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Amy Gulick: A Diary Exerpt
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Of Wolves and Caribou -
Joe Creek, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Hiking boots in hand, we wade across the clear cold stream. Once on the other side, we lace up and begin our hike. The ground is spongy and grassy tussocks make the going slow. But I don't mind. There are loads of wildflowers to hold my attention -- purple alpine azalea, bright yellow cinquefoil and dainty white heather.
We stop for a break, well above the creek with a stunning view of the mountain-flanked valley. Groups of caribou pick their way across the sloping foothills. We count close to 100 animals through the binoculars. I pan the area searching for more caribou. Two animals trotting along a green ridge catch my eye -- but they're not caribou. Two wolves, one dark and one light, angle down toward the creek. They still have their thick winter coats as temperatures were near freezing just two weeks ago. But now it's in the 60s and they must be hot in the mid-day sun. The wolves near a bend in the creek and crouch low and slow their pace. Stalking through willows, the wolves break into a charge and two large caribou bolt from the creek bed. The age-old scene of predator pursuing prey plays before us in this beautiful arctic theatre.
Copyright 2002 Journey North. All Rights Reserved.
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