Musk Oxen Protect Calf
Arctic Wolf Cubs Go Hungry
White Wolf with Cubs
Times are hard for the wolves here in the high Arctic. The cubs are now six weeks old and increasingly hungry. The adults have to struggle to feed
their growing family.
Somewhere on this vast expanse of tundra there must be larger prey; musk oxen are on the move. They are heading into the valleys where the brief summer rains will provide fresh grazing. This is an opportunity which must be seized, even if it means travelling 80 miles in a day.
The Ox Calf is Caught
Their task is a formidable one. Musk oxen are immensely powerful and their sharp horns can kill. A heavily armoured bull would be an unwise choice,
even two wolves would find it a struggle to bring him down. A musk ox calf, much easier. The two wolves work together to split the herd and
isolate their victim. It seems that the wolf cubs will, at last, eat well.
But, the herd regroups.
The Oxen Encircle the Calf
The cavalry ride to the rescue. The calf, despite first appearances, escapes, and is fine. The whole herd encircles the
calf with a protective wall of horns. For the musk oxen it's all for one and one for all.
For the wolves another attack would be, not only futile, but dangerous. They have expended a lot of energy and have nothing to show for it. Their failure will be felt, most keenly, back at the den. They have nothing to take back to the family. The pack is forced to move on in search of better hunting. They must find something soon in this wilderness to feed the growing family.
