It’s often hard to tell one species of wolf from another, because there may be several colors of fur in one pack. They are rather handsome animals. Those in Europe are mostly gray in color, while the North American wolves can be tan, gray, red or brown.
Few dogs match them in size. Some wolves measure as much as six feet from nose to tip of tail and may weigh 150 pounds or more. They also have longer legs and larger feet than dogs. Incidentally, the animals called prairie wolves are actually coyotes, but all are part of the dog family.
Large numbers of wolves live in the middle areas of the North American continent and in smaller numbers in almost every other part of the United States and Canada. There are estimated to be at least 6000 of them in the state of Alaska, most staying there year-round. A few are in Glacier National Park, Montana, and some wildlife organizations are trying to introduce them into Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. However, not everyone is happy about the idea; they are afraid the wolves will destroy other wildlife already there.
All wolves have sharp eyesight along with keen senses of smell and hearing, so that it is difficult for hunters to get near them. Wolves are experts in hiding, sometimes pressing against a big rock or the side of a bare hill that matches the color of their fur. A person might walk close by and never see a well-hidden wolf.
Wolves have strong family ties. Pups get lots of attention, not only from both parents, but also others in the pack. They soon outgrow that time of life and are assigned a place in the pack when hunting or traveling.
Each wolf, regardless of age, is always in its own position in the pack. The pack leader is never challenged unless seriously injured or getting old, when it’s time for another leader to take over. Packs often travel great distances in their search for an elk, deer or caribou, or an occasional bear not too big for them to handle. When on its own a lone wolf is continually looking for smaller prey, including rabbits, weasels, squirrels, birds and even large insects, frogs and fish.
The Bible often warns about false teachers, as in our opening verse. They are like vicious wolves, wanting to capture us with their evil ideas. But the Bible also provides excellent instruction to any who want to turn away from evil: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things [the good and pure things] shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:3333But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33).
JULY 17, 1994
ML-07/17/1994