"George Cleveland" wrote in message
...

The fact that wolves could easily kill any human if they so chose and
the fact that they don't is something I find intriguing about them.

Humans could also kill any wolf if they chose to. Either way
(historically.....things have changed a bit in recent centuries) somebody in
the majority party was bound to get hurt and the return on investment would
typically be pretty low, I think. And it's no trifling coincidence that
both are highly social animals, neither of which would often be found alone
and defenseless by an overwhelming force of the others.

Wolves, as well as humans, must also be aware (at some level or other) that
there is a certain chemistry (literally, at the molecular level, and
somewhat more figuratively at the macro level) between the two species.
Again, it is no mere coincidence that "man's best friend" is descended from
the wolf. Much is hinted at by the fact that early humans and wolves had
much in common both in terms of capacities and life style, aside from the
already mentioned high degree of socialization. For example, both are/were
opportunistic and fairly omnivorous feeders despite being highly effective
hunters. Both scavenge and/or rely (and even thrive for relatively long
periods) on substandard fare. Neither is averse to robbing the other when
the situation allows it. Neither is unduly averse to the other's presence
so long as a certain respectful distance is maintain. Each is obviously
curious about the other. More importantly, there is an uncanny synchrony in
their cooperative hunting methods. Most importantly, perhaps, wolves (and
their domestic descendants) are the only animals on the planet that can keep
up with humans on the long haul. Twenty miles a day in rough country will
eventually kill the best horse....thirty will do the job quickly. But as
long as there is sufficient food and water a human in good condition can
keep up this pace indefinitely, and a long-legged young dog in good shape
will add half again the mileage in side trips and still be ready to romp
with the kids or chase squirrels at the end of the day.

Chemistry also goes a long ways toward explaining the flip side of the coin.
A particular molecule can be an agonist or an antagonist depending on
circumstances. There is a love between people and their dogs (and, one must
admit, cats) that resides somewhere deep within the old part of the
brain.....the part ruled by forces which predate higher cognitive
functions.....the part that even those of us undyingly loyal to the notion
of free will must concede is controlled purely by chemistry. But when
things go wrong the result is a deep and abiding hatred, often on both sides
(although humans are typically better haters), that knows no bounds. Wolves
are often accused (rather stupidly, by people who should learn something
about wolves.....and their native tongue) of being vicious and of being
wanton killers. Neither is true. But a domestic dog gone bad can be
both.....and humans, of course, are, rather more often than not.

Wolfgang

Wolves are smart