Raising Pups in an Uncertain Environment
Coastal wolves run daily marathons on their quest for food and the protection of their territories
Coastal wolves, also known as sea wolves, are a unique subspecies of gray wolves found exclusively on the remote coastal islands of British Columbia. Genetically distinct from their mainland relatives, they rely heavily on marine resources, feeding on salmon, herring, shellfish, seals, and otters.
Coastal wolf packs typically consist of 5 to 10 members, with pup-rearing season beginning in early spring. Dens are often hidden in dense coastal forests, providing shelter and protection. Litters generally range from 3 to 6 pups, which are born blind and deaf, only beginning to open their eyes after 10 to 14 days. All pack members play a role in raising and protecting the pups. Subordinate wolves and even yearlings act as babysitters while the alpha female hunts or rests. By 3 to 4 months old, the pups are strong enough to travel with the pack and start swimming short distances. While some will remain with their pack for life, others disperse around 1.5 to 2 years old in search of new territory and mates.
Despite the pack’s care, only 30-50% of pups survive their first year. Starvation, predation, and interspecies competition are the leading causes of pup mortality. Declining salmon populations have increased competition among wolves, bears, and eagles for food. Additionally, habitat loss and human encroachment are putting increasing pressure on coastal wolf populations. Large-scale logging reduces old-growth forests, while logging roads provide greater human access, leading to more wolf-human encounters and an increased risk of hunting and habitat disturbance.
Directional Thoughts:
How do you convey to the viewer a sense of a long journey taken by this individual wolf?
Images showing the large expanse of the territory and the wolf shown small in frame moving through it. (Drone - Aerial)
Convey depth and expanse by using diminishing perspectives (wide angle, drone)
Show wolves in constant motion / running. No standing or laying down images
Individuals on journey versus the pack. Sense of a lone journey
Running into nothingness, a sense for a never ending journey. Potential sequence morning, noon, and night shots over and over again as if it’s never ending.
Not only running but also swimming
Wide variety of geographies (beach/ocean, rocky coast, mud flats, creeks/estuaries)
Gather images of tracks in all weather conditions/seasons conveying perpetual year-round journey
Shot List:
Opener (“the hook”)
Scene Setter
Aerial
Wide Angle
Conflict
Portrait
Detail / Abstract / Macro
Special Moment / Emotion
Action / Motion
Closer
Potential “Money” Shots:
Wolf swimming to distant island (drone)
Wolf trotting down beach toward beached whale (drone)
Conflict between neighboring packs
Potential Images (Pano):
