OR-7 - Wolves come full circle

OR-7 has touched many lives. His journey (pun intended) across the state has inspired a movie, an expedition, and even art! The news around wildlife and wolves can be pretty grim so we're always glad to have reason to celebrate. After eliminating wolves from Oregon, they are once again beginning to retake their place on the landscape in what remains a fragile recovery. When we shared news of the first known pups in Western Oregon in nearly a century with members of the Oregon Wild Wolf Pack, we heard back from many people who were ecstatic. One of those stories is below.

By Teresa Myers:

Oregon has been my family home for several generations. I have Native American ancestry. As a child, I learned about protecting our environment, our wildlife, and the importance of conservation. I listened to my parents' stories of the early days in Oregon, when 'you could walk on the backs of 50 pound salmon in the rivers', you could drink icy cold, pristine water from mountain streams, wildlife was plentiful, and old growth forests stood tall and strong.
 
My parents were married in Bend, Oregon, in 1925. They were just kids then, growing up and having fun, enjoying the beauty and abundance of Oregon. Over the years, they lived in most parts of the state, but northeastern Oregon, Wallowa and the Eagle Cap Wilderness was a favorite place. They liked the Rogue River valley and the Oregon coast as well. My recollection is that my father helped build the lodge at the Oregon Caves during the Great Depression, working for the Conservation Corp.
 
Today would have been my father's 108th birthday. He is no longer with me, nor is my mother, who would have been 108 years old this summer. They were true Oregonians and dedicated conservationists. I remember the stories, and I remember the lessons. They are Native American in origin. Respect our natural world and the gifts we have been given for sustenance. All life forms are essential. Live in harmony and balance with the plants and animals, for we, as humans, are not above them, we are a part of them, and they are crucial to our survival.

I was thrilled to hear about Journey's return to Oregon and the discovery of his new mate and family. What a testimony to endurance, intelligence, and resilience of this amazing wolf! It gave me goosebumps and a big smile!
 
Perhaps, there is a lesson for us in Journey's incredible story.

 

Photo Credits
Photo of OR-7's pups are courtesy ODFW & USFWS