Wolf Tracks

Wolf Tracks: Yes, I think that's what they were. I was up in the Mt. Pilchuck area today for a much needed break doing some photography of the mountain in its winter moods. I drove up the Mallardy Ridge Road about as far as I could (snow from the Hwy) and got out to hoof it.....with camera and walking stick. For about 1 mile I followed the most enormous tracks in the snow, clearly fresh, with claw marks, and triple the size of a coyote. Now mind you, I've seen all kinds of cat tracks.....bob and cougar, especially in Idaho Selkirks hunting deer, as well as a great many coyotes, but never have I seen any dog-type tracks this size in the wild herein Washington. I have however of the same in NW Montana up the Yaak River, those from a black wolf I saw. Today, I firmly believe that I encountered my first wolf ever in this state, though I never saw him. I have always thought (near my 50 yrs.) wolves were long gone from Washington except in the North Cascades. Later, a bald eagle then two red-tailed hawks circled overhead riding the wind currents (very windy day). To say the least, I felt very privileged by the events of the day. And I raised my hands to the sky to thank those magnificent birds for just being there and sharing it.

On my way home, I stopped by Bob Heirman's house to tell him of it, he related about 25 yrs. ago he saw two up Canyon Creek and they were not coyotes. He also said they startled him so much, he grabbed a big stick to walk out the road with. Lastly, I took a photo of two prints in the snow.....a hind and a front foot print.

The day was grand, I later hiked along Green Mtn. in the falling snow for
more photo moods of Pilchuck. And though I captured some great shots,
nothing could compare to sight of those enormous tracks seen earlier.

KJM

Dec. 14, 2001