The Guardian Way

Imagine you are a member of a Wolf pack and you are venturing outside of your home territory. Normally you would stay within your bounds, where you know the terrain and feel secure. However, you now need to find more food for the fast- growing pups, who have just gotten old enough to travel with the pack. You move cautiously. Approaching a willow-rich river bottom that says “Moose,” you fan out to better intercept a scent trail. Stopping abruptly, your head female sniffs the air, and then the ground. The stench of a wounded moose tickles her nostrils. By going back and forth on the trail, she quickly determines his direction of travel. Silently she turns to trail him down toward the river. Attuned to each other’s movements, you each pick up on your matron’s actions and fall in behind her. Together as one, you move swiftly yet deliberately, so as not to lose the scent or alert the animal before catching up with him. Surprise is key to a successful hunt. Your Leader’s courageous mate is right at her heels, while your caring, mild-mannered aunts and uncles take the middle of the column with the pups. The wary and keen-sensed act as Guardians by flanking the pack and bringing up the rear.