REIGN OF WOLF 21: THE SAGA OF YELLOWSTONE'S LEGENDARY DRUID PACK / by Rick McIntyre
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1pjburnswriter
DISCLAIMER -- I received an uncorrected proof as a giveaway a while back and just got around to reading it.
This book is number two in the Saga of Yellowstone's Legendary Druid Pack. I had not read the first book, THE RISE OF WOLF 8 -- even though it would have provided some details to the story -- it was not necessary to enjoy this story which provides enough backdrop to keep the story flowing. There is also a third story in the series, REDEMPTION OF WOLF 302, which I would also like to read.
The author, Rick McIntyre, is a dedicated wolf observer (four years of everyday observation adding up to 1,461 days in a row). He writes incredibly detailed accounts of wolf behavior and the social dynamics within and between Yellowstone wolf packs.
The story is about wolf 21 and his life mate 42 and all the wolves that interact with them and their pack during the time period of 2000 - 2004. At the height of the Druid Pack, there were thirty-eight wolves, the largest wolf pack ever documented. The wolves are identified by numbers according to what radio tracking device is on their collar. If there is a wolf that is prominent in the pack without a radio collar it is given a name based on some distinct marking pattern.
The story is more like detailed journal entries because the pace is fast and a large time span can be covered in one chapter. Keeps the story flowing fast but there a few times that he pauses to share more details about specific events or wolf personalities. Or you might see it a more a lecture that includes timelines that include stories and lessons. I think it bogged down a little with tracking the bloodlines of the wolves....almost like in the Bible when you get to the section where so and so begat so and so who begat so and so. Near the end I there were so many that I just quit trying to keep up who is who and just read the main story.
The maps were very cool and added lots to the content of the story as you could see the visual shift of the pack.
Several times the author makes the observation about the way 21 and 42 run the pack and how they had great leadership skills that were more supportive and respective of all members of the pack. I love the examples given on page 99 on how 21 interacted with 224 and 253.-- "That image of a father wolf risking his life to protect his mate and family forever defined the character of 21 for me." (p83)
The story is also about reintroducing the wolves to the Yellowstone area. The program goes above and beyond to make sure that wolves and humans do not interact because that causes problems for both groups -- sort of like the Prime Directive in Star Trek. The only time I remember them actually being proactive is when the pups are getting to comfortable around the roads so they yell or blow loud horns to make them more wary to venture on or toward the road. Another incidence was when they stopped traffic as far away as possible so that the wolves could cross the road in safety when moving from one area to another.
But while keeping the wolves and humans apart is a priority -- it is also a major task for them to educate humans about wolves and do reeducate when there is misinformation. There are many incidences where humans are brought in (not too close) to observe the wolves in their natural habitat and to have the chance to ask questions and learn. There were several occasions when this happened with the Native peoples and it was explained that this was the first time their generation had seen actual wolves that their ancestors had so much lives and learned from.
Through this whole story you get more connected to the wolves especially 21 and 42 because of their dedication to each other over their whole lifetime. The other wolf that grabbed my heart and interest was the wolf that became disabled when he continued to hurt his paws but was still an active and useful member of the pack.
Unfortunately, my uncorrected proof didn't have any of the photos mentioned.
Suggested for any nature lovers, animal lovers, and biography lovers.
This book is number two in the Saga of Yellowstone's Legendary Druid Pack. I had not read the first book, THE RISE OF WOLF 8 -- even though it would have provided some details to the story -- it was not necessary to enjoy this story which provides enough backdrop to keep the story flowing. There is also a third story in the series, REDEMPTION OF WOLF 302, which I would also like to read.
The author, Rick McIntyre, is a dedicated wolf observer (four years of everyday observation adding up to 1,461 days in a row). He writes incredibly detailed accounts of wolf behavior and the social dynamics within and between Yellowstone wolf packs.
The story is about wolf 21 and his life mate 42 and all the wolves that interact with them and their pack during the time period of 2000 - 2004. At the height of the Druid Pack, there were thirty-eight wolves, the largest wolf pack ever documented. The wolves are identified by numbers according to what radio tracking device is on their collar. If there is a wolf that is prominent in the pack without a radio collar it is given a name based on some distinct marking pattern.
The story is more like detailed journal entries because the pace is fast and a large time span can be covered in one chapter. Keeps the story flowing fast but there a few times that he pauses to share more details about specific events or wolf personalities. Or you might see it a more a lecture that includes timelines that include stories and lessons. I think it bogged down a little with tracking the bloodlines of the wolves....almost like in the Bible when you get to the section where so and so begat so and so who begat so and so. Near the end I there were so many that I just quit trying to keep up who is who and just read the main story.
The maps were very cool and added lots to the content of the story as you could see the visual shift of the pack.
Several times the author makes the observation about the way 21 and 42 run the pack and how they had great leadership skills that were more supportive and respective of all members of the pack. I love the examples given on page 99 on how 21 interacted with 224 and 253.-- "That image of a father wolf risking his life to protect his mate and family forever defined the character of 21 for me." (p83)
The story is also about reintroducing the wolves to the Yellowstone area. The program goes above and beyond to make sure that wolves and humans do not interact because that causes problems for both groups -- sort of like the Prime Directive in Star Trek. The only time I remember them actually being proactive is when the pups are getting to comfortable around the roads so they yell or blow loud horns to make them more wary to venture on or toward the road. Another incidence was when they stopped traffic as far away as possible so that the wolves could cross the road in safety when moving from one area to another.
But while keeping the wolves and humans apart is a priority -- it is also a major task for them to educate humans about wolves and do reeducate when there is misinformation. There are many incidences where humans are brought in (not too close) to observe the wolves in their natural habitat and to have the chance to ask questions and learn. There were several occasions when this happened with the Native peoples and it was explained that this was the first time their generation had seen actual wolves that their ancestors had so much lives and learned from.
Through this whole story you get more connected to the wolves especially 21 and 42 because of their dedication to each other over their whole lifetime. The other wolf that grabbed my heart and interest was the wolf that became disabled when he continued to hurt his paws but was still an active and useful member of the pack.
Unfortunately, my uncorrected proof didn't have any of the photos mentioned.
Suggested for any nature lovers, animal lovers, and biography lovers.
