I came to wolf camp unknowing of what the next three months would hold for me. I had left the busy and often chaotic atmosphere of the University of Delaware to head west to spend my summer on 300 acres of remote Nez Perce Tribal land. As you can imagine the adjustment to a slower paced lifestyle, and no running water or electricity took some getting used to, yet as I sit on the deck of my tent writing this 2 months later, I can honestly say I have embraced the quietness and pure beauty that surrounds me. To fall asleep to the sounds the packs howling is incredible.

Under the guidance of Jeremy, I was introduced to the Owyhee pack and Piyip and Motoki; seven unique wolves, each with their own personalities. Through enclosure walks and after hour visits I began to form bonds. Through my interaction and observation, I have gained a deep respect for these sophisticated and powerful beings. I have really taken to the Owyhee pack. In a way I believe we can relate a lot to each other. Human-wolf interaction is still a new concept for both of us. Prior to this internship I have never worked with wolves, and the Owyhee pack did not have socialized human contact prior to coming to WERC April 2008. This unique situation has allowed me to learn a tremendous amount of information on wolf behavior and management, and I hope my time put in with them will be a benefit to their interaction with future handlers.

I will always remember Himtuuqin, the Owyhee pack alpha-male, as my first wolf friend. Himtuuqin was the first wolf to greet me on a solo enclosure walk, and now regularly greets me at the fence. It's a wild and gratifying feeling when he sniffs my hands, curiously looking me from head to toe with his yellow eyes. Our bond has grown throughout my time here, and I could not imagine where I would be if it wasn't for him. I learned to be patient, move more slowly, and take notice to the small details. I have been able to apply lessons learned from Himtuuqin in my interaction with the other wolves.

My experience with XayXayx, the alpha-female of the Owyhee pack, has been fascinating. XayXayx is quite a character, with a rambunctious and curious personality. In my first weeks here, I would notice her watching me from a distance as I would make my way through the fences. Her interest and curiosity struck me from the very beginning, yet I knew I was in for a challenge due to the fact that XayXayx has not greeted a handler in her short time here. I learned to be very patient with XayXayx, often remaining in the same spot for 20- 30 minutes in an effort to allow her to feel more comfortable with my presence. I noticed a pattern in her interaction. She would approach and stop within ten feet of me, sniffing and staring in my direction, and then all of sudden quickly trot away. I learned if I stayed in the same spot after she trotted away, she would return a few minutes later and repeat this process. I continued evening visits, remaining patient and over time saw progress with XayXayx. Although she has not sniffed my hands to greet me, XayXayx will now approach me within 2 feet of the fence. When leaving my position, she will go directly to the place I was just at, sniffing the fence for my scent, and will often walk with me for the remainder of the enclosure trailing a few feet back. To watch our relationship progress has been amazing, and something I hold very special to me.

It's difficult to sum up my summer in only a few paragraphs. I have learned and experienced so much, been pushed to my limits, challenged mentally and physically, and have questioned myself repeatedly, yet one this has been a constant for me: The opportunity to work with wolves is what brought me here, and is what has kept me here. Whatever hardships I faced, the wolves made it worth it.

Interning at WERC has been an unforgettable experience that will remain with me forever. Thank you Jeremy, Randy, and Sarah for you guidance, support, and friendship. Best of luck to my seven wolf friends, and the WERC. Thank you.

Alex Ridyard, WERC Summer Intern