The Reign of Wolf 21: The Saga of Yellowstone's Legendary Druid Pack

摘要

I was ecstatic to have the opportunity to read The Reign of Wolf 21 after having reviewed Mclntyre's first book in the Alpha Wolves of Yellowstone series, The Rise of Wolf 8, last year (Way 2019). In that book, Wolf 21 played a prominent role alongside his step-father, Wolf8. Mclntyre described 21 as being loyal and faithful to 8, as well as being a provider and protector of the pups in the pack. When 21 left his natal Rose Creek pack in fall 1997 at 2.5 years of age, he soon became the dominant male of the adjacent Druid Peak pack. There, 21 reigned not by an iron fist but rather by a caring touch, treating all pack members with dignity and respect, and having a unique, very playful personality which was especially unique for an alpha male. In fact, play behaviour was documented throughout the first book (Way 2019) as well as this one (e.g., pp. 12, 46-47, 125). 21 was never known to have killed rival wolves, always letting them go after only pinning and biting them, including a non-fatal confrontation with his step-father, Wolf 8 (pp. 158, 184). He was recognized as having empathy for other wolves by helping pack members when they were injured or weak (pp. 84, 90).