Photo below:

Wolves and ravens at a wolf kill.
Copyright : Michael S. Nolan
www.wildlifeimages.net

Why are there so many ravens in the sanctuary?

Conspicuous overhead in the wolf sanctuary is the constant presence of ravens. For thousands of years, wolves and ravens have lived in a complex symbiotic relationship. Where there are wolves, there are ravens.

Before Wolf Haven was established, there was no colony of ravens near the site; after the wolves came in, the ravens soon followed. Scientists believe that in the wild, wolves and ravens each benefit from their symbiotic relationship. For instance, it is speculated that ravens are able to somehow "tell" a pack of wolves where they might find a herd of deer or elk nearby; the wolves then go hunting and when their hunt is successful, the ravens benefit by getting the leftovers.

Although wolves were absent from Yellowstone National Park for 70 years or more, as soon as they returned, the two species re-established their ancient relationship (see picture below, taken in Yellowstone at a fresh wolf-kill)

Animal Care staff at Wolf Haven report that they frequently enter the wolf enclosures to remove items that the ravens have dropped in, presumably "for the wolves" — items such as candy wrappers and random shiny artifacts they have found in the parking lot.

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