1 00:00:05,538 --> 00:00:07,904 Less than 500 miles from the North Pole 2 00:00:08,141 --> 00:00:10,905 lies Canada's most distant frontier 3 00:00:11,077 --> 00:00:13,568 Ellesmere island. 4 00:00:16,249 --> 00:00:19,810 It takes a special kind of animal to survive here. 5 00:00:20,020 --> 00:00:23,456 This is one the arctic wolf. 6 00:00:26,292 --> 00:00:30,160 These hunters of the high Arctic have little fear of man. 7 00:00:30,397 --> 00:00:34,265 They roam this frozen wilderness beyond reach of the superstition, 8 00:00:34,367 --> 00:00:38,064 hatred and mistrust we have heaped upon their kind. 9 00:00:40,740 --> 00:00:41,900 Now, these wolves and men have met 10 00:00:42,308 --> 00:00:48,042 and the encounter has revealed some of the truth about these animals' lives. 11 00:01:30,323 --> 00:01:32,223 Unlike wolves in other parts of the world, 12 00:01:32,592 --> 00:01:35,527 these creatures live so far away from towns and cities 13 00:01:35,628 --> 00:01:38,461 that they have never been hunted or persecuted. 14 00:01:41,901 --> 00:01:45,393 Ellesmere is an island surrounded by pack ice most of the year, 15 00:01:45,939 --> 00:01:48,840 a harsh land about the size of Nebraska. 16 00:01:49,309 --> 00:01:52,506 Only someone with a passion for wolves would dream of tracking 17 00:01:52,846 --> 00:01:54,575 them into this desolate land. 18 00:01:57,016 --> 00:01:59,883 One such person is photographer Jim Brandenburg. 19 00:02:00,520 --> 00:02:01,714 He has been here before, 20 00:02:01,955 --> 00:02:05,083 on assignment for NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC magazine. 21 00:02:05,358 --> 00:02:07,417 Now the wolves have lured him back. 22 00:02:08,361 --> 00:02:10,522 Wolves have always been a favorite animal of mine. 23 00:02:10,830 --> 00:02:11,694 And I suppose one of the reasons 24 00:02:11,798 --> 00:02:14,562 they're my favorite animals is because they're so intelligent 25 00:02:14,667 --> 00:02:19,001 that intelligence makes it nearly impossible to film them 26 00:02:19,239 --> 00:02:21,867 in a more conventional place, say in the forested areas. 27 00:02:22,775 --> 00:02:25,107 And for some reason these Arctic wolves 28 00:02:25,178 --> 00:02:28,477 have got a quality about them where they tolerated us very well, 29 00:02:28,648 --> 00:02:32,516 and it became clear that it would make a wonderful story. 30 00:02:40,560 --> 00:02:43,324 The spring sunlight illuminates a world released from 31 00:02:43,563 --> 00:02:45,622 the long months of high Arctic winter. 32 00:02:54,440 --> 00:02:56,931 The polar bears patrol once again, 33 00:02:57,076 --> 00:02:58,907 but they are little threat to the wolves here, 34 00:02:59,145 --> 00:03:02,603 since they rarely move far from the sea. 35 00:03:05,552 --> 00:03:07,782 The wolves are more likely to chase them, 36 00:03:07,854 --> 00:03:09,151 according to Dave Mech, 37 00:03:09,455 --> 00:03:12,686 a wolf biologist with 30 year's experience. 38 00:03:12,926 --> 00:03:18,091 He came here with Jim Brandenburg to observe the pack and its den. 39 00:03:18,965 --> 00:03:22,264 It was a dream come true for me to finally get to Ellesmere Island. 40 00:03:22,502 --> 00:03:26,529 I had known about the wolves there for about 20 years. 41 00:03:27,006 --> 00:03:29,736 But I never thought I'd ever have a chance to work with them. 42 00:03:30,743 --> 00:03:33,678 Everywhere else in the world wolves have been so persecuted that 43 00:03:33,913 --> 00:03:35,676 they're extremely afraid of humans. 44 00:03:36,115 --> 00:03:38,481 And once can't get close enough to them to watch them. 45 00:03:38,718 --> 00:03:43,815 The area is so remote they're basically unafraid of humans. 46 00:03:47,727 --> 00:03:50,696 For the first time, Mech can watch from close up 47 00:03:50,863 --> 00:03:53,354 as a wolf pays homage to its pack leaders, 48 00:03:53,633 --> 00:03:57,626 known as the Alpha Male and the Alpha Female. 49 00:03:58,705 --> 00:04:02,163 The hierarchy of the group who dominates whom is reflected 50 00:04:02,442 --> 00:04:04,433 in body language and actions. 51 00:04:05,278 --> 00:04:08,304 By observing and analyzing the wolves behavior, 52 00:04:08,648 --> 00:04:14,109 scientists like Mech and understand the social structure of the family unit. 53 00:04:15,555 --> 00:04:17,989 To learn what I wanted I knew I had to find the den, 54 00:04:18,324 --> 00:04:21,953 The shelter where the wolves have their pups for a couple of months 55 00:04:22,195 --> 00:04:23,958 of the year in the summer. 56 00:04:24,197 --> 00:04:26,665 There's only one such den in about 1,000 square miles, 57 00:04:26,966 --> 00:04:29,196 so it took a long time to find it. 58 00:04:29,435 --> 00:04:32,427 Actually, I spent a solid week searching for it and was elated 59 00:04:32,672 --> 00:04:36,574 when I finally was able to locate it. 60 00:04:39,112 --> 00:04:42,047 There's very few such suitable dens around in this region 61 00:04:42,215 --> 00:04:46,743 because of the pervasive permafrost which prevents the wolves from digging. 62 00:04:47,153 --> 00:04:49,383 Having found the den, it was really clear to me 63 00:04:49,822 --> 00:04:52,723 why the wolves had chosen the sight. 64 00:04:53,026 --> 00:04:56,792 It was a beautiful rock cave at the end of a long ridge overlooking 65 00:04:57,130 --> 00:05:00,327 a wide valley with a stream flowing down the middle. 66 00:05:00,767 --> 00:05:05,431 And the wolves could look out in every direction for many miles. 67 00:05:06,272 --> 00:05:10,072 What Dave and Jim are about to observe and film in the short 68 00:05:10,476 --> 00:05:13,536 Arctic summer would give them a unique experience. 69 00:05:13,846 --> 00:05:17,043 They knew they had the possibility of living in the midst of this wild pack, 70 00:05:17,350 --> 00:05:18,578 almost becoming part of it. 71 00:05:19,118 --> 00:05:23,248 They found themselves amazingly close to "Mon", as they called her, 72 00:05:23,723 --> 00:05:27,181 as she took her pups out, probably fro the first time. 73 00:05:27,760 --> 00:05:30,786 These were not the mindless killers of fiction and fable. 74 00:05:31,331 --> 00:05:35,427 Finally, the men could begin to record the real story of these animals. 75 00:05:36,235 --> 00:05:38,601 Film making is an involved process 76 00:05:38,838 --> 00:05:43,502 lots of equipment, lots of boxes of lenses and cameras. 77 00:05:44,110 --> 00:05:48,672 In a remote location like this, especially, we need backup equipment. 78 00:05:48,915 --> 00:05:51,850 So we need extra beyond the normal. 79 00:05:52,185 --> 00:05:54,346 The wolves had picked the perfect den 80 00:05:54,687 --> 00:05:57,315 and we did try to find the perfect campsite. 81 00:05:57,523 --> 00:06:01,015 We wanted to be close enough to the wolf den to keep an eye on it, 82 00:06:01,194 --> 00:06:04,129 yet not too close to put pressure on the pack 83 00:06:04,464 --> 00:06:07,558 and the daily activity of rearing the pups. 84 00:06:10,336 --> 00:06:13,794 Again, one of the reasons I respect wolves so much is you can't fool them. 85 00:06:14,207 --> 00:06:16,573 As a wildlife photographer you learn very quickly 86 00:06:16,676 --> 00:06:19,474 techniques that you can use to sneak up on animals. 87 00:06:19,612 --> 00:06:23,207 Either using a hide or a blind, or long lenses. 88 00:06:25,017 --> 00:06:28,783 In such difficult terrain, teamwork is essential. 89 00:06:29,422 --> 00:06:32,084 We were able to work quite well together because of the fact that 90 00:06:32,191 --> 00:06:34,887 both of us needed the same thing. 91 00:06:35,261 --> 00:06:39,357 To photograph wolves or to observe them you've got to get close. 92 00:06:39,732 --> 00:06:43,327 The main thing we had to watch out for was just that we didn't disturb them. 93 00:06:43,970 --> 00:06:45,096 With this kind of light, Dave, 94 00:06:45,438 --> 00:06:46,735 I think we'll have to get a little closer. 95 00:06:47,006 --> 00:06:48,439 It's awfully murky and heavy light. 96 00:06:49,108 --> 00:06:51,576 Yeah, I think we can do it. 97 00:06:53,946 --> 00:06:55,379 They don't show any sign of being disturbed now. 98 00:06:57,383 --> 00:06:59,613 If Mom is like last year she'll be quite tolerant. 99 00:07:00,286 --> 00:07:02,447 Yeah, but we can't take a chance. It might not even be her. 100 00:07:03,189 --> 00:07:04,053 Right. 101 00:07:04,557 --> 00:07:05,922 Let's just go slowly at first. 102 00:07:09,295 --> 00:07:11,923 There's nowhere to hide in this barren landscape, 103 00:07:12,165 --> 00:07:15,191 and the wolves see or sense anything that moves. 104 00:07:16,869 --> 00:07:19,929 Mom knows the men are there but tolerates their careful, 105 00:07:20,173 --> 00:07:21,435 patient approach. 106 00:07:31,884 --> 00:07:35,183 The pups were born in May; now five weeks old, 107 00:07:35,421 --> 00:07:37,286 they are constantly exploring. 108 00:07:48,334 --> 00:07:50,996 For Dave Mech, this unusually intimate view provided 109 00:07:51,237 --> 00:07:53,831 important new information. 110 00:07:55,541 --> 00:07:57,532 Already the benefits of watching the wolves so close up 111 00:07:57,877 --> 00:08:00,573 became apparent when I was able to see them nursing. 112 00:08:01,047 --> 00:08:05,950 I could determine how long the pups nursed at each bout, 113 00:08:06,185 --> 00:08:09,677 how many bouts there were each day, 114 00:08:09,922 --> 00:08:12,083 and then watch this progress throughout the summer 115 00:08:12,325 --> 00:08:14,623 until finally weaning took place. 116 00:08:23,135 --> 00:08:26,229 Although it's almost midsummer, the day is freezing cold 117 00:08:26,472 --> 00:08:28,133 A new experience for the pups. 118 00:08:28,808 --> 00:08:30,366 They spent the first weeks of life in the den, 119 00:08:30,610 --> 00:08:32,703 sheltered by their mother's warmth. 120 00:08:33,646 --> 00:08:37,673 Luckily, there are places to get away from the chilling wind. 121 00:08:48,094 --> 00:08:50,654 The pups are a picture of quiet innocence, 122 00:08:50,930 --> 00:08:52,989 far removed from any image of wicked wolves howling 123 00:08:53,232 --> 00:08:55,666 for blood in the night. 124 00:08:56,502 --> 00:09:01,405 Still, it's the howl that has always intrigued Jim Brandenburg. 125 00:09:02,441 --> 00:09:05,342 Well, of all the sounds of nature I really believe that the 126 00:09:05,478 --> 00:09:09,346 wolf howl is the most evocative and the most mysterious. 127 00:09:09,582 --> 00:09:12,710 I believe also that wolves have possibly gotten their bad reputation 128 00:09:12,818 --> 00:09:14,183 because of the howl. 129 00:09:26,432 --> 00:09:27,330 To the wolves, 130 00:09:27,567 --> 00:09:31,128 howling is a very important part of communication their community spirit. 131 00:09:31,604 --> 00:09:34,698 It's sort of like the glue that holds the family together. 132 00:09:36,075 --> 00:09:39,340 I'd never been able to watch wild wolves while they were howling. 133 00:09:39,579 --> 00:09:43,777 So! Wanted to look at howling very closely in all of its forms. 134 00:09:45,518 --> 00:09:48,419 It's especially nice to be able to watch them while they're doing it. 135 00:09:48,654 --> 00:09:51,748 You can't do that down in the forested areas but... 136 00:09:54,260 --> 00:09:58,663 That Alpha Male, to me, has the most distinctive voice for his... 137 00:09:59,465 --> 00:10:01,990 Halfway through the howl he changes an octave. 138 00:10:09,842 --> 00:10:11,036 Wish I knew what it all meant though, 139 00:10:11,844 --> 00:10:14,176 you know, just like a lot of the sounds they make. 140 00:10:15,581 --> 00:10:18,948 Um, you know that half bark. There's a half bark that goes. 141 00:10:19,452 --> 00:10:22,853 Yeah, that's perfect. Yeah. 142 00:10:24,090 --> 00:10:27,958 You know I sneezed today and the wolves all looked up. 143 00:10:28,194 --> 00:10:31,493 And I was reminded that that probably means to them there's danger coming. 144 00:10:31,697 --> 00:10:33,631 They didn't know if one of the wolves did it or... 145 00:10:33,966 --> 00:10:34,364 Yeah. 146 00:10:34,734 --> 00:10:36,031 Then they realized it was me. 147 00:10:36,268 --> 00:10:37,257 It's that staccato kind of a sound. 148 00:10:37,770 --> 00:10:39,465 The mid-back, the one that's really dominant, 149 00:10:39,839 --> 00:10:42,467 came over to the pups and they all ran up to it, 150 00:10:43,175 --> 00:10:45,234 And they started mobbing her like they do, 151 00:10:45,578 --> 00:10:48,138 and she was kind of upset in the process. 152 00:10:48,447 --> 00:10:49,971 And she kind of barked at em. 153 00:10:50,650 --> 00:10:54,017 And it was just a half bark, but instantly both Mom and Shaggy 154 00:10:54,387 --> 00:10:57,584 ran right up to her with tail between their legs and their rump 155 00:10:57,723 --> 00:11:00,248 was down and completely submissive. 156 00:11:00,693 --> 00:11:03,992 It was a wonderful display, but it was all provoked 157 00:11:04,230 --> 00:11:05,197 by that one half bark. 158 00:11:05,831 --> 00:11:07,958 So, you know, I wish we could understand these things more. 159 00:11:08,267 --> 00:11:10,735 But it's sure intriguing to watch them all. 160 00:11:12,738 --> 00:11:16,299 There are equally intriguing topics, such as the behavior of the pups. 161 00:11:16,942 --> 00:11:19,843 As they've grown, their play has become more boisterous. 162 00:11:20,780 --> 00:11:22,577 The pups play for hours on end. 163 00:11:23,149 --> 00:11:27,017 It gives them exercise, allows them to develop muscle tone, 164 00:11:27,353 --> 00:11:30,550 and to practice various behavior patterns that they'll use for the 165 00:11:30,790 --> 00:11:33,918 rest of their lives like running, pouncing, stalking, 166 00:11:34,160 --> 00:11:36,458 and even submitting to each other. 167 00:11:44,203 --> 00:11:47,695 Competing for food is a very important part of every wolf's life 168 00:11:47,940 --> 00:11:49,066 even amongst litter mates. 169 00:11:50,309 --> 00:11:53,870 A pup grabs a feather and tries to hold onto it as long as he can. 170 00:11:54,680 --> 00:11:57,672 This is similar to grabbing a piece of food and holding it. 171 00:11:58,517 --> 00:12:01,953 In this respect learning tug-of-war becomes very important. 172 00:12:02,188 --> 00:12:05,282 Today it's a feather, tomorrow it's a whole bird. 173 00:12:32,251 --> 00:12:35,243 Now six weeks old, the pups have developed an urge to wander. 174 00:12:36,088 --> 00:12:39,319 Their cautious parents attempt to control their exuberance. 175 00:12:41,327 --> 00:12:44,626 Pups sometimes roam as far as half a mile from the den, 176 00:12:44,864 --> 00:12:46,957 but they are easily found and disciplined. 177 00:12:48,000 --> 00:12:51,697 The young face little danger since there are no large predators around, 178 00:12:52,404 --> 00:12:56,340 such as the birds of prey that hunt young wolves elsewhere in the world. 179 00:12:58,944 --> 00:13:01,242 Still, the parents keep the pups in line, 180 00:13:01,480 --> 00:13:03,243 carefully maintaining the pecking order or 181 00:13:03,482 --> 00:13:05,882 "dominance hierarchy" of the pack. 182 00:13:08,287 --> 00:13:10,619 Mech is now investigating several areas of behavior, 183 00:13:10,856 --> 00:13:14,417 including the pups development and the reasons for 184 00:13:14,660 --> 00:13:16,423 the wolf's notorious howl. 185 00:13:24,503 --> 00:13:27,700 When a pack wakes up they may begin to howl, 186 00:13:27,940 --> 00:13:30,306 and even the pups attempt to join in. 187 00:13:35,047 --> 00:13:39,074 In the silence of the Arctic, the sound travels long distances. 188 00:13:39,385 --> 00:13:43,845 To other wolves it means "stay away", "keep off our turf..." 189 00:13:44,223 --> 00:13:46,350 The pack is fiercely territorial. 190 00:13:49,595 --> 00:13:52,928 Brandenburg noticed that the chorus often preceded a hunt, 191 00:13:53,165 --> 00:13:56,692 a useful cue for him to get ready to film. 192 00:14:02,007 --> 00:14:04,601 It seems an unkind trick of nature that the arctic hares of 193 00:14:04,844 --> 00:14:07,972 Ellesmere keep their white coats in the summer. 194 00:14:08,581 --> 00:14:12,244 Easy to spot, they are a favorite and nutritious food for wolves. 195 00:14:13,185 --> 00:14:17,679 Although a hare can weigh eight pounds a wolf can down two in one day. 196 00:14:20,059 --> 00:14:23,222 The hares must rely on their agility and speed to escape. 197 00:14:23,729 --> 00:14:26,357 They can run and stand on their hind legs, 198 00:14:26,732 --> 00:14:29,462 which enables them to spot danger from a distance. 199 00:14:33,105 --> 00:14:34,800 Unlike their parents, 200 00:14:35,040 --> 00:14:37,008 young hares blend in with the environment and stay perfectly 201 00:14:37,243 --> 00:14:40,076 still when wolves are nearby. 202 00:14:46,352 --> 00:14:48,980 Among the most impressive beasts of the high Arctic are the 203 00:14:49,221 --> 00:14:52,952 musk oxen shaggy wanderers that graze in the wilderness 204 00:14:53,192 --> 00:14:55,353 a great challenge to the wolves. 205 00:14:56,095 --> 00:14:57,585 How far off would you say that is, Dave? 206 00:14:59,231 --> 00:15:01,222 Oh, I'd guess a mile. 207 00:15:01,667 --> 00:15:03,134 Close to a mile. That's what I would say. 208 00:15:05,304 --> 00:15:07,636 Well, I see at least five musk oxen. 209 00:15:09,008 --> 00:15:10,839 They must have journeyed up from the valley below. 210 00:15:12,444 --> 00:15:16,312 I don't know if they're trying to unnerve the musk oxen... 211 00:15:17,416 --> 00:15:21,079 Those animals can't eat now while they're all grouped up like that. 212 00:15:25,624 --> 00:15:27,455 I wonder if there's a calf in there? 213 00:15:27,726 --> 00:15:30,627 There must be a calf in there somewhere. 214 00:15:34,533 --> 00:15:36,501 Yeah, there is a calf, right in the middle there. 215 00:15:42,141 --> 00:15:43,768 That's why they're so interested. 216 00:15:47,146 --> 00:15:50,980 A standing circle of musk oxen present a formidable defense. 217 00:15:51,684 --> 00:15:54,983 But it's part of the nature of wolves to attack and 218 00:15:55,220 --> 00:15:56,710 kill animals larger than themselves. 219 00:15:57,189 --> 00:16:00,181 It's a skill that Mech and Brandenburg are eager to document. 220 00:16:01,994 --> 00:16:05,225 Yeah, that male, that male wolf is heading away. 221 00:16:05,497 --> 00:16:11,925 Looks like they've lost interest, huh? He's going right by them. 222 00:16:12,271 --> 00:16:13,863 Yeah, they're probably going back to the den. 223 00:16:15,040 --> 00:16:17,474 That's very defensible position those musk oxen are in. 224 00:16:18,043 --> 00:16:20,238 Maybe if there were more wolves. 225 00:16:21,280 --> 00:16:25,046 This is a usual situation if they don't make a kill. 226 00:16:25,584 --> 00:16:29,850 The difficulties of filming a hunt begin to present Brandenburg 227 00:16:30,089 --> 00:16:33,616 with as much of a challenge as the wolves face in their quest for food. 228 00:16:50,342 --> 00:16:51,832 In the perpetual light of summer, 229 00:16:52,177 --> 00:16:54,645 the Arctic can become surprisingly warm. 230 00:16:55,581 --> 00:16:58,072 On these July days, huddling is no longer vital 231 00:16:58,317 --> 00:17:01,445 for the comfort of the pups, now two months old. 232 00:17:07,993 --> 00:17:09,085 As summer races on, 233 00:17:09,395 --> 00:17:11,955 the heart of Ellesmere's tundra blossoms briefly. 234 00:17:19,371 --> 00:17:21,362 Long-tailed jaegers raise their chicks among the 235 00:17:21,607 --> 00:17:23,370 dwarf willow and mosses. 236 00:17:27,312 --> 00:17:29,246 Wolves often pass close to the nest on the ground but rarely 237 00:17:29,481 --> 00:17:32,848 take advantage of the easy prey. 238 00:17:33,652 --> 00:17:37,213 They jaegers, nevertheless, are wary of both wolves and people. 239 00:17:58,644 --> 00:18:00,236 The wolves appear surprisingly indifferent 240 00:18:00,479 --> 00:18:03,175 to these aggressive summer visitors. 241 00:18:03,582 --> 00:18:06,107 They seem unwilling to compromise their dignity 242 00:18:06,351 --> 00:18:07,613 in battle with the jaegers. 243 00:18:08,320 --> 00:18:11,380 They'll save their energy for catching a young musk ox. 244 00:18:14,293 --> 00:18:17,820 Both the jaegers and the wolves have an eye on the human visitors, 245 00:18:18,063 --> 00:18:19,257 who've stopped for lunch. 246 00:18:20,132 --> 00:18:23,295 As we lay there watching the wolves they'd often come up and check us out. 247 00:18:23,869 --> 00:18:27,327 Of course, it was tempting to give them a little bit of our lunch 248 00:18:27,573 --> 00:18:30,167 and they welcomed any tidbit that they could find. 249 00:18:36,982 --> 00:18:40,748 This helped develop a rapport between them and us that was very 250 00:18:40,986 --> 00:18:44,217 useful to our being able to observe them close up. 251 00:19:07,679 --> 00:19:09,112 It's a remarkable moment 252 00:19:09,515 --> 00:19:13,246 an encounter between bird, wolf, and man. 253 00:19:15,254 --> 00:19:18,985 Still, the boldness of the wolves created some anxiety. 254 00:19:19,992 --> 00:19:23,951 Camping out right in the wolves back yard created a situation 255 00:19:24,196 --> 00:19:27,791 where I had the feeling at any time the wolves could have gone 256 00:19:28,033 --> 00:19:29,500 in and really torn the camp apart. 257 00:19:30,002 --> 00:19:32,334 Because if they see something within their territory 258 00:19:32,571 --> 00:19:35,938 that's like a toy, a plaything they grab it and run around, 259 00:19:36,141 --> 00:19:38,166 tease each other with it. 260 00:19:38,544 --> 00:19:41,536 And, of course, they seem to have a little more confidence. 261 00:19:41,647 --> 00:19:43,706 And I think at times they felt we were intruding 262 00:19:43,849 --> 00:19:46,750 and they could do pretty much what they wanted. 263 00:19:57,095 --> 00:19:59,393 At times it pays to "speak wolf". 264 00:20:03,735 --> 00:20:07,102 Every day, Jim Brandenburg is listening as well as watching, 265 00:20:07,339 --> 00:20:10,206 trying to anticipate the moment when the pack will set off to 266 00:20:10,442 --> 00:20:12,307 track down a musk ox herd. 267 00:20:24,289 --> 00:20:27,850 This particular day they woke up and predictably after a long sleep, 268 00:20:28,093 --> 00:20:31,494 woke up with lots of excitement. 269 00:20:31,830 --> 00:20:35,061 And I sensed very strongly that something big was about to happen. 270 00:20:35,534 --> 00:20:39,368 Some days they would leave the den site and kind of wander 271 00:20:39,605 --> 00:20:42,369 casually and be gone for a couple hours and come right back. 272 00:20:42,608 --> 00:20:45,168 But this particular day they took off in a straight line towards the east, 273 00:20:45,410 --> 00:20:48,277 single file, a very quick pace, 274 00:20:48,513 --> 00:20:50,674 the kind of pace that even with the advantage of machines 275 00:20:50,916 --> 00:20:52,508 it was very difficult to keep up. 276 00:20:58,357 --> 00:21:01,121 The rough ground is no obstacle for an arctic wolf. 277 00:21:01,593 --> 00:21:03,322 Each travels purposefully. 278 00:21:03,962 --> 00:21:08,160 The pack has spread out but keeps in touch by howling from time to time. 279 00:21:15,073 --> 00:21:17,166 While the wolves are within range of the den, 280 00:21:17,409 --> 00:21:21,971 their howls are heard by the pups and the female that watches over them. 281 00:21:23,982 --> 00:21:26,883 Brandenburg, loaded with film stock and rations, 282 00:21:27,119 --> 00:21:30,486 is prepared to travel for days to film a major hunt. 283 00:21:33,992 --> 00:21:37,860 One of the advantages of working in the high Arctic that you don't find 284 00:21:38,096 --> 00:21:40,690 in lower latitudes is you have 24 hours of daylight. 285 00:21:41,667 --> 00:21:44,329 Here the wolves could never really get away from us and in the sense 286 00:21:44,436 --> 00:21:47,564 that they were always on stage with the lights full on. 287 00:21:47,839 --> 00:21:50,569 And if we could simply keep up with them, and had enough time, 288 00:21:50,809 --> 00:21:54,370 eventually that scene could be played out in front of us. 289 00:22:06,124 --> 00:22:09,355 There are anxious moments when the wolves are far ahead, out of sight. 290 00:22:10,028 --> 00:22:13,862 Brandenburg has only their tracks and his intuition to follow. 291 00:22:20,772 --> 00:22:25,072 The wolves have traveled 30 miles from the den, and Jim is still behind. 292 00:22:25,310 --> 00:22:27,505 Finally, he catches up to the pack 293 00:22:27,846 --> 00:22:31,213 as they search for a place to cross a deep, fast-flowing river. 294 00:22:39,124 --> 00:22:43,493 Again, his hopes of filming an attack on musk oxen are crushed. 295 00:22:45,263 --> 00:22:46,924 It was quite a frustrating experience 296 00:22:47,165 --> 00:22:50,498 watching the wolves continue on in the distance out of sight, 297 00:22:50,736 --> 00:22:55,070 knowing that they were clearly going on to some fairly intense action. 298 00:22:58,377 --> 00:23:01,312 With summer running out, Mech and Brandenburg decide 299 00:23:01,546 --> 00:23:03,776 that a change in plan is imperative. 300 00:23:09,955 --> 00:23:12,287 Rather than follow the pack, they'll sit tight, 301 00:23:12,724 --> 00:23:16,285 following all that happens right here for the next 24 hours. 302 00:23:20,365 --> 00:23:25,200 It made sense to commit a complete 24 hour documentation from one spot; 303 00:23:25,437 --> 00:23:27,098 Watch everything that happened, 304 00:23:27,339 --> 00:23:29,068 try to film the highlights of the behavior. 305 00:23:29,307 --> 00:23:34,438 And I'd hoped to show an aspect of a day in the life of the wolf pack, 306 00:23:35,247 --> 00:23:37,715 near the den site, their coming and going, 307 00:23:38,016 --> 00:23:40,541 their interaction, their naps, their sleeps. 308 00:23:40,786 --> 00:23:43,448 Anything that might happen within that 24 hour period. 309 00:23:45,357 --> 00:23:46,289 Here comes one. 310 00:23:47,959 --> 00:23:48,948 He's go hind feet 311 00:23:52,697 --> 00:23:54,096 or she does, it's a female. 312 00:23:56,435 --> 00:23:57,493 It's interesting, usually they bring just the 313 00:23:57,736 --> 00:24:00,364 hind quarter back, or often they do. 314 00:24:00,939 --> 00:24:03,100 But I mean I've never seen them bring the front quarters. 315 00:24:03,909 --> 00:24:05,308 They may bring the whole hare. 316 00:24:05,911 --> 00:24:08,436 The strategy begins to pay off almost at once. 317 00:24:09,181 --> 00:24:12,548 A small drama of pack life unfolds within camera range 318 00:24:12,784 --> 00:24:16,686 another demonstration of the way a wolf's behavior indicates 319 00:24:16,922 --> 00:24:18,947 its rank in the family unit. 320 00:24:21,359 --> 00:24:23,725 It appear that as part of their membership in the pack, 321 00:24:23,962 --> 00:24:27,659 the subordinates have to bring food home to the pups each day. 322 00:24:28,633 --> 00:24:32,000 This probably helps maintain their status in the pack. 323 00:24:32,938 --> 00:24:35,668 Even when hungry themselves the subordinates 324 00:24:35,907 --> 00:24:38,034 still will deliver food to the pups. 325 00:24:41,146 --> 00:24:45,082 It seems that the dominant wolves need to show their subordinates that, 326 00:24:45,317 --> 00:24:47,979 even though the underlings have brought offerings of food, 327 00:24:48,220 --> 00:24:49,687 they must not forget who's boss. 328 00:24:58,530 --> 00:25:01,363 As I watched them closely, I noticed that from time to time 329 00:25:01,600 --> 00:25:05,058 subordinates would actually steal food from the pups. 330 00:25:06,004 --> 00:25:09,098 Most are young animals that are still learning how to hunt themselves 331 00:25:09,341 --> 00:25:13,539 so this surplus food forms an important part of their diet. 332 00:25:14,679 --> 00:25:16,146 Wish I knew which male that was. 333 00:25:17,115 --> 00:25:17,979 I think it's the one that limps. 334 00:25:19,117 --> 00:25:20,914 Left shoulder's the one that's limping, though. 335 00:25:21,152 --> 00:25:22,983 He's got a little limp in his left hind leg 336 00:25:23,221 --> 00:25:25,951 today as well as his left front. 337 00:25:30,662 --> 00:25:33,927 Telling each of the pack members apart was always a challenge 338 00:25:34,165 --> 00:25:36,133 and a difficult thing to do. 339 00:25:36,535 --> 00:25:40,096 However, we were aided by the fact that the Alpha Male usually 340 00:25:40,338 --> 00:25:43,466 dominated the other members of the pack. 341 00:25:43,708 --> 00:25:46,199 And in doing so held his tail in the air. 342 00:25:49,948 --> 00:25:51,813 To keep track of individual wolves. 343 00:25:52,250 --> 00:25:56,414 Mech uses names like Shaggy, Scruffy, and Lone Ranger. 344 00:25:57,188 --> 00:25:59,918 His observations show him that the Alpha Male has another 345 00:26:00,158 --> 00:26:02,922 recognition signal besides tail waiving. 346 00:26:04,829 --> 00:26:06,797 The Alpha Male was also distinctive in that 347 00:26:07,032 --> 00:26:09,557 he raised his leg when he urinated. 348 00:26:10,068 --> 00:26:12,298 The Alpha Female does that as well. 349 00:26:12,637 --> 00:26:15,367 This raised-leg urination is a way of bonding 350 00:26:15,607 --> 00:26:18,440 the two together in a sexual tie. 351 00:26:19,144 --> 00:26:22,841 That tie is recognized by all the other members of the pack. 352 00:26:31,222 --> 00:26:33,656 It's quite warm today on Ellesmere Island, 353 00:26:33,959 --> 00:26:35,824 and the wolves, with their shaggy coats, 354 00:26:36,061 --> 00:26:38,894 may need some way of cooling down in the bright sunlight. 355 00:26:39,731 --> 00:26:42,495 Below the surface of the tundra lies cooler soil. 356 00:26:43,401 --> 00:26:45,392 The animals have little trouble reaching it. 357 00:26:53,378 --> 00:26:55,573 The softest spots are the heathery hillsides. 358 00:26:55,814 --> 00:26:58,146 I've actually watched wolves sleep there for 359 00:26:58,383 --> 00:26:59,645 as long as 18 hours at a time. 360 00:27:06,825 --> 00:27:07,883 There's not much happening. 361 00:27:08,693 --> 00:27:11,253 Jim, I think I'm gonna run a little test while the light it 362 00:27:11,496 --> 00:27:14,090 about the same and the wind, 363 00:27:14,332 --> 00:27:17,631 And I'm also in the same position. 364 00:27:18,203 --> 00:27:20,831 I'm gonna run down, get out of sight and howl. 365 00:27:21,239 --> 00:27:22,433 And I'll go quite a ways. 366 00:27:22,874 --> 00:27:24,671 I'm gonna imitate a strange wolf that's scared. 367 00:27:24,943 --> 00:27:25,807 Sound good. 368 00:27:26,044 --> 00:27:28,205 Yeah. I'll record what time it was when I howled so if you get 369 00:27:28,446 --> 00:27:31,677 a response here you record the time that you get the response. 370 00:27:31,916 --> 00:27:34,942 Yeah. Yeah. See you later. 371 00:27:35,387 --> 00:27:37,082 Thanks. I'll see you later. 372 00:29:13,551 --> 00:29:16,543 Eventually, Dave's imitations seem to have another effect. 373 00:29:17,055 --> 00:29:18,386 The pack is drawing to gether, 374 00:29:18,623 --> 00:29:22,081 though there may be some other cause for the excitement. 375 00:29:35,073 --> 00:29:38,634 Two of the pack are waving their tails as signals of leadership, 376 00:29:39,010 --> 00:29:41,604 telling the others that they are in charge. 377 00:29:42,113 --> 00:29:44,308 Mech, however, has seen nothing of this. 378 00:29:46,151 --> 00:29:46,879 So what happened? 379 00:29:47,118 --> 00:29:51,646 Soon as you howled they listened, but no one moved. 380 00:29:51,890 --> 00:29:54,017 And it was a very casual kind of response. 381 00:29:54,826 --> 00:29:56,453 What, these other two came back... 382 00:29:56,761 --> 00:29:58,956 Yeah, it was the Alpha Male and Midback came back... 383 00:29:59,197 --> 00:30:00,164 Ok. 384 00:30:00,799 --> 00:30:02,289 With their tails up really high. 385 00:30:02,634 --> 00:30:04,397 Clearly an expression of "we're in charge'. 386 00:30:04,836 --> 00:30:07,100 They had a fight down on the draw here 387 00:30:07,372 --> 00:30:08,964 With one of the other females? 388 00:30:10,008 --> 00:30:11,134 Couldn't see them. 389 00:30:11,376 --> 00:30:15,278 Then they ran up on the hillside here and there was a mass of wolves. 390 00:30:16,214 --> 00:30:17,613 It was difficult to sort it out. 391 00:30:18,349 --> 00:30:20,442 They were pinning each other. 392 00:30:21,519 --> 00:30:23,487 They were growling, biting, tails in the air. 393 00:30:24,422 --> 00:30:27,118 A mass and a swirl, a swirling of wolves right out 394 00:30:27,358 --> 00:30:28,950 here in the green, green area. 395 00:30:29,194 --> 00:30:30,126 And it's hard to say what... 396 00:30:30,361 --> 00:30:31,953 Did the pups get in on any of that stuff? 397 00:30:32,197 --> 00:30:33,425 A little. 398 00:30:34,299 --> 00:30:37,860 They were following around but it was the big kids. 399 00:30:40,939 --> 00:30:43,100 The 24 hour vigil is paying off. 400 00:30:43,741 --> 00:30:46,039 Despite some long periods of inactivity, 401 00:30:46,277 --> 00:30:48,802 there is also some intriguing behavior 402 00:30:51,850 --> 00:30:54,944 Another arctic hare has been brought in for the pups, 403 00:30:55,186 --> 00:30:55,880 their second of the day. 404 00:30:56,588 --> 00:30:59,216 At 10 weeks old, the young wolves are highly competitive. 405 00:31:03,261 --> 00:31:05,695 When a pup is lucky enough to get a large piece of prey 406 00:31:05,930 --> 00:31:09,297 he has to run as far away as he can to avoid having 407 00:31:09,534 --> 00:31:10,899 it stolen by his litter mates. 408 00:31:18,142 --> 00:31:19,939 At this point I get the impression that no one pup dominates 409 00:31:20,178 --> 00:31:25,241 the others and that all tend to get their share of the food. 410 00:31:34,626 --> 00:31:37,686 When a large chunk of meat is brought in by a subordinate, 411 00:31:37,929 --> 00:31:40,489 The Alpha pair are the first to try and steal it. 412 00:31:40,965 --> 00:31:44,162 But a tug of war develops that allows each member of the pack 413 00:31:44,402 --> 00:31:45,835 to get a portion of the food. 414 00:31:51,976 --> 00:31:53,238 The hare was caught nearby. 415 00:31:53,778 --> 00:31:57,646 When prey is killed too far away to be brought back in an animal's jaws, 416 00:31:57,882 --> 00:32:01,147 There is an alternative "catch-and-carry system". 417 00:32:02,987 --> 00:32:04,921 As pups are weaned from nursing 418 00:32:05,156 --> 00:32:08,853 more and more of their food comes from regurgitation by the adults. 419 00:32:09,594 --> 00:32:12,654 The adults feed perhaps miles from the pups, 420 00:32:12,897 --> 00:32:16,958 carry the food in their stomach and bring it back to the den. 421 00:32:17,335 --> 00:32:19,394 As an adult approaches with a full stomach it's really exciting 422 00:32:19,637 --> 00:32:21,764 to watch the pups mob it, 423 00:32:22,006 --> 00:32:23,997 Particularly licking around their mouths. 424 00:32:24,475 --> 00:32:27,876 And this triggers the adult to regurgitate to them. 425 00:32:29,881 --> 00:32:33,009 Several weeks of watching it at a distance was quite frustrating. 426 00:32:33,284 --> 00:32:35,013 I had always hoped to be at close hand while that happened 427 00:32:35,253 --> 00:32:37,778 because it was a very important part of behavior to film. 428 00:32:39,590 --> 00:32:43,720 The 24-hour watch gave an opportunity to see this happen close at hand. 429 00:32:55,940 --> 00:32:59,899 The Alpha Female brought back a nice meal for the puppies. 430 00:33:00,178 --> 00:33:03,079 She for some reason chose not to do it to my back this time. 431 00:33:03,481 --> 00:33:07,247 She unloaded her precious cargo right in front of the camera. 432 00:33:07,986 --> 00:33:09,817 And the pups quickly gobbled it up. 433 00:33:12,123 --> 00:33:14,387 Remaining alert throughout the 24 hours is not easy, 434 00:33:14,659 --> 00:33:17,890 But the plan's success makes it worthwhile. 435 00:33:19,430 --> 00:33:21,398 Brandenburg can finally rest, 436 00:33:21,632 --> 00:33:25,591 but his dream of photographing a musk ox hunt is not forgotten. 437 00:33:27,739 --> 00:33:30,708 During Mech's turn on watch, the wolves grow curious. 438 00:33:33,411 --> 00:33:35,606 From the start, Mom was the friendliest 439 00:33:35,847 --> 00:33:37,508 and most tolerant of the group. 440 00:33:37,949 --> 00:33:40,713 This visit from her is a sign of the increasing trust 441 00:33:40,952 --> 00:33:43,750 and rapport between wolf and man. 442 00:33:59,037 --> 00:34:03,235 Curiosity satisfied for the time being she sets off across the valley, 443 00:34:03,408 --> 00:34:06,969 Leaving behind two very contented observers. 444 00:34:17,488 --> 00:34:20,423 Before this visit to Ellsemere, the closest Dave Mech 445 00:34:20,625 --> 00:34:24,459 had managed to come to a wild wolf was 15 feet. 446 00:34:24,695 --> 00:34:26,993 Now a wolf has come to him, 447 00:34:27,465 --> 00:34:32,869 and these 24 hours have been the most productive in his career. 448 00:34:35,273 --> 00:34:38,640 As the wolves bed down and the team's vigil finally ends, 449 00:34:38,876 --> 00:34:43,438 Mech decides on his next move to take advantage of this rare situation. 450 00:34:44,082 --> 00:34:47,108 I really wanted to see just how close I could get to the pups. 451 00:34:48,519 --> 00:34:49,952 If I could get close enough 452 00:34:50,188 --> 00:34:53,089 I could identify each one individually perhaps. 453 00:34:53,324 --> 00:34:56,452 Or at least find a way of marking them so that I could. 454 00:34:56,828 --> 00:34:59,524 And that would allow me then to see if there's any particular 455 00:34:59,764 --> 00:35:02,289 individual who was more aggressive than the others, 456 00:35:02,533 --> 00:35:06,765 or got more food, or perhaps was more exploratory. 457 00:35:07,171 --> 00:35:09,537 But all this would require that I get close to them. 458 00:35:10,441 --> 00:35:13,433 I also wanted to see just how Mom would regard me 459 00:35:13,578 --> 00:35:16,706 when I was that close to her pups. 460 00:35:20,118 --> 00:35:23,053 It's three a.m. On a sunny but chilly night. 461 00:35:24,222 --> 00:35:27,885 For whatever reason, Mom began to howl and the pups joined in. 462 00:35:28,593 --> 00:35:30,527 I would have loved to have joined them as well, 463 00:35:30,895 --> 00:35:33,796 But being so close to the den I thought perhaps my howl 464 00:35:34,031 --> 00:35:36,295 would have upset the entire pack. 465 00:35:36,601 --> 00:35:40,037 Nevertheless, I couldn't resist at least going through the motions. 466 00:35:52,016 --> 00:35:55,179 When he first arrived on Ellesmere, Mech could not be sure 467 00:35:55,486 --> 00:35:58,114 that the would ever get this close to the arctic wolves. 468 00:35:58,923 --> 00:36:01,551 But the short summer season is almost over. 469 00:36:02,326 --> 00:36:04,817 The men still dream of following the pack on a major hunt 470 00:36:05,029 --> 00:36:07,156 before the arrival of winter. 471 00:36:18,276 --> 00:36:20,335 Time was running out, and I knew this hunt 472 00:36:20,578 --> 00:36:22,637 sequence was crucial to the success of the film. 473 00:36:23,948 --> 00:36:26,712 In some ways the longer I waited the better the chances got. 474 00:36:27,885 --> 00:36:31,116 As the pups get older they require more and more food. 475 00:36:31,489 --> 00:36:34,549 And the pack becomes more and more intent upon finding that food. 476 00:36:38,896 --> 00:36:41,126 The weather was right, we were well rested, 477 00:36:41,365 --> 00:36:42,832 the wolves were very intent, 478 00:36:43,067 --> 00:36:45,831 so this particular day all the signals were right. 479 00:36:47,672 --> 00:36:50,573 I had my own reason for wanting to watch a kill up close. 480 00:36:50,808 --> 00:36:54,039 In the past I've seen several from aircraft. 481 00:36:54,278 --> 00:36:59,147 But each time it was only a swarm of wolves massing around the prey animal. 482 00:36:59,750 --> 00:37:03,447 With the Ellesmere pack I may well be able to tell the role of 483 00:37:03,688 --> 00:37:07,249 each particular wolf in the entire hunting and killing process. 484 00:37:13,231 --> 00:37:17,691 Catching a musk ox is not an easy job and the wolves must be careful 485 00:37:17,935 --> 00:37:22,372 and still avoid their hooves and their horns. 486 00:37:22,773 --> 00:37:25,936 But when he wolves get close, the musk oxen must stop, 487 00:37:26,177 --> 00:37:28,475 group together, and face them. 488 00:37:41,092 --> 00:37:45,188 They continue to harass the musk oxen until one begins to run. 489 00:37:46,530 --> 00:37:50,330 When a herd panics it gives the wolves a chance to attack 490 00:37:50,501 --> 00:37:52,731 without so much fear of being injured. 491 00:38:01,045 --> 00:38:03,309 Both predator and prey have to rest frequently 492 00:38:03,547 --> 00:38:06,345 and skirmishes like this may go on for hours. 493 00:38:57,835 --> 00:39:01,362 If the herd is healthy a few such skirmished will tell the wolves 494 00:39:01,572 --> 00:39:04,063 that it's time to give up and go on to others. 495 00:39:25,930 --> 00:39:27,864 The pack rested for 45 minutes 496 00:39:28,099 --> 00:39:30,761 and then took off for another five-mile jaunt. 497 00:39:36,741 --> 00:39:39,767 We knew right away that the next encounter would be an interesting one. 498 00:39:40,044 --> 00:39:42,342 This herd had at least three calves. 499 00:39:42,580 --> 00:39:45,310 And it is the calves that the wolves seek out during the summer. 500 00:40:05,236 --> 00:40:08,763 I could see that it was the Alpha pair that led the charge down to the herd. 501 00:40:11,842 --> 00:40:13,969 One of the more interesting aspects was to see the different 502 00:40:14,211 --> 00:40:15,838 personalities of the wolves. 503 00:40:16,080 --> 00:40:18,514 How I got to know them back at the den was one group of wolves, 504 00:40:18,749 --> 00:40:21,616 and what I saw in front of me seemed to be a different group of wolves. 505 00:40:21,852 --> 00:40:23,717 They truly became killing machines. 506 00:40:38,202 --> 00:40:40,227 The wolves separated out a calf from the herd 507 00:40:40,438 --> 00:40:43,430 and the calf's mother decided to go on in the safety of the group. 508 00:40:45,176 --> 00:40:46,108 It's hard to know where to look 509 00:40:46,210 --> 00:40:49,145 cause the rest of the pack tried to separate out a second calf. 510 00:41:06,897 --> 00:41:10,389 Meanwhile back with the first calf the Alpha Male clings to a hind leg. 511 00:41:25,149 --> 00:41:27,743 Even with the whole pack on its head it took about five minutes 512 00:41:27,985 --> 00:41:29,475 for the calf to go down. 513 00:41:36,927 --> 00:41:39,862 For three tense hours on the tundra plain, 514 00:41:40,097 --> 00:41:43,692 Dave and Jim witness a scene older than mankind. 515 00:41:49,540 --> 00:41:51,974 The Alpha pair takes possession of the carcass, 516 00:41:52,209 --> 00:41:54,643 even though the whole pack was in on the kill. 517 00:41:57,882 --> 00:42:00,248 The wolf depends on meat for its survival. 518 00:42:00,484 --> 00:42:03,544 Its ability to catch, kill and rapidly digest 519 00:42:03,787 --> 00:42:06,915 its prey has been honed over millions of years. 520 00:42:09,126 --> 00:42:11,117 But this behavior after the kill 521 00:42:11,362 --> 00:42:14,661 was new to the photographer and even to the biologist, 522 00:42:14,899 --> 00:42:19,563 Who had seen it elsewhere but was still surprised by its intensity. 523 00:42:22,806 --> 00:42:25,639 What seems to be going on is that these subordinate animals 524 00:42:25,876 --> 00:42:28,606 are food begging just as they did as pups. 525 00:42:40,891 --> 00:42:42,984 Although this was a strong scene to watch, 526 00:42:43,227 --> 00:42:45,422 I was jubilant to have seen it close up. 527 00:42:45,663 --> 00:42:49,155 And to have been able to confirm the dominant role of the Alpha animals. 528 00:42:54,371 --> 00:42:56,532 The wolves consume as much as they can 529 00:42:56,774 --> 00:42:59,436 but the calf is large, and there's meat left over. 530 00:42:59,677 --> 00:43:03,044 Chunks are carried off to be buried in the icy ground, 531 00:43:03,280 --> 00:43:06,010 a natural form of cold storage. 532 00:43:06,584 --> 00:43:09,644 The wolves may return for the food when hunting is poor 533 00:43:09,887 --> 00:43:11,047 and the pups are hungry. 534 00:43:21,498 --> 00:43:24,695 Their stomachs full of food to be regurgitated for the pups, 535 00:43:24,935 --> 00:43:27,995 the wolves are ready to begin the trek back to the den. 536 00:43:28,339 --> 00:43:30,364 They've suffered some injuries, 537 00:43:30,608 --> 00:43:32,735 but all five are strong enough to make the journey. 538 00:44:01,305 --> 00:44:04,240 By September the pups have grown considerably, 539 00:44:04,475 --> 00:44:06,841 thanks to successful hunting during the summer. 540 00:44:07,444 --> 00:44:11,380 They'll need stamina and strength to make it through the coming season. 541 00:44:14,385 --> 00:44:17,320 Already the sunshine is weakening into the twilight 542 00:44:17,554 --> 00:44:20,785 that precedes the long darkness of polar winter. 543 00:44:29,500 --> 00:44:32,697 The arctic wolves coats are now long and thick enough to protect 544 00:44:32,936 --> 00:44:36,167 them from temperatures that will plunge far below zero. 545 00:44:44,715 --> 00:44:47,582 Shrouded in snow and continual darkness, 546 00:44:47,818 --> 00:44:50,810 The adults must still hunt and scavenge for their pups. 547 00:44:51,555 --> 00:44:54,183 But no one knows what they do in winter; 548 00:44:54,425 --> 00:44:58,225 That remains an Arctic mystery, a five-month gap in a story 549 00:44:58,429 --> 00:45:02,923 that can only be continued when the men return next year. 550 00:45:13,944 --> 00:45:15,138 It is the following spring. 551 00:45:16,013 --> 00:45:19,779 Mech and Brandenburg have returned to Ellesmere to resume their work. 552 00:45:20,684 --> 00:45:24,882 When I returned once again in the spring the pack had changed. 553 00:45:25,789 --> 00:45:29,088 Three members were missing and there was a new Alpha Male, 554 00:45:29,326 --> 00:45:34,093 probably one of the subordinates that moved up into the old one's place 555 00:45:35,032 --> 00:45:37,523 What happened to the old Alpha Male I can't say, 556 00:45:37,935 --> 00:45:42,031 but three wolves were found dead in the area at the end of winter. 557 00:45:45,976 --> 00:45:48,911 Getting to know the small, cuddly puppies, 558 00:45:49,146 --> 00:45:51,239 watching them grow and seeing all the energy that 559 00:45:51,482 --> 00:45:53,245 was invested in them by the adults, 560 00:45:53,484 --> 00:45:56,317 knowing they going into a very harsh winter I often wonder 561 00:45:56,553 --> 00:45:57,577 what'd ever become of them, 562 00:45:57,821 --> 00:45:59,652 knowing that they all can't survive. 563 00:46:00,991 --> 00:46:03,221 Most of the time the wolves go off and die in places that you'd never see 564 00:46:03,460 --> 00:46:05,690 But to be able to go over and actually touch 565 00:46:05,929 --> 00:46:09,956 and feel the ribs sticking out was a very poignant moment. 566 00:46:11,001 --> 00:46:14,095 The mysteries of winter lead to more questions in the spring. 567 00:46:14,505 --> 00:46:19,704 Did these animals die of starvation, disease, old age, or some other cause? 568 00:46:20,344 --> 00:46:24,075 When and why did the change in the social order of the pack occur? 569 00:46:25,616 --> 00:46:28,414 The more I watch these wolves the more questions come to mind. 570 00:46:29,286 --> 00:46:32,050 As the pack composition changes from year to year, 571 00:46:32,556 --> 00:46:34,114 the social behavior changes, 572 00:46:34,358 --> 00:46:37,486 Both in relation to each other and to the pups. 573 00:46:41,665 --> 00:46:43,360 Seeing the wolves around the den again 574 00:46:43,767 --> 00:46:46,565 immediately told me that I was in store for another summer 575 00:46:46,804 --> 00:46:48,328 of good data collecting. 576 00:46:55,712 --> 00:46:57,475 I was absolutely certain there was a litter 577 00:46:57,714 --> 00:47:01,616 when I saw the mother emerge begging food from one of the subordinates. 578 00:47:03,921 --> 00:47:06,856 She really can't hunt much on her own during the first three weeks 579 00:47:07,090 --> 00:47:10,787 since she must stay in the den and keep the pups warm during this period. 580 00:47:16,900 --> 00:47:19,061 In a remarkable display of tolerance, 581 00:47:19,303 --> 00:47:23,740 Mon allows Brandenburg to enter the den to view her new litter. 582 00:47:24,341 --> 00:47:27,401 It was a difficult decision whether to go into the den or not. 583 00:47:27,878 --> 00:47:30,972 Once it was made it was very satisfying to know 584 00:47:31,215 --> 00:47:33,740 that they trusted me so much at this point 585 00:47:33,984 --> 00:47:35,349 that they allowed me with their young. 586 00:47:41,058 --> 00:47:44,391 These pictures are courtesy of a wild arctic wolf. 587 00:47:44,628 --> 00:47:49,156 Can we return its trust, or will we cling to our simplistic 588 00:47:49,399 --> 00:47:52,391 belief that these are nothing but vicious predators? 589 00:47:57,674 --> 00:47:58,766 In the high Arctic, 590 00:47:59,109 --> 00:48:02,237 man has now seen more of wolves than ever before. 591 00:48:02,779 --> 00:48:05,646 Brandenburg and Mech have shown them to be tolerant, 592 00:48:05,883 --> 00:48:08,613 resilient creatures, bound to each other 593 00:48:08,852 --> 00:48:12,549 by their complex social rules, living and hunting together 594 00:48:12,789 --> 00:48:15,485 for the sake of survival.