We had a busy Wolf Awareness Week focused on making connections, learning about wolves and having some fun along the way! Thank you to all those who participated in our fifth annual Week of Wolf-Related Activities.
Here is a quick recap that includes all of our Wolf Awareness Week content, in case you weren't able to participate throughout the week.
“Sign-up Sunday”- Dogs & Wolves feature
We focused on examining the similarities and differences between wolves and our beloved domestic dogs. We are incredibly grateful to share a brief conversation with Wisconsin’s own Patricia McConnell, Ph.D.
Patricia is known worldwide as an expert on canine training and behavior and for her knowledgeable books, speeches, and seminars. In this brief video interview, we will get to her personal insights and points of interest connecting dogs and wolves. Watch the video here.
“Ma'iingan Monday”
We highlighted the cultural significance of wolves to the Ojibwe and their special relationship with Ma’iingan by connecting with Sam Zimmerman Zhaawanoogiikhik, an Ojibwe artist from Grand Portage.
In our video discussion with Sam, he shares with us his connection with Ma’iingan, his book Following My Spirit Home, and the inspiration for each of his three beautiful Ma'iingan art pieces he has allowed us to share for Wolf Awareness Week.
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Grand Marais Wolf, by Sam Zimmerman Zhaawanoogiikhik |
“Wolf Tracks” Tuesday
As a collective pack we created a “Wolf Track” playlist on Spotify or YouTube to connect to your inner wild side today!
Enjoy the Call of the Wild - Additionally, we shared a recording of a wolf pack in Bayfield County heard recently by one of our Wildlife Team members. It is estimated this pack has 2+ adults and 2+ pups born this spring. Listen to that beautiful family chorus!
Fun fact about actual wolf tracks - Wisconsin had an estimated 1,226 gray wolves and 336 wolf packs in winter 2024-25, according to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).The DNR uses an occupancy model to produce a wolf population estimate. The model requires inputs from wolf tracking surveys conducted by agency staff and volunteers, as well as data obtained from GPS-collared wolves. The 2024-25 wolf monitoring report included a record high 18,426 miles of wolf tracking effort! To learn more about WI wolves check out the recently published DNR wolf monitoring report.
“Wolf Country” Wednesday
Be sure to check out the recording of our “Wolf Country Wednesday” presentation with wildlife biologist Brian Roell, the Large Carnivore Specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. It was an insightful discussion on many wolf-related hot topics, the role of science in conservation debates and even the impacts of social media he has personally witnessed. It’s a “must watch” wolf presentation and very entertaining thanks to and Brian’s “tell it like it is” style and sense of humor.
“Howl-ween” Thursday
We decided to “pumpkin spice” up Wolf Awareness Week and embrace the season! We hope you have checked out our fun wolf-themed pumpkin stencils and carving instructions!
Do wolves like eating pumpkins? Wolves are skilled hunters and best known for a carnivore diet, but they really are opportunistic eaters. They have been known to eat blueberries, grass, eggs and even pumpkins! These items help give wolves hydration, nutrients, and can help them survive when prey is scarce.
Check out these gray wolves eating pumpkins from the Wolf Conservation Center:
“Fun with Wolves” Friday
A day filled with different activities, including:
- Check out this year’s Wolf Advocate Coloring Page. Color it yourself and share with others—coloring is for all ages!
- Wolf Inspired Yoga - To honor the wolf in a yoga practice, you can choose poses that embody its core symbolic traits: loyalty, intelligence, freedom, strength, and intuition. "Wolf Flow" themes are meant to connect you with your “inner wild” and natural instincts, and foster a sense of community inspired by the wolf family. Poses might include a backbend series to open the heart and throat. Poses featured in our short “Wolf Flow” video include poses common for all canines including: downward dog, upward dog, puppy pose, and shake it off finished with a howl.
“Show-up Saturday”
We focused on showing up for wolves and advocate for the protection of the Roadless Rule. The Roadless Rule is an important administrative rule that protects critical wolf habitat right here in Wisconsin. Ask Senator Baldwin to speak out in support of the Roadless Rule.
- Why is the Roadless Rule So Critical? Here is a video that explains why we need to support the protection of the Roadless Rule from our Sierra Club National Wildlife Campaign Manager, Ben Greuel.
- Write your note: Find a card, stationary, or the back side of our “Wolf Advocate” coloring sheet to hand write your points on! Bonus - We know that sending hard copy mail has been shown to be the most impactful way to get the attention of lawmakers and their staff that work for them.
- Talking points for your note could include:
- Request: Speak out in support of the Roadless Rule and call for the protection of over 45 million acres of public lands and treasured national forests!
- Since 2001, the Roadless Area Conservation Rule has safeguarded some of our nation's most wild and intact national forest lands.
- Intact forests help communities breathe clean air and have clean water. Intact forests support wildlife, and hunters and anglers. Intact forests are places where people can camp, hike, and feel inspired by towering trees and flowing rivers.
- National Forests provide habitat for over 1,600 threatened or endangered species, including the gray wolf. We absolutely cannot afford to lose these species or places for short-term extractive gain.
- Then we suggest mailing your card or letter to:
Senator Tammy Baldwin
141 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Looking beyond Wolf Awareness Week
Here are three ways you can stay involved:
- Register here now for a special wolf presentation with Rick McIntyre talking about his 30 years of work in Yellowstone and experiences with iconic wolves on Wednesday, Nov. 12th at 7pm CT.
- Learn more about wolves in Wisconsin - Reference our current “Wolves in Wisconsin” webpage, including the wolf management plan and Wolf Advisory Committee on the Dept. of Natural Resources website.
- Join our Wildlife Team, we would love to connect with you! Please complete this form and we will be in touch!