We are so fortunate to share our home and research station here with in the Great Bear Rainforest. Even though our objective is the study of whales we realize that every living creature with in this magical ecosystem is connected. So, when we protect whales what we really need to accomplish is the protection this entire system. There are few places left on this planet where you may walk a creek spawning with salmon, watch as a black bear carries this salmon to the forest, leaving the remains to feed the trees, above an eagle soars, a raven calls, wolves howl, sea lions grunt, a pod of orcas pass by and then the blow of a humpback leaves you in silent awe that a place can be so alive.
On this page we will share with you our interactions and stories from others that remind us of how blessed we are to share this planet with such diverse wonders of nature.
Our first story took place just weeks ago right in Taylor Bight as 2 young wolves explored the strength of their own will to win.
Wolves and a Bone
We were just getting ready for dinner when we heard a sound like no other; something was in trouble or in the process of becoming prey, or so we thought. We all ran to the point, binoculars in hand. Across the bay we could see 3 wolves but still unsure what was happening to cause such a cry. With the distance between us we realized we may never know so I made a quick decision, jumped into the canoe, camera in my lap and began to paddle towards them. As I approached one wolf departed into the trees. I held off as not wanting to have an impact. The other 2 were oblivious to my presence and I soon realized what all the commotion was about. One wolf was quite skinny, perhaps 3 years old, the other an older juvenile. Between them, locked in both jaws was an object, obviously food, looked like a large hip or shoulder bone. Whatever it was it was solid as they were both struggling with all their strength to tear it from the others grip. This tug of war went on for over an hour. Eventually the younger wolf lost to the older and stronger, but what an effort for such a small wolf! I paddled home, in awe and appreciation that they would allow me to be present and witness the intimacy of their daily lives.