Thankful Thursday and Wolves in our Area

Today is Thankful Thursday. It is a day when we list the things we are thankful for. If you would like to participate, be sure to stop by Sting My Heart and pay Iris a visit. You can find all the information there.

I am thankful for many things in my life. Here are a few things I am especially thankful for this week.

* Having a roof over my head, food on the table and warmth in the house during the cold, wet spell we are going through at present. Some are not as fortunate.

* For the weather being nice enough on Tuesday that I was able to get out and get some things done in the yard that needed to be done.

* Having a wonderful mother who brought me forget-me-nots, bleeding heart and lily-of-the-valley from her garden. Mine were lost when the contractor did some work for us. I'm so glad to have these beautys back in my yard.

* For having access to free medical care and for my cancer checkup this morning. It's marvelous that I can be checked annually to be sure I remain cancer free. Please pray that the results will continue to be negative as they've been now for 14 years.

It's surprising how much wildlife can be in an area and the people living there have no idea that it exists. We go about our busy lives never knowing what animals live nearby. Yes, we see birds, squirrels and raccoons, but did you ever think about the wildlife that exists in your area that you don't see?

My husband is on the road all night, every night. This spring he has seen large groups of deer in urban centers across southern Ontario. On Monday night he saw something that many of us will never witness. As he took the ramp to gain entrance to the 403 highway, he saw that a deer had been hit and killed. That in itself is unusual, as the police usually have the carcasses taken away immediately. What was very unique about the experience is that a large wolf was feeding off the kill. From his description of a wolf that was larger than our Alaskan malamute, Meeko and with about the same coloring lets me know that what he saw was a Timber Wolf.

A timber wolf is also known as a gray wolf. These animals usually mate for life. They can weigh up to 175 lbs and be as long as 6 feet from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. Not something you would want to meet up with unsuspectingly. They vary in color from white, to pale gray, to black and some are multiple colors. They have between 4 to six cubs born in the spring of the year after a 63 day gestation period. They are pack animals and packs can range from as little as two wolves to as many as 30. An average pack is usually about 4 to 6 animals. An alpha male and female are the leaders of the pack.

Hubby knows that he was witness to a very rare sight when he saw the wolf feeding off the deer kill. I wish I had been there to see it. I have only seen a wolf in it's natural habitat once in my entire life and it was running down the side of the road. A spectacular sight and one I will never forget.

Take time to contemplate what animals might live behind the scenes in your region. I would love to hear about them and also about your sightings of anything unusual.

Have a wonderful Thursday. ~Blessings, Mary~