TIM FITZHARRIS

NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER

timfitzharris.com

FAVORITE TRAITS There are many things that I admire about wolves, such as their strength and their social and cooperative lifestyle. But their resemblance to dogs is their most endearing characteristic to me (I’m a dog lover). Yet wolves project independence. Close at hand, even captive ones are aloof and mysterious. If you hear them howl, it’s a singular treat.

PHOTO TIPS To get close-ups like these, you have to photograph wolves in captivity. Even so, stay far from the animals. Photograph them with a telephoto lens. This works to blur the background, emphasize the wolf in the frame and project a feeling of space and distance. Focus on the eyes, catch the wolves in action and lower your camera to the level of their heads. These animals have such expressive faces!

HOME RANGE Wolves are rare

&+ 1%" ),4"/ ĦĪ 01 1"0 Ƌ1%"/" /"

,21 ĩǑħĢĢǑ *,01 /, *&+$ 1%" dense forests of Minnesota and Wisconsin). The best chance of seeing them is in Yellowstone National Park, which is home to

,21 ģĢĢ 4,)3"0ǐ ,2 4&)) +""! spotting scope and/or binoculars, and a good deal of patience. If you are really serious, you can hire a wolf-spotting guide.

Top: A lone wolf trots through the countryside. Right: Mama wolf tends to her litter of pups.