The Rise of Wolf 8: Witnessing the Triumph of Yellowstone's Underdog (The Alpha Wolves of Yellowstone, 1)

The Rise of Wolf 8 is a wonderful book. When one thinks back 40-50 years, there was little out there to read in regard to wolves, other than professional research publications, or David Mech’s two wolf publications, until Barry Lopez’ Of Wolves and Men. Now we have books such as Rick McIntyre’s The Rise of Wolf 8 which presents a very intimate look at particular wolves in Yellowstone National Park. The author has taken a plethora of observational notes and woven them together to create a very readable and enjoyable narrative of the lives of individual wolves, and the packs to which they belong.That said, the book demands continual reading unless the reader keeps his or her own separate genealogical record of the different wolves that compose the lion’s share of McIntyres’ story. In other words, if one were to read a few pages a day spread over 2-3 weeks, there’s a good chance the reader would lose track which wolf was which. The wolves central to the book are: 8, 21, 40, 42, and perhaps 163. However, the author’s narrative will maintain the readers interest, to the point of rekindling the research of the late Gordon Haber, in the book assembled from Haber’s notes by Marybeth Holleman - Among Wolves, where Haber hints at cultural development in wolves.McIntyre makes the reader feel as if they are present viewing these wolves between their 1995 reintroduction and 2000. To borrow a portion of Henry Beston’s quote, “ In a world older and more complete than ours, they move finished and complete, gifted with the extension of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear,” McIntyre provides insight to the reader on how this quote is so true. I heartily recommend Rick McIntyre’s The Rise of Wolf 8.

First book in a great series by the author about the Yellowstone wolves. Tone is a bit like a David Attenborough documentary, combining factual observations with reverence for the remarkable wolves. Feels like you’re actually there observing and getting to know individual wolves, their characteristics and stories. Very easy to read, though if you take a break for more than a few days, you may forget which wolf is which, since they have mostly numbers rather than names. But you won’t want to take a break. You will probably steam through it quickly and move on to the next book in the series. Then you will read them again. And again. Inspiring, humbling, sad and joyful, you begin to understand how our ancestors learned from observing wolves the benefits of a social structure and why we love our dogs. Sad that so many wolves are now being killed since they were delisted due to political agendas. We have much to learn about and from wolves.

My first visit to Yellowstone in the fall of 2019 unleashed a desire to learn more about the wolves. We were lucky enough to witness wolves throughout the Lamar Valley and found the experience to be quite exhilarating. While attempting to learn as much as possible about the reintroduction of the wolves into Yellowstone a helpful guide told us about this book. Wow... so glad we purchased this book! Once I started reading I could not put the book down. He shares the personalities and behaviors of the wolves in such a way that you come to love them. Reading this book you will also learn about the impact the wolves had on the eco system in Yellowstone and it only increases your respect and love for the wolves. I have so much respect and appreciation for the many people who have dedicated their lives to putting the howl of the wolf back into Yellowstone! We seemed to be hooked. Second visit in the spring of 2020 we saw more wolves. The pictures I included are two wolves from the Molly pack. We watched them for hours as they carefully made their way across the river to join the rest of the pack. We also had the opportunity to watch the wolf pups at Slough Creek. We had the good fortune to meet Rick during this particular visit. There he was sharing his knowledge with all that had gathered for a glimpse of the wolves. Glad we had the chance to shake his hand and say thank you! We are going back this fall and already planning a winter trip. It is a story that you just don’t want to end. A big thank you to Rick for all of the personal sacrifices and hard work he has given to share this story with us! Looking forward to his second book coming out later this month as well as many more trips to Yellowstone to observe the story as it continues to unfold.

While there is a lot of detailed reporting of wolf activity that sometimes gets difficult to follow, you will find so many jewels of insight and analysis in this book that it is worth the effort. I like that the author tells both his scientific observations while not withholding his own more personal observations (while admitting that they are not scientific but personal). Do wolves have morals and ethics? Author Rick seems to think that at least some do - again his personal observation. But it is fascinating as is the entire story of the restoration of wolves to Yellowstone. This is in part the story of a man who has devoted a major portion of his life to the study and support of wolves in the wild, where they belong. (I believe that he has written at least five books himself on the subject and is prominently featured in another.). He also gives lots of sources for more information.

Book arrived quickly and was as described

Recommend this book to anyone interested in intelligence in nature.Something “ Call of the wild “ about this story. Wolf’ 8’s character shines through as the author defines his personality after months of observation. Not in a fluffy way, quite gritty.

Livre magnifique .... une petite révolution au niveau éthologie

Such a great book and so much detail. Can’t wait to read book 2

The Wolves of Yellowstone are remarkable animals and their story is told by an extraordinary person Rick McIntyre.I remember when the wolf introduction started many years ago and I was sure it would be a success if given the chance, for all the negative and bad publicity wolves have gotten over the years was and is very wrong. If you want to know just how incredible wolves are read this book and Rick's second book in the series " The reign of Wolf 21" and you will know wolves like you have never known them before!