A long low howl-tremulous, desolate-floats through the night air, and a shiver runs down the listener’s spine. Few Americans today have heard the call of the wolf, but it was an all-too-familiar sound to our pioneer forefathers.

        In colonial days hordes of wolves ranged North America. Everywhere man waged war on them, and slowly the fierce wild dogs retreated. They are among the most intelligent of carnivores, but the regularity of their habits, such as the use of runways, has helped man to destroy them.

        Sole survivors between Mexico and the Canadian border today are few hundred that linger on in the forests of northern Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and possibly Oregon. A few stray across the border from Mexico. But in the Canadian and Alaskan wilderness, wolves still abound.

        Unlike the “human wolf,” the four-footed variety is monogamous. He usually mates for life and is a devoted parent and provider. In spring litters of six to twelve are born on dens among rocks, or in hillside burrows. The mother stays with the young wile the male hunts or stands guard. At weaning time both parents disgorge predigested food for the pups to eat. Finally the young join their parents on hunting trips, and their long education trip begins.

        The wolf can be domesticated if taken very young. A tame wolf generally becomes a one-man pet, savage and unapproachable to any stranger.

        From Greenland to Mexico, 24 different races are recognized. Variously called American, gray, or timber wolf, all are the same species as the European wolf. Coats, varying from black to white, are usually grizzled. Different colors may occur in the same litter. The largest wolves, with record weights up to 175 pounds, roam the arctic coasts of Canada. Many of them wear white coats all year.