The big bad wolf – A lone wolf – The boy who cried, “Wolf” – We all know examples of the villainization of wolves. Our interpretation of their predatory and pack-oriented nature has brought the wolf to extinction or near extinction throughout the United States and Canada. This holds true for Maryland and Pennsylvania, with the last wolf killed in 1850.
Fast forward to now, we find wolves inching up in status, with biologists teaching us about their important role in ecosystems. And here we find the Darlington Family, committed to the care and management of the Speedwell Wolves for over 40 years at the Wolf Sanctuary. Working with gray wolves and wolf-dogs, the Wolf Sanctuary began as a rescue and stepped in to help when the Pennsylvania Game Commission needed help rehoming animals, rather than using euthanization. The Sanctuary currently houses 50 animals and uses guided tours as a way to educate and provide a more accurate and respectful image of the wolf.
Joining us will be Dr. Steve Sheffield, the mammalogy curator from The Natural History Society of Maryland. Dr. Sheffield will present a 30-minute talk after the tour, discussing wolf behavior, communication, feeding habits, hunting techniques, past and current populations, and the important ecological role and value of wolves. He will share his collection of wolf educational resources and how we can help protect these much-maligned animals.
The tour lasts around an hour and includes an introduction to how the sanctuary was formed and wolf facts and fiction. Moving from one pack to the next, we will meet the individual wolves, answering questions along the way. After the tour, we will load up and drive down the road to hear Dr. Sheffield speak at the Appalachian Brewing Company of Lititz, 55 N Water St, Lititz, PA. You are welcome to celebrate wolves with lunch and drink at Appalachian. You do not need to attend Dr. Sheffield’s talk portion of the trip if you need to leave after the tour.
Cover photo features wolves Achilles, Running Bear, and Watonie
Additional photo is of Vivian, a young Alpha female
The Wolf Sanctuary would like us to remember these rules –
- Please wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather. Tours and events are held outside and the walking trails are natural rocks, grass, and dirt. There is one moderately steep hill halfway through the tour. The tour is held rain, snow, or shine.
- Pets are not permitted on the property- not even left in your car.
- Smoking is only permitted in designated areas.
- Alcohol is not permitted on the property.
- Running is not permitted on the property.
- Video recording is prohibited.
- Photographs are permitted with lenses no longer than five inches. Tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are not permitted.
SPACES ARE LIMITED — This is a family-friendly trip.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Full refunds are available if NHSM is notified on or before May 21. No refunds from May 22 onward. No refunds will be available directly from the Wolf Sanctuary.
Please contact Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org with any questions.
