Mary Ann Hayes

Never have I considered the spiritual impact of hiking with a one hundred thirty five pound wolf and his one hundred and ten pound mate. To say it is indescribable is correct. To say it is awesome is understated.

Predators of the Heart, Wolf Encounters, is located in Anacortes, Wa., on a 10 acre private woodland. You can read all about their mission statement on the website, (predatorsoftheheart.com) but I’m going to talk about how this experience touched the very core of me.

My friend Shannon and I began our encounter by joining five others for a hike. Seven people, and two enormous wolves. They walked along side us, heads swaying front, side, occasionally back, constantly keeping everyone in scope. Eyes like slits in fur covered faces. Enormous paws stepping with purpose and strength. Up the hill we went, through the forest to the top of the trail. They were on heavy chain leads because the property is in the process of being securely fenced.

When we reached the top, our guide asked us to howl. So we did. The wolves lifted their heads high and howled with us, a sound chilling and beautiful. They made eye contact with us as they stopped in between howls, they rubbed up against us for hugs and pets and scratches behind the ears. They didn’t stink as I expected them to, and their fur was surprisingly soft.

Eye contact with a wolf is heart stopping They are unworldly.A wolf sees through a human to the very core. It knows you are afraid, what your intentions are, that you want to be approached or not, that you do or do not respect them as well as all of nature. You cannot fool a wolf.

I got licked in the face. By a wolf. It was so wonderful I could have cried. Also I was so relieved she licked my face, instead of the other option – which was to remove it. I was also growled at with bared teeth because I forgot not to bend over “Kikoa’s” massive head. Apparently, wolves really don’t like that. Then, just as I realized I wasn’t going to faint from fright, after all, she apologized by jumping up on me, huge paws landing on my shoulders. I stepped away quickly, afraid I’d committed yet another offense when our guide interviened. “It’s okay,” he explained. “That means she likes you. I think she’s apologizing for the growl. She knows it wasn’t an intentional offense.”  My heart rate was pretty escalated by then. I stood still and caught my breath.

Soon, we were led to a large enclosed space where the “puppies” were housed. The puppies were nine months old an nearly full grown – hardly puppies in my book!  Yet, there we were, caged in with four huge wolf pups roaming the space, sniffing out the newcomers. I sat on the bench, which we were encouraged to do, while the wolves circled around and checked us out. I was soon disturbed by some serious nudging and bumping into my back, when up jumped a big black wolf. It sat so close, it was actually leaving against me. Suddenly, his huge head was top of mine and my new best friend was rubbing his head all over the top of my own. Then he snuggled his face against my neck. It was so sweet I felt my fear begin slipping away (at least for the moment,) and I began scratching his neck and thanking him in a soft voice for the love. As I cautiously turned my face to look him in the eyes, he whipped out an enormous tongue. That big slobbery tongue not only washed my face, but washed my fears, away! Wolves have rules. As long as we play by their rules, we will be fine.

We can learn so much from the wolves. Their pack, their family, is the most important thing to them. A wolf puppy is precious to the whole pack, not just it’s mother. The alpha male will do anything in his power to protect any wolf pup regardless of what pack it comes from or who’ls it is.They know how to set boundaries and expect them to be respected.

We learned wolfs don’t want us to join them, to try and be one of them. They don’t want us to play with them, or discipline them, or try and train them. They want to know we can be trusted, we will not harm them, and that we will show them caring, gentleness, and love.

Predators of the Heart is not an adventure for everyone, no question about it. It’s threatening, often tense, and uncertain. There is no kidding around in the wavers we signed. Yet, if this tugs your heart strings, the opportunity awaits. I’m already planning my next visit in the fall. I will undoubtedly be ready for more lessons from the wise ones by then!

Later,

Mary Ann