The pack starts by circling each other and wild life photographer Monty Sloan on a lake-side green at the Wolf Park in Battle Ground, Indiana.
Mr Sloan is poised to take a picture but it seems he cannot resist returning the sharp-fanged animals' affection.
Alarmingly, in the Park's description of the pack, they explain that they are 'very friendly' to their prey - but sources insist this was a moment of genuine affection.
'Wolves do not growl or snarl at their prey,' the guide explains, 'It would be like a human getting angry at an ice cream cone he or she was about to eat! Wolves who are hunting look very excited and happy, even “friendly”.'
But tumbling around on the floor, these animals show no sign of cunning.
They climb on each other to lick his face and nuzzle his head.
Incredibly, the fearless animal lover kisses them back. Eventually the group roll onto the floor, where the snuggling continues. Mr Sloan juggles the excitable hounds with his camera as he flounders underneath the doting pile.
The scenes completely contradict normal behaviour for the carnivorous breed, which feeds off mammals.
Unlike their cousins - dogs - these animals are instinctively wild, with a strict code of conduct based on hierarchy within their pack.
There is one line of rank for males and one for females. The alpha male and female lead their packs. Second in command is the beta male or female. At the bottom is the omega wolf - a scapegoat. Although there are leaders and weaklings, it is not always survival of the fittest. It is always the hungriest that gets to eat first, not necessarily the biggest.
Working together, they ensure each member has a role to play and none are neglected. Contrary to popular belief, wild wolves are not dangerous. Naturally afraid of humans, they scarper in an instant, making them 'safe'.
Source
Mr Sloan is poised to take a picture but it seems he cannot resist returning the sharp-fanged animals' affection.
Alarmingly, in the Park's description of the pack, they explain that they are 'very friendly' to their prey - but sources insist this was a moment of genuine affection.
'Wolves do not growl or snarl at their prey,' the guide explains, 'It would be like a human getting angry at an ice cream cone he or she was about to eat! Wolves who are hunting look very excited and happy, even “friendly”.'
But tumbling around on the floor, these animals show no sign of cunning.
They climb on each other to lick his face and nuzzle his head.
Photo Credit: Via Youtube Wolf Park
The scenes completely contradict normal behaviour for the carnivorous breed, which feeds off mammals.
Unlike their cousins - dogs - these animals are instinctively wild, with a strict code of conduct based on hierarchy within their pack.
There is one line of rank for males and one for females. The alpha male and female lead their packs. Second in command is the beta male or female. At the bottom is the omega wolf - a scapegoat. Although there are leaders and weaklings, it is not always survival of the fittest. It is always the hungriest that gets to eat first, not necessarily the biggest.
Working together, they ensure each member has a role to play and none are neglected. Contrary to popular belief, wild wolves are not dangerous. Naturally afraid of humans, they scarper in an instant, making them 'safe'.
Source
VIDEO Wolf pack loves photographer
He is so lucky I would loveto be kissed by wolves!
I just watched the Video and I can not think of anything my eyes have seen as beautiful as this clip. The Photographer is one lucky man to experience such closeness with the Majestic Wolf. I am going to book mark this, and watch it over and over, in honesty, I am jealous he had this gift and not me. This is my dream, to sit with Wolves and treasure their Company.
Having the pleasure of being associated with many wolves/hybrids, I can really identify with these photos. I have no fear of being in a area with them. I am much more concerned with domestic dogs and have had my problems, (to include bites) from them.I have the honor to be the companion of two high percentage hybrids who have been with me for many years and trust them completely.
Having a pack of wolves come up to you and want to love you up is a gift that is "one of a kind". That photographer should concider himself blessed. Wonderful video!
Beautiful...I live on the border of Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada, on what I believe is the borderline between two packs. I hear them howling back and forth, regularly - one call from east, an answer from the west. When hiking as a teenager, I stopped for a rest break on a cliffside. A few minutes later, I heard a rustling noise, and three (I'm assuming Mom, and 2 adolescents) wolves wandered out of the woods and sat down with me. I was beyond scared, so I held perfectly still. They sat with me, looking over the valley, for about 15 minutes, the young ones romping now and then while Mom and I looked on. Happy to say, they didn't seem hungry!!! An experience I will never forget...wish I'd had a camera. I never told my mom about this, I was pretty sure I'd never be permitted to hike alone again!!!
Umm sorry but there shoulnt be hybrids wolves are ment to live wild not in a house. Youve just got lucky with your experiences most people with wolf hybrids end up giving them up cause there to aggressive. I should know i volunteered at a wolf wolf hybrid synctuary for a year. Yes the hybrids where great but they where not afriad to show force and attack full force eveb going for the face though i had a great relationship with all of them and useually only caught a nip or two on my hand. As with experiences with dogs they more then likely where not trained properly i have 4 dogs at one time i had 11 at once and never had a proplem my word was law as in a wolf pack.
What a great video. I would love to do that some day.
Gorgeous, tender, playful; so beautiful to be so close to nature!!!
I had a hybrid for years, she lived in the house with me and my family. She was totally devoted to me and my daughter. She was so bright.. with usshe was loving and gentle, with babies she was so loving but quite a force to deal with for others. .I had her almost 10 years. .If you have experience and understanding of animal behavior and know how to properly train an alpha animal . . they are wonderful creatures to be with..She went through fire (yeah . . actually ran through a fire!!!)to dive at me and push me away from it. .Her coat was singed and her whiskers were curled every direction when she got to me looking like a cartoon animal that may have been drawn to do what she did..One alone if you are experience enough to understand that their instinct response is in many ways different from domesticated dogs can be a wonderful thing . . I don't think I would ever have more than one at a time. . the pack mentality takes over then.. I have had up to 8 dogs at time and that occurs . . with a hybrid it would be that Xs 100%. .
absolutely beautiful!!
This was a really good video. It really gets the point across, wolves are totally misunderstood and they are not going to eat grandma first and then you. If I was ever fortunate enough to have another hybrid, it would also live in my house, share my fire, and the companionship of my family. Many people have wanted and taken hybrids for their pets not understanding that are not like dogs or wanting to take the time to understand them or respect them for what they are. It isn't that people should not have hybrids -- it is not all people should have hybrids just like not all people should have dogs or other animals. There are people breeding hybrids for profit so this also contributes to sanctuaries being filled with them Mr. Horn.
Laynie
This is truly some thing to treasure forever, I hope he gets to share his
time again, and again with his ne ew found buddies. I would love to have
this chance
What a wonderful experience to have
To be that lucky. I wish I could enjoy that it would be great: If our stupid government don't put these beautiful animals on a no kill list this will be the only way anybody will ever enjoy them.
Awesome. A fantastic time surrounded by beautiful animals.
((( WOW ))) is all I can say - This is a sign that everyone must heed - the Creator works in mysterious ways .... STOP the KILLING of these AWESOME AWESOME ANIMALS .... A-ho
Magnificent animals and I love how they show such deep affection for this photographer :) He has a true gift - God bless him and these beautiful animals.
Mixture of emotions
So jealous for one! lol
It reminds me of how my labrador and golden retriever used to behave and I still miss them after all these years.
But what a beautiful video.
respect and love wolves , wonderful , thank you
My youngest son had a hybrid [named Gypsy] and he was an amazing animal, stunningly smart, he talked all the time and he had an on going battle with my other son whom did not like him, Gypsy would purposely engage this son, and actually have, I fashioned an argument with this opponent... it used to crack me up... it happened so often that there was no mistaking that Gypsy was goading this person into a battle of wills! Then on the other hand he was gentle and good with my toddler grandsons, and our other family dogs and our farm animals! I loved him dearly... I called him the Velveteen Wolf... as his muzzle was soft like velvet, I always hugged and kissed hum there!
Beautiful video,thanks!!! <3
I've been kissed by a wolf in a sanctuary. Heavenly.
the film is amazing beautiful,love wolves,
love the video, but don't know if i could handle the growling myself....
i also had a wolf hybrid; gorgeous with a mask, huge. gentle as a lamb.
Green with envy !
Amazing! I LOVE wolves.
So beautiful thank you for sharing this video I have also dreamed of wanting to be among wolves like him to see this I would of never of believe it he does have a gift and so special moments
They look like well fed hybrids more than pure wolf. ?
That is so amazing. I wish more people would see what a wonderful creatures they are. Please put these beautiful animals back on the endangered list. Please stop the killing of the wolves. Let them live on peace !!
It's all fun and games until someone gets eaten. That guy is nuts. Beautiful, yes, but nuts.
I get kissed by my white wolf everyday, I am truly blessed!
WOW......beautiful <3
I loved it...& i wish 2 see more.... we r all gods kidz.... ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Just because you had a bad experience with wolf hybrids doesn't mean that they all are like that. You must of did something wrong or they don't like you.
My friend's mom has 2 wolf dogs (97% wolf and 3% german shepard a male and female) and yes at first they are shy because they are shy creatures, but once they get used to you and they like you then they will come up to you and let you pet them and even let you come to them and if they really like you they give you wolf kisses. Animals can tell your personality and wither you are a good or bad person.
i have 2wolf-dog too !! and i know how it feels to be kissed by wolves and i love it ! wolfs rock and the photographer is one lucky person .wolves are awesome you just have to know them and there ways.
What an honor! Lucky guy!
I believe your reaching out and touching Gods beauty,I too have been kissed by wolves such honor,very beautiful.
friendship :)
Welcome to fantasy Island. These tame well fed wolves are not reality. Wild animals do not show this kind of behavior.
I get so emotional watching this video. Wolves are all about family. They never attack humans and they do not joy hunt. When they hunt for food,they do so with absolute respect for their prey. I admire them,respect them,love them and wish I knew how passionate I was about them when I was younger. I would like to have an impact of their safety and survival. So many people enjoy killing them for pleasure. No regards for life. I feel shame that the human race is the most feared animal on Earth. Its as if all wildlife is born knowing that.
Yes, this is awesome -- but remember that these wolves live in a park and are used to humans. They are probably used seeing and even being fed and handled by park staff. They aren't really wild, and obviously weren't hungry. In addition, Mr. Sloan is the park photographer and is a trained handler. The wolves are used to seeing and being handled by him.
From the park site: "Monty Sloan has been working with captive wolves since 1984 where he got his start as an undergrad student at UC Berkeley. After several years working with wolves in California and Washington, he joined the staff at Wolf Park in Battle Ground, Indiana, www.wolfpark.org
Monty is currently the Staff Photographer of Wolf Park. Aside from photography, Monty is a senior wolf handler at the Park. Wolf handling, management and care are just a few of his duties. He also assists in research and lectures at the many behavior seminars on wolves given at Wolf Park. Monty also gives seminars in Europe on captive wolf care & handling, behavior, comparisons to dogs, wolf ecology and wolf conservation."
In the wild, with a hungry pack, this situation would be much different.
To all of those people that are saying/thinking you shouldn't have Wolves or hybrids as pets, you clearly don't know enough about animals to make such a judgement. Anyone who has properly cared for ANY animal or seen cases of animal abuse will be well aware that it's not the animal, it's the way it's treated. It would be possible to own any animal as a pet, providing it was from a young age, and form close bonds and attachments with them as they grow, regardless of whether the animal is domestic or wild. It is equally as possible for a domestic animal who grew up in the wild or was mistreated to become vicious and feral. There are plenty of examples of 'friendly' dogs attacking people due to abuse, even commonly kept breeds, and just as many examples of so-called 'nasty' breeds being perfectly loving pets.
I own a dog which is built like a wolf, and basically looks and acts like a wolf in many ways, and I could guarantee that he wouldn't hurt a fly, let alone anything or anyone else, due to being looked after correctly. He is a kind, gentle and loving dog. I personally believe that dogs of the 'wolfish' variety are more loving and rewarding pets than the little scrappy things you can get, some of which appear more vicious towards my dog on walks than the bigger, 'scarier' breeds.
Anyone who owns a wolf, hybrid, or a dog similar are very lucky in my opinion, and shouldn't be judged for owning such a pet, and the dogs/wolves shouldn't be judged as vicious and unsavoury pets until you've owned them or encountered them.
I have had two myself. Not at the same time and both were wonderful dogs with our family. Protective of the little ones, but not unruly or vicious.
When we moved from MN to CO, kids playing had let Rego out of the fenced yard, we found him. They did it again, we did not find him, about a month later, our neighbor in MN said he was sitting on our front porch, dirty and thin. He found his way back to where he grew up with the family. A happy ending we had found him.
We lost 10 yr old Santana when a neighbor took care of him and he chained him outside (which we were upset about) where a pack of roaming dogs attacked him. He went out to help fend them off, but the dogs had done too much damage.
Snarling is a form of,comminication not aggression.
Mine lives inside the house with 6 dogs and 2 cats. He's such a joy to be around. He has his moments, trying to push my buttons but I love him to death. And YES, he takes a little more work and understanding. In the wrong hands he could be a disaster.
once a wolf see's he can trust u he's all licks , kisses n hugs. this is their true heart!!
I WISH IT WAS ME................ THEY ARE MAJESTIC AND SO BEAUTIFUL,
WHAT A "GOOD ENVY" I AM FEELING NOW.
JEALOUS !
I really enjoyed all the comments ...amused by some..decided to add my voice for once. I have the honor of having an8 yr old husky wolf as a constant companion...She was found in a river as a pup..someone had broken her legs and left her to die. Over the years we have maintained mutual and respect. Yes a snarl is communication not aggression. I smiled when I read this reply because of the times in younger years when my Lady would tell me she wanted some privacy for a bit. Then soon jumped in my lap for hugs. Communicating with them is awesome...learning all the little facial nuances. We live alone which I am sure makes it even more real for us.....she has saved my life twice..when she passes on I will miss her beyond pain...I feel blessed by her friendship and always will
What a great experience
I love to do this to
Love It..if you Love This..you will love my Music..
Rik Whistler for Wolves...
www.youtube.com/fluteplayerful
It is important to note that Mr Sloan is familiar to the pack of wolves who reside at a sanctuary in Indiana. The article seems to imply otherwise in some of its phrasing. The wolves' behavior is similar to that I experience at a sanctuary where I volunteer.
Incredible. Beautiful. I am just in awe; would so love to be in his stead!
This article says: Alarmingly, in the Park's description of the pack, they explain that they are 'very friendly' to their prey - but sources insist this was a moment of genuine affection.
'Wolves do not growl or snarl at their prey,' the guide explains, 'It would be like a human getting angry at an ice cream cone he or she was about to eat! Wolves who are hunting look very excited and happy, even “friendly”.' ---- I don't think it's a good comparison - ice cream is not a 'prey', you don't hunt for it , you just get it peacefully. When hunting you must aggressive to survive and to fight your opponent /prey - you are all tense and alert. Wolves here are clearly friendly. Maybe it does not mean that the next day they wouldn't hunt the photographer under certain conditions, but here they clearly 'love' him :)
there you could enjoy the nature and peace, According to a camera and happy mind, volunteers were to happen, I love wolves and respect for self and my describe in the most "lone wolf"
I love that so much . I bet we all could been there hugging and playing with them i know i would
Awesome!! I used to own a wolfdog,best friend i ever had!! Still miss her. But i wish everyone could see wolves like this,loving caring animals that are willing to sacrifice their own lives to protect their family. Humans can't even live up to that!!
Agreed! Well said
Lol. I think you are probably 100% correct. Don't try this at home please
They're 100% pure wolf. Wolf Park has been advocating for wolves since the 70's.
Monty is perfectly safe. He's a professional who understands how to behave around these majestic animals. He still plays with the wolves to this very day,as I have. It's about respecting their nature..which is NOT to harm us.
They're not "tame". Socialized,yes...but not tame. And there is documented proof that wild wolves,while not so demonstrative,will be curious and playful with humans on occasion. Usually,they just run away from us,they're very shy creatures if not threatened.
No quote marks necessary. I've seen this in real life. These wolves do love Monty. He's part of the pack.
I walked with them many times as a child in northern Ontario...The Timber wolf. Feared by so many.