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The Pipestone Wolves: The Rise and Fall of a Wolf Family
A compelling and lavishly illustrated photography book full of behavioural insights and wolf tales that will engage those interested in the state of wild wolves throughout North America.
In the winter of 2008–09, a new wolf family from the Pipestone Valley suddenly appeared in the Bow Valley of Banff National Park, taking up residence alongside the Bow Valley wolf family that had ruled there for over a decade. Within a year, these new wolves had eliminated the Bow Valley wolves and established a dominance that would last for five years in the heart of Canada’s most famous national park.
As the climactic chapter in a twenty-year observational study of wolves in Banff National Park, internationally respected wolf behaviour expert Günther Bloch and widely renowned wildlife photographer John E. Marriott followed the Pipestones through the trials and tribulations of raising their family in one of the world’s most heavily visited national parks.
Bloch’s work involved patient, time-consuming observations day after day for five consecutive years, resulting in matchless ecological and behavioural insights that go beyond the usual information that comes from studying wild wolves using telemetry and radio collaring. Bloch outlines the differences between a wolf pack and a wolf family, he describes A- and B-type personalities in wolves and how this impacted survival rates of the Pipestone pups and yearlings in the Bow Valley. He also details the three societal types of wild wolves, debunking the age-old myth of a pecking order from alphas to omegas, based on what he was able to observe in person with these wild wolves.
Throughout the book, Bloch and Marriott describe some of the incredible wolf behaviour they were fortunate enough to witness as part of the study. They watched a yearling female called Blizzard play with a mouse in the middle of the road for twenty minutes one frigid winter morning and saw the family playing tug-of-war one afternoon with a pair of men’s boxer shorts. The most interesting observation was near the end of the family’s dominance when a yearling named Yuma brought food repeatedly to a young pup called Sunshine that had suffered a broken leg after getting hit by a train. Sunshine lived on to become the last surviving member of the family.
The book chronicles not only the rise of the Pipestones and how they established and maintained dominance in the valley, but also how an increase in mass tourism in Banff led to a decrease in prey density for the Pipestones, which in turn led to the wolves changing their hunting strategies and expanding their summer range. Bloch explains how the Pipestones faced an inevitable fall from the top as pressure from eager wolf watchers increased exponentially in the park at the same time the Wolves' prey base was shrinking rapidly. Combining these influences with other factors like rail mortality and old age, Bloch and Marriott knew the end was near for the Pipestones.
The authors conclude with insights into how wolf and wildlife management in Banff National Park can improve. They outline steps Parks Canada should be taking to deal with the human management problems that are really at the core of the wildlife issues in the park. They also discuss whether we can continue to maintain a balance between ecological integrity and mass tourism in Canada’s flagship park and whether it is already too late. Have we passed the point of no return? And will our Banff wolves live forever after in a wildlife ghetto devoid of true wilderness characteristics?
In the winter of 2008–09, a new wolf family from the Pipestone Valley suddenly appeared in the Bow Valley of Banff National Park, taking up residence alongside the Bow Valley wolf family that had ruled there for over a decade. Within a year, these new wolves had eliminated the Bow Valley wolves and established a dominance that would last for five years in the heart of Canada’s most famous national park.
As the climactic chapter in a twenty-year observational study of wolves in Banff National Park, internationally respected wolf behaviour expert Günther Bloch and widely renowned wildlife photographer John E. Marriott followed the Pipestones through the trials and tribulations of raising their family in one of the world’s most heavily visited national parks.
Bloch’s work involved patient, time-consuming observations day after day for five consecutive years, resulting in matchless ecological and behavioural insights that go beyond the usual information that comes from studying wild wolves using telemetry and radio collaring. Bloch outlines the differences between a wolf pack and a wolf family, he describes A- and B-type personalities in wolves and how this impacted survival rates of the Pipestone pups and yearlings in the Bow Valley. He also details the three societal types of wild wolves, debunking the age-old myth of a pecking order from alphas to omegas, based on what he was able to observe in person with these wild wolves.
Throughout the book, Bloch and Marriott describe some of the incredible wolf behaviour they were fortunate enough to witness as part of the study. They watched a yearling female called Blizzard play with a mouse in the middle of the road for twenty minutes one frigid winter morning and saw the family playing tug-of-war one afternoon with a pair of men’s boxer shorts. The most interesting observation was near the end of the family’s dominance when a yearling named Yuma brought food repeatedly to a young pup called Sunshine that had suffered a broken leg after getting hit by a train. Sunshine lived on to become the last surviving member of the family.
The book chronicles not only the rise of the Pipestones and how they established and maintained dominance in the valley, but also how an increase in mass tourism in Banff led to a decrease in prey density for the Pipestones, which in turn led to the wolves changing their hunting strategies and expanding their summer range. Bloch explains how the Pipestones faced an inevitable fall from the top as pressure from eager wolf watchers increased exponentially in the park at the same time the Wolves' prey base was shrinking rapidly. Combining these influences with other factors like rail mortality and old age, Bloch and Marriott knew the end was near for the Pipestones.
The authors conclude with insights into how wolf and wildlife management in Banff National Park can improve. They outline steps Parks Canada should be taking to deal with the human management problems that are really at the core of the wildlife issues in the park. They also discuss whether we can continue to maintain a balance between ecological integrity and mass tourism in Canada’s flagship park and whether it is already too late. Have we passed the point of no return? And will our Banff wolves live forever after in a wildlife ghetto devoid of true wilderness characteristics?
- GenresWolves
192 pages, Hardcover
First published July 12, 2016
2 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Günther Bloch
13 books3 followersGünther Bloch is a German cynologist and author.
He created a "dog farm" in the Eifel region in 1977, and was a founder of the German Wolf Protection Society. He has published a number of books and numerous articles on wolf behavior, and has also studied the behavior of wild dogs.
He moved to Canada in 2010.
He created a "dog farm" in the Eifel region in 1977, and was a founder of the German Wolf Protection Society. He has published a number of books and numerous articles on wolf behavior, and has also studied the behavior of wild dogs.
He moved to Canada in 2010.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 31, 2019
What may appear to be a coffee-table book is actually a largely scientific study of a particular wolf family in Banff National Park, accompanied by John E. Marriott's excellent photographs. Its message is clear: tourists are loving wolves to death. In the past, it was hatred that was killing the wolves. Today, it is people chasing after wildlife to snap a picture and post it on social media, with no regards for the animals' well-being. Wolves weren't protected then and they're certainly not protected now. Something to think on, for sure.
May 12, 2021
Wolves had been eradicated from the parks of the Canadian Rockies before 1914. They recovered into the 1930's but were again eliminated through a carnivore reduction program in the mid 1960's. Solitary wolves were reported in the 1970's and pack activity was first documented in 1985.
Bloch, his wife and photographer John Marriot spent more than 20,000 hours over the years 1992 - 2013 studying the wolves in the Banff - Lake Louise area. At the outset a Bow Valley family lived in the area. In 2008, their decline allowed a family from the Pipestone Valley to move in. This family is the basis of most of his observations. The author used a West Siberian Laika dog to assist in finding wolves without disturbing them. The wolves were never approached closer than 200 metres.
Bloch has a major issue with the often used idea that wolves become habituated when they become accustomed to human infrastructure, which leads to run-ins with people. Rather, he sees that the wolves show adaptation to human infrastructure where they carve out a niche that factors in human pressures. He demonstrates this as a fact in 140 observations of encounters with humans, there were zero attacks, threats or bluff charges.
Bloch showed that the idea of leadership by an alpha male is incorrect. Their observations showed the senior pair to share in leadership with older offspring often taking the lead. They found that there were two general types of wolves which they labelled A and B, The type A wolves were daring, explorative and controlling, while the type B were cautious and reserved.
The wolves preferred food was elk, either hunted or roadkill. When food was scarce they would climb to hunt sheep and goats, or look for hares and rodents.
Ravens were the wolves partners, acting as lookouts and finding food. In return, the wolves share their kills. In turn, Bloch often used the presence of ravens to locate the wolves.
The Pipestone family declined due to the loss of ungulates in the Bow Valley, human pressure which disrupted the wolves family life, and the death of family members on the roads and railways. Bloch is very critical of Parks Canada as their focus is on tourism rather than protecting wildlife and ecosystems. Failings include culling elk to the point where few are now found in the Bow Valley, increasing use of the Bow Valley Parkway (BVP) although it is closed at night, neglecting to keep the road fences in repair, and essentially advertising the locations of the dens which resulted in the wolves being continuously followed by photographers. It is clear the the Parks Canada wildlife managers never understood wolf behaviour.
Bloch, his wife and photographer John Marriot spent more than 20,000 hours over the years 1992 - 2013 studying the wolves in the Banff - Lake Louise area. At the outset a Bow Valley family lived in the area. In 2008, their decline allowed a family from the Pipestone Valley to move in. This family is the basis of most of his observations. The author used a West Siberian Laika dog to assist in finding wolves without disturbing them. The wolves were never approached closer than 200 metres.
Bloch has a major issue with the often used idea that wolves become habituated when they become accustomed to human infrastructure, which leads to run-ins with people. Rather, he sees that the wolves show adaptation to human infrastructure where they carve out a niche that factors in human pressures. He demonstrates this as a fact in 140 observations of encounters with humans, there were zero attacks, threats or bluff charges.
Bloch showed that the idea of leadership by an alpha male is incorrect. Their observations showed the senior pair to share in leadership with older offspring often taking the lead. They found that there were two general types of wolves which they labelled A and B, The type A wolves were daring, explorative and controlling, while the type B were cautious and reserved.
The wolves preferred food was elk, either hunted or roadkill. When food was scarce they would climb to hunt sheep and goats, or look for hares and rodents.
Ravens were the wolves partners, acting as lookouts and finding food. In return, the wolves share their kills. In turn, Bloch often used the presence of ravens to locate the wolves.
The Pipestone family declined due to the loss of ungulates in the Bow Valley, human pressure which disrupted the wolves family life, and the death of family members on the roads and railways. Bloch is very critical of Parks Canada as their focus is on tourism rather than protecting wildlife and ecosystems. Failings include culling elk to the point where few are now found in the Bow Valley, increasing use of the Bow Valley Parkway (BVP) although it is closed at night, neglecting to keep the road fences in repair, and essentially advertising the locations of the dens which resulted in the wolves being continuously followed by photographers. It is clear the the Parks Canada wildlife managers never understood wolf behaviour.
August 30, 2017
An incredibly informative book documenting the "actual" behaviour of wolves in the wild. The author is amoung a small team who spend ten years following, but not negatively affecting, a pack of wolves (The Pipestone Wolves) noting their natural behaviours in the wild.
The results spit in the face of age old myths about "the alpha male" and show the "alpha couple" to be the leading force for their family. It shows the incredibly amazing traits of this animal and how when man interferes by "culling" other animal species (namely the Elk in Banff National Park) how this negatively affects wolves.
It also shows how wolves create symbiotic relationships in the wild. The female wolf will take her pups to a meadow in Spring and watch as ravens play with her cubs. Ravens and wolves work together in that ravens will alert wolves to dead animals and the wolves will bite through the bones of these animals when feeding, helping the ravens get to the marrow.
There is much to learn from this book and the photography is outstanding. Highly recommend!
The results spit in the face of age old myths about "the alpha male" and show the "alpha couple" to be the leading force for their family. It shows the incredibly amazing traits of this animal and how when man interferes by "culling" other animal species (namely the Elk in Banff National Park) how this negatively affects wolves.
It also shows how wolves create symbiotic relationships in the wild. The female wolf will take her pups to a meadow in Spring and watch as ravens play with her cubs. Ravens and wolves work together in that ravens will alert wolves to dead animals and the wolves will bite through the bones of these animals when feeding, helping the ravens get to the marrow.
There is much to learn from this book and the photography is outstanding. Highly recommend!
January 23, 2020
This is a large, heavy, coffee table format book. There is no reading this in bed. The photographs are incredible, and help to connect with this family of wolves.
There is an arrogance in the writing by Bloch that I find offensive. An apology at the end of book does not absolve the author in his choice of words. Yes I understand that you did extensive research on the wolf families in the Bow Valley. And yes I understand that you have seen the worst of tourism in Banff and Canmore, and how it affects the wildlife. And I certainly share your frustration at how wildlife is handled by government and parks staff. You certainly hammered that home over and over. I have ready many documents and books about the reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone and in comparing the two, I see that our Bow Valley wildlife have the much added burden of survival because of human infrasture (townsites, roads and rail line). I thank you for bringing that to my attention.
There is an arrogance in the writing by Bloch that I find offensive. An apology at the end of book does not absolve the author in his choice of words. Yes I understand that you did extensive research on the wolf families in the Bow Valley. And yes I understand that you have seen the worst of tourism in Banff and Canmore, and how it affects the wildlife. And I certainly share your frustration at how wildlife is handled by government and parks staff. You certainly hammered that home over and over. I have ready many documents and books about the reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone and in comparing the two, I see that our Bow Valley wildlife have the much added burden of survival because of human infrasture (townsites, roads and rail line). I thank you for bringing that to my attention.
December 26, 2021
This was my life. I love this pack.
January 14, 2017
Probably the best wolf book I've read (and I've read a number of them) based on observation in the wild in Banff National Park, with detailed reports on social status, personalities, interactions, etc. The author is critical of Parks Canada's mis-management of wildlife and lack of management of people which negatively impact the wildlife. Photos are amazing, well worth it for anyone interested in wolf behavior.
January 6, 2017
This book educates people of what industry is doing to the land of the earth and all of its inhabitants. A great book to learn about what is happening right now. I also follow John E. Marriott photography and stories. He is a breath of fresh air.
April 7, 2017
This is a book about the Pipestone wolf family that established its dominance in the Bow Valley of Banff National Park between 2008 and 2015. The author, Gunther Block, a wolf behaviourist, followed this family closely from a respectfully distance. He detailed wolf behaviour and interactions amongst the Pipestone family members as well as their relationships with the environment (both nature and man-made), other animals and park visitors. Bloch was involved in long-term observational studies of wolves in Banff National Park. He has observed the rise and fall of three different wolf families within the Canadian Rockies. Through his studies, he was able to debunk many conventional myths associated with wolves such as strict social organization within a pack (from alpha to omega), the ordered feeding and juvenile rearing behaviour, the lack of compassion between wolves, etc. Many of these myths came about from studies conducted in enclosures, where animals were under constant duress. Unfortunately there has been a lack of interest and dedication amongst the animal behaviourists to pursue understanding of animal behaviour in their natural habitat. I admire Bloch’s professionalism for it, which I will elaborate further below.
I would say my “love” for the wolves came from a purely imaginary and highly romanticized perspective. I have had read few books and some magazine articles about them; I have also read a lot what I would now consider as misinformation about wolves. I think this book provides a comprehensive overview on wolves. It is an honest and objective book. Bloch’s research method is through tireless distant observation. He believes that as the only way humans should interact with the wildlife. By keeping his distance, Bloch is able to witness relaxed family play, amusing mousing behaviour, fun wolf-and-raven chase, etc. None of these activities have been documented in enclosures and yet they are the foundation for juvenile wolves to develop healthy social and hunting skill. Towards the end of the Pipestone era, Bloch observed fewer play-learn sessions and more bullying-type of behaviour amongst the pups. He attributes this shift to human interference, both from direct visitor contacts and Parks Canada’s ungulate management. Bloch also witnesses, constantly, the stress exerted on the wolves when park visitors and photographers deliberately chase after the animals for a good picture. On many occasions, these ignorant people either interrupted the family’s hunt or caused the wolves to take long detour in order to avoid humans. All these obstructions negatively affected the wolves as the wolves had to spend energy avoiding people instead of procuring food for the family. Bloch speaks very harshly about Parks Canada’s lack of control over park visitors’ unacceptable behaviour. He also heavily criticized people who, knowingly or not, have cause great distress to the animals in the name of love.
The main purpose of Bloch’s studies was to provide Parks Canada with raw data and documentation of wolf behaviour so Parks Canada can better strategize animal protection regulations while ensure visitor safety. Unfortunately, Parks Canada had chosen to ignore many of Bloch’s suggestions and warnings. Their lack of care both directly and indirectly led to the death of many wild animals and the demise of the Pipestone Wolves. It is very upsetting for me to read about Bloch’s struggles dealing with Parks Canada over the years. I feel that we (the collective we - our society and the humanity) have failed nature, big time.
Bloch studied these wolves as if he was studying human subjects. He was able to categorize the Pipestones into either Type A- or Type B- wolves. Furthermore, for most of the wolves, Bloch was able to put them into one of the three groups: headstrong, sociable, and socially weak. A male, type A (curious, adventurous, bold) and headstrong wolf doesn’t make it the Alpha wolf. Bloch observed that the family was led by the mating pair equally during the blooming years. He also observed just how attentive adults can be towards the pups and how wolves would care for their injured, immobile family members. Had it not been for Bloch’s patience over the years and his practice of keeping a respectful distance, the wolves would not be able to relax in his (relatively, from the wolves’ perspectives) proximity and display their most natural behaviour in Bloch’s presence.
After reading this book, I feel the need to advocate for the wolves. I feel the urge to remove those stupid people who chase after animals (either on foot or with their vehicles) from the surface of the Earth so maybe the precious wildlife stands a chance. This is a phenomenal book that everybody should read it. Even if you are not that interested in wolves (but what’s wrong with you if you are not?), you should read it to learn about Bloch’s philosophy on interacting and protecting nature. It is a 5-star book.
I would say my “love” for the wolves came from a purely imaginary and highly romanticized perspective. I have had read few books and some magazine articles about them; I have also read a lot what I would now consider as misinformation about wolves. I think this book provides a comprehensive overview on wolves. It is an honest and objective book. Bloch’s research method is through tireless distant observation. He believes that as the only way humans should interact with the wildlife. By keeping his distance, Bloch is able to witness relaxed family play, amusing mousing behaviour, fun wolf-and-raven chase, etc. None of these activities have been documented in enclosures and yet they are the foundation for juvenile wolves to develop healthy social and hunting skill. Towards the end of the Pipestone era, Bloch observed fewer play-learn sessions and more bullying-type of behaviour amongst the pups. He attributes this shift to human interference, both from direct visitor contacts and Parks Canada’s ungulate management. Bloch also witnesses, constantly, the stress exerted on the wolves when park visitors and photographers deliberately chase after the animals for a good picture. On many occasions, these ignorant people either interrupted the family’s hunt or caused the wolves to take long detour in order to avoid humans. All these obstructions negatively affected the wolves as the wolves had to spend energy avoiding people instead of procuring food for the family. Bloch speaks very harshly about Parks Canada’s lack of control over park visitors’ unacceptable behaviour. He also heavily criticized people who, knowingly or not, have cause great distress to the animals in the name of love.
The main purpose of Bloch’s studies was to provide Parks Canada with raw data and documentation of wolf behaviour so Parks Canada can better strategize animal protection regulations while ensure visitor safety. Unfortunately, Parks Canada had chosen to ignore many of Bloch’s suggestions and warnings. Their lack of care both directly and indirectly led to the death of many wild animals and the demise of the Pipestone Wolves. It is very upsetting for me to read about Bloch’s struggles dealing with Parks Canada over the years. I feel that we (the collective we - our society and the humanity) have failed nature, big time.
Bloch studied these wolves as if he was studying human subjects. He was able to categorize the Pipestones into either Type A- or Type B- wolves. Furthermore, for most of the wolves, Bloch was able to put them into one of the three groups: headstrong, sociable, and socially weak. A male, type A (curious, adventurous, bold) and headstrong wolf doesn’t make it the Alpha wolf. Bloch observed that the family was led by the mating pair equally during the blooming years. He also observed just how attentive adults can be towards the pups and how wolves would care for their injured, immobile family members. Had it not been for Bloch’s patience over the years and his practice of keeping a respectful distance, the wolves would not be able to relax in his (relatively, from the wolves’ perspectives) proximity and display their most natural behaviour in Bloch’s presence.
After reading this book, I feel the need to advocate for the wolves. I feel the urge to remove those stupid people who chase after animals (either on foot or with their vehicles) from the surface of the Earth so maybe the precious wildlife stands a chance. This is a phenomenal book that everybody should read it. Even if you are not that interested in wolves (but what’s wrong with you if you are not?), you should read it to learn about Bloch’s philosophy on interacting and protecting nature. It is a 5-star book.
April 23, 2017
Absolutely amazing. Would highly recommend. This book is full of wolf behaviour which the authors and photographer had witnessed first hand. I cannot recommend it enough.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews