Wolves: Western Warriors

By Julie Argyle

An up-close look at the beautiful, yet fierce wolves of the greater Yellowstone area and their fight for survival.

In Wolves: Western Warriors, the life of the powerful and majestic North American wolf, often considered to be vermin and dangerous, is presented, showing the struggle they have to simply survive in the wild and in a world where many people don’t appreciate wolves and often set out to exterminate them. Argyle explores their behavior, their family dynamics, and what it means to be a wolf in the wilderness of the greater Yellowstone area through her stunning photography. She includes information about the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone and the ongoing struggle with keeping wolves listed as endangered species, while also offering her personal observations about the Wapiti Lake pack, among others, and several notable individual wolves. The strikingly beautiful images and the information and stories woven throughout the pages of the book showcase this frequently misunderstood, yet completely incredible species.

“If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know then and what you do not know, you will not fear. What one fears, one destroys.” — Chief Dan George, Tsleil-Waututh Nation, British Columbia, Canada.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gibbs Smith
• Release date: Apr 12, 2022
• ISBN: 9781423660378

Book preview

9781423660361.jpg

wolves

Western Warriors

Julie Argyle

Photo of wolves.Photo of a wolf.Photo of misty landscape.Photo of wolves.

Wolves are sentient beings. This book is dedicated to all wolves who have suffered at the hands of humankind.

Contents

Foreword

Introduction

The Wolf Pack

The War on Wolves

The Wapiti Lake Pack

Wolf 926F

Wolf 1091F

The White Lady

Closing

Acknowledgments

Resources

Photo of a wolf.

Foreword

I first met Julie when I worked as a wolf tracker guide in Yellowstone National Park in 2015. I remember thoroughly enjoying her eagerness and enthusiasm for all things wild during that first meeting; and it was a feeling that I would continue to experience again and again with her over the years.

Her wildlife photography is not only impressive, but it also serves as an inspiration and reminder that we need to protect and cherish our animal neighbors with whom we share this earthly plane. Julie and I became friends over our mutual love for Yellowstone National Park. What made that bond even stronger was our equal admiration for its most well-known inhabitants—wolves.

For centuries, these magnificent animals have been mislabeled as unfeeling, evil creatures who want only to kill anything and anyone who crosses their path. Nothing could be further from the truth, and Julie knows it. Research has shown that this keystone species is an integral part of our ecosystem. It is a little-known fact—one that deserves being catapulted into people’s minds—that wolves have many of the same family dynamics that humans value and require for survival. They form lasting partnerships; love and nurture their young; protect their weak; and go to battle for their family, their pack. Julie’s book will help you dive into their world and gain an appreciation for these vastly misunderstood beings. More now than ever before, it is crucial for humans to practice side-by-side peaceful existence with our animal sisters and brothers—for everyone’s survival.

As someone who has spent her life living near Yellowstone National Park and following its wild ones to capture their spirits in her photography, Julie lends truly intimate insights into a world that few of us get to experience. She will take you on a journey of discovery that will leave you entertained and more knowledgeable about this beautifully wild world we live in. Simply put, she’ll leave you in awe.

I have been truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to introduce Julie’s book to you. She speaks from the heart; hers, mine, and by the end of it, yours. 

—Leo Leckie, Archivist and Cofounder for the Yellowstone Wolf Family Tree and the Lead of Program Education for Wolf Connection

Photo of a wolf.Photo of wolves.

Of all the species of life in the world, wolves and humans are the ones who are the most similar in social behavior.

—Rick McIntyre

Photo of a wolf.

Introduction

Throughout history, and certainly for as long as I can remember, wolves have been hated, hunted, and