Woodlands Nature Station Picks Up a “6-Pack”

By John Pollpeter Exciting news for the Woodlands Nature Station as staff welcomed five little squiggly red wolf puppies in the small wolf den on April 26, 2022. There was some suspicion as Ember, the four-year-old mother, started to show signs of pregnancy a few days prior, which can be difficult to tell until parturition. Jasper, the 75-pound, 13-year-old male, also started to show protective behaviors and began delivering food to Ember, which are telltale signs of upcoming pups. Once these changes were noticed, staff whirled into puppy mode, checking the dens twice a day, setting them up with soft…
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They Grow Up So Fast!

They Grow Up So Fast!

May 2, 2014 was a big day for the Woodlands Nature Station. Peeking into the wolf den, the dim morning light barely revealed the two squiggly forms covered in reddish brown fur. With flattened ears, closed eyes, and barely a whimper, the light highlighted their vulnerable faces.  I picked up the larger of the two pups. She weighed ¾ of a pound, her only distinguishing mark being a long white stripe from her tiny chest to her belly.  It was a healthy little red wolf pup! It was the first one born at the Woodlands Nature Station in 20 years. …
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Part Of The Pack–My First Encounter with Red Wolves

Part Of The Pack–My First Encounter with Red Wolves

Part Of The Pack--My First Encounter with Red Wolves By Anita Spaulding, Naturalist Apprentice for Woodlands Nature Station I am an apprentice at Land Between The Lakes who recently graduated from Murray State University with a degree in Recreation and Leisure Services. Working at the Woodlands Nature Station is my first full-time position post-college. I came to this job with a very strong interest in animals and a little experience volunteering at several different animal shelters and organizations. Red Wolves fascinate me and I get to work with them--What could be better? Red Wolves are incredible creatures to behold. Agile…
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Wolf Week Spotlight: The Endangered Red Wolf

Wolf Week Spotlight: The Endangered Red Wolf

Howl! It’s Wolf Week at the Woodlands Nature Station! Every October, we participate in this nationwide educational campaign to celebrate wolves and spread the word about how people can help them. From Saturday, October 3 through Friday, October 9, Nature Station visitors can enjoy all sorts of special programs and activities featuring our favorite canines! Wolves are near and dear to our hearts at the Nature Station.  We have been caring for the Red Wolf, one of the most endangered mammals in the United States, for many years. Since 1991, we have partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service…
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Red Wolf Puppy Update

Red Wolf Puppy Update

Baby’s first words By John Pollpeter, Lead Naturalist, Woodlands Nature Station At four months old, our red wolf pup tries hard to be a part of the pack. In this video dated August 20, 2014 – like baby’s first words – the little pup attempts her first howls.     Our pup weighs about 18 pounds. She easily runs with mom and dad. She often steals food from her parents and has not learned to share quite yet. We encourage you to watch the family dynamics. We suspect her father feels she’s a pest. Her sharp baby teeth poke at…
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Rare Red Wolf Born in Captivity at Land Between The Lakes

Rare Red Wolf Born in Captivity at Land Between The Lakes

GOLDEN POND, KY—Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area is pleased to announce the birth of a ¾ pound female red wolf on May 2,2014. The Woodlands Nature Station’s captive, endangered red wolves are the proud parents. The new female pup is just now emerging from her den and stretching her legs followed by two very attentive and nervous parents. She will remain with her parents for at least 18 months and then be transferred to a zoo or nature center to start her own pack. “As she gets older and braver, the little pup will become more visible. Right…
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