sea wolves

Sea Wolves

A pack of wolves along Canada’s Pacific Coast have become seafood specialists.

Photograph by Ian McAllister
sea wolves

On Canada’s Pacific coast, a family of wolves follows the ebbing tide to feast on freshly laid herring eggs. This region is home to a genetically and behaviorally distinct population of wolves that live almost exclusively off the sea. Each spring, this family group appears at the ocean’s edge to take advantage of the seasonal bounty. Photographer Ian McAllister wanted to create a split-level shot that highlighted the wolves’ unique relationship with the ocean, so as they licked the protein-rich herring roe off the kelp fronds, he swam toward them. The curious canines approached him so closely that he could hear them grunting into his snorkel. He took several frames, then pushed back into deeper water without daring to look up.

Bella Bella, British Columbia

Hi, I’m Dave, the executive director of bioGraphic. (And that’s my dog, Finn.) Thanks for taking the time to read this story.

 

Stories like this simply don’t get produced without financial support from readers like you. bioGraphic is not backed by a private company or owned by a billionaire. It’s an independent, nonprofit magazine. And one-quarter of our annual budget comes directly from reader donations. 


We need your support more than ever, as governments slash funding for conservation and scientific research, placing even more ecosystems and wildlife at risk around the world. At bioGraphic, we’re steadfastly shining a light on the threats to our planet’s incredible biodiversity. And we’re showcasing the hard work of people bravely taking action to protect at-risk species.


bioGraphic publishes environmental reporting that you can’t find anywhere else: deeply researched, trustworthy stories that are also beautiful and captivating to read. We offer an antidote to reader apathy and doom-and-gloom news by revealing the wonders of the natural world and focusing on real solutions to big problems. When you finish a bioGraphic story, we want to leave you feeling informed, delighted, and inspired.


We don’t run ads or hide our stories behind a paywall. The readers who generously support bioGraphic allow our work to remain free for everyone.


Will you help us keep telling these crucial stories?

Author
Photographer

Ian McAllister is an award-winning photographer and author of six books, and his images have appeared in publications around the world. He is a member of the International League of Conservation Photographers and a recipient of the North America Nature Photography Association’s Vision Award and the Rainforest Action Network’s Rainforest Hero award.