Photographers in the Arctic Circle were amazed when their cameras captured the unexpected appearance of some special visitors. Terry Noah and his team, positioned on the ice near Eureka – a research base on Ellesmere Island, shared their exhilaration on TikTok about the encounter with the animals.
Their video, which garnered a whopping 24 million views on TikTok, shows the photographers lying low on the ice as a magnificent white Arctic wolf approaches them. A second wolf joins, and both animals casually investigate the photographers while they continue snapping pictures excitedly from up close.
At one point, one of the wolves even lies down briefly beside them before both creatures peacefully depart without any disturbance from the humans. Terry, the owner of Ausuittuq Adventures, expressed on Instagram, “One of the best experiences I ever had, the Arctic wolf was so calm felt like I can pet it.”
He further shared, “It’s been an amazing trip with these guys! Witnessed them waiting by a seal hole next to an iceberg, attempting to catch a sunbathing seal without success, but it was fascinating to observe! They later found a seal carcass, feasted, rested, and then continued on their way.”
In response to the TikTok video, viewers marveled at the interaction. One person commented, “The alpha wolf marked his scent on the ice to remember the meeting spot with a human, showcasing the intelligence of these wolves.” Another concurred, stating, “The wolf that sniffed him was the alpha ensuring there was no threat; wolves truly are magnificent creatures.”
A third viewer admitted surprise, saying, “I always thought Arctic wolves were unfriendly, but this video changed my perspective.” Yet another TikTok user, familiar with wolves, highlighted, “As an Alaskan, wolves are not friendly but rather shy and curious; understanding their social structure is vital, not all friendly-shaped things are friendly, a good lesson for all.”
According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Arctic wolves are nocturnal pack animals that hunt cooperatively under an alpha male’s leadership and communicate through howling. They also care for the pack’s pups collectively, displaying unique behaviors and appearances distinct from other grey wolves due to their extreme habitat.
The IFAW emphasizes that those fortunate enough to observe Arctic wolves in the wild often note their playful and fearless nature towards humans, unlike other wolf species facing human encroachment daily. However, the changing climate and increasing industrialization in the Arctic pose potential threats to the future of the Arctic wolf and its environment.
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