Wolf Song

Have you ever heard a wolf howl at night in the wild? I just read that some Native Americans believe that the howls of a lone wolf are the lost souls of deceased humans trying to return to the earth. Other tribes believe they are simply communicating with those in the Spirit World. Reading that made me remember quite clearly the first and only time I've ever heard wolves in the wild.

I was Elk Hunting and camping alone, not another human for miles. I was sound asleep and it was about 3am. I was awakened by what I estimate were three different wolf packs way up high on the three ridges that surrounded me. One pack on each ridge. The hair stood straight up on the back of my neck as I woke up. I was confused with sleep in my eyes, and never having had the pleasure of hearing wolves before, it took me a few minutes to realize what I was listening too.

Once I woke up enough to realize what I was hearing I rested a little easier and enjoyed the "show". But even knowing what it was it still felt very creepy to be out there all alone listening to that chorus.

Scary as it was, I'd drop everything and go camp right now if I thought I could duplicate the experience. If you've never heard wolf song in the wild you should add this to your to list of things you want to do before you leave this world. It will be VERY HARD to actually accomplish, kind of like winning the lottery. But worth the effort once it actually happens.