Wolf biologist offers presentation at the Nelson Library
By Nelson Daily Staff
Wolves have found their place in folklore and fairy tale, mythology and mysticism. Finding their place in the landscape has been more challenging.
Biologist Bob Hayes (now retired) served as the Yukon’s wolf biologist for nearly 20 years, and in that time developed a first-hand understanding of the wolf’s place in the North, from predator to prey.
He chronicled his experience in his book Wolves of the Yukon, released in 2010. Hayes will offer a slideshow and talk Tuesday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Nelson Library.
As part of his job, Hayes oversaw the culling of 849 wolves. The experience that has given him a unique perspective on human efforts to curb Canada’s wolf population, a practice that goes back many centuries to when Yukon First Nations tribes sought to reduce competition for big game.
This spring, the Yukon is revisiting its wolf management plan, and so the release of Hayes’ book is timely.
Wolves of the Yukon explores the natural history of the Yukon since the last ice age through the eyes of the wolf.
It describes the importance of the wolf since the Klondike gold rush and asks some compelling questions about how we will manage large carnivores, big game, and hunting in the 21st Century.
In his work as a biologist, Hayes has a scientist’s understanding of this beautiful predator, shared through this multimedia presentation.
Photo credit for wolf shot: Alan Baer
