Why do wolves howl?

Howling is one of the many ways that wolves communicate.  Wolves howl to declare their territory, reunite pack members and as mourning call out to deceased individuals.

My name is Skie Bender; I work at Wolf Haven International, a nonprofit sanctuary for captive-born wolves located in the small farming community of Tenino, Washington (about 1.5 hours south of Seattle.)

For 30 years, Wolf Haven has rescued and provided lifetime sanctuary to over 170 animals.  We are participants in two Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs for endangered species: 1) Mexican grey and 2) red wolf. These are partnerships between captive facilities, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to help put these highly endangered animals back in the wild so they don’t go extinct.

During the winter months I follow the birds south and land here in Southern California to bathe in the brilliant sunlight, but also I have come to share my passion of wolves with you!

Did you know?

• There are two recognized wolf species in the world: gray wolf (Canis lupus) and the red wolf (Canis rufus).

• Wolves have a feast or famine existence, often going many days without eating and then gorging as much as 20 pounds in a single sitting. That’s the equivalent of a person eating 80 hamburgers for lunch!

• Wolves have only 1 litter of pups a year, whereas dogs can breed 2x a year

These are just a few of the facts about wolves.  If you are want to learn more about wolf behavior, biology, social structure, communication, conservation, wild wolves verses captive wolves and the differences and similarities between wolves, wolfdogs and dogs than I invite you to attend the wolf program I will be giving at the ENC on 1/23! – Skie Bender, Wolf Haven International

Reserve your spot HERE! 

Wolf Haven International (WHI) is a 501(c)(3) organization that has worked for wolf conservation since 1982. The mission of WHI is to conserve and protect wolves and their habitat.