The Wolf Pack
Between November 2011 and January 2012 I visited the Bavarian Forest National Park many times to study a captive pack of wolves. Come rain, mist and snow blizzards I was there between sunrise and sunset to observe their behaviour and enjoy being so close to a highly intelligent animal.
Location: Germany
Species: Eurasian wolf
More info on photographing a wolf pack in the Bavarian Forest National Park
The Bavarian Forest National Park in Germany straddles the rugged mountainous highlands near the border with the Czech Republic. I spent my weekends observing and photographing a captive wolf pack over a period of three months while on assignment in Munich.
Studying a wolf pack in captivity is an excellent way to get close to these remarkable predators and learn more about their hidden world by observing their behaviour. As I learned from experience in Alaska, getting close to wolves in the wild is exceptionally difficult.
All wolves display a wide range of social behaviour and it’s not just about the serious business of killing and maintaining a territory – it also includes play. Wolves are known to play tag with each other and they also play games with ravens – an intelligent member of the crow family with which they have a symbiotic relationship. The goofy image of a playful wolf is far removed from the stereotype.
Wildlife Photography
Editorial Stock
Image Licensing: Alamy
Themes: Wildlife Behaviour, Rewilding
Publication Credits: National Geographic Explorer, The Times, Wildlife Photographic