submission. Despite this behaviour there is little friction. The arctic wolf is part of the grey wolf family. Other families are part of the timber wolf. A standard life span is eight to sixteen years. Their call is a 'choir of howls.' Typically they can weigh up to one hundred and seventy-five pounds. The two dominant wolves in the breeding pair are known as the alpha male and the alpha female. There are three main species of wolves. A wolf will howl when it becomes separated, or to warn other members, and also for bonding purposes.

Medicine:

To Indians the wolf is a brother. Therefore it is said, when there are no more wolves, they will be no more Indians. Wolves teach us to be loyal and to always cooperative with one's family. They teach us that traditions should be honoured. The wolf teaches us to protect the things which are true and sacred to us. They tell us we must guard our home and family. The medicine of the wolf tells us to know our path and to follow it. They remind us of fidelity. They teach us to avoid flirting with another's mate. Wolves are great teachers. They teach us to maintain a loving side to our nature. They teach us to be respectful. Wolves teach us to share responsiblilities. They tell us to have a true fee spirit. They say we should go out of our way to avoid fights. They remind us that body language speaks volumes. Wolf medicine says to trust our sense of intuition. They teach us the importance of listening and to only howl when it is truly necessary. The medicine of wolf says remember to walk in harmony and in discipline with our brothers and sisters.