Wolves

[RBB]

Been an active week for wildlife sightings. I've been working nights this week, and besides the omnipresent deer, on my first night back, I saw two bear, one of which I had to shoot after it'd been hit by a car.

Three nights ago, I saw some kind of a wild cat. I didn't have long to look at it, as it ran across the road, but there was an open area on the south side of the road, so I did see that it had a long tail, which it used for balance as it ran (not a lynx or bobcat as they have short tails). It did not seem to be a mountain lion, as it was about 3/4 size, and instead seemed to be something rather svelte and exotic, as it was a mottled black with lighter spots. Certainly nothing native, probably another city "pet" let loose when it got too big.

The same night I heard timber wolves howling on the north end of town. I could hear their chorus for about 20 minutes, off and on.

Last night, I was driving the main highway through town when I saw four deer run across the road. I didn't think anything of it, but as I drove by, I saw a shape on the other side of the road. Curious, I turned around and saw a large timber wolf standing beside the road. He was about 25 feet away and looked at me rather nonchalant for several minutes before walking slowly away. Timber wolf aren't rare around here, but to see one that at ease in the center of town makes you wonder. I suppose, as they usually only live about ten years, it has been at least four generations since they've been hunted around here so they are starting to loose their fear of man.

[Gray Wolf]

Did you get to skin and keep it? If not what's the bear policy in that situation, under those conditions where you are?

[Beo]

Same question, did ya get to skin the bear, man a nice bear blanket or coat would be great. And leave them wolves alone, they were there first (I know ya didn't harm it)

[RBB]

Could have, but it was too big to lift into the trunk of my personal vehicle - plus I had mama's car and she is particular about what I put in her trunk.

I really don't care for bear meat that much. It is usually greasy and stringy. Last time I took one home - I ended up giving away most of the meat. I do like bear fat for rendering into bear oil to bake with, but I can get plenty of that from local bear hunting guides every autumn.

The hides are tough to home tan with the hair on, and getting them commercially tanned costs a lot. The Mrs. doesn't care to have them on the walls or floor at home. If I leave them at one of our hunting shacks someone steals them. I already have five bear hides in a chest somewhere around here - and the chest is full. I don't need anymore.

I haven't shot a wolf since 1968. I heard the pack howling again tonight. Locals better keep their dogs inside.