The Canadian Arctic is a remote location most people will never have the opportunity to visit. This untouched land often goes unseen unless you're a world traveler or professional photographer. However, thanks to modern technology, we can catch a glimpse of these extraordinary sights.
Like the images this man captured in the middle of the night. It's a view that's hard to imagine witnessing in person and a scene that would stir both fear and wonder.
Watch this video, shared on August 2, to see this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
What a magical adventure for a photographer, Ryan Wilkes (@ itsryanwilkes ), who had traveled to Axel Heiberg Island in the Canadian Arctic to capture the extraordinary wildlife there. On their last night, Ryan was awoken around 1 AM to the sound of whimpering. At first, he thought he was dreaming, but then he heard a colleague calling out "Wolves" from another tent. Even though it was the middle of the night, there was 24-hour daylight, providing them with the perfect view of these incredible creatures. Just as the humans wanted to see these white dogs, the wolves were equally interested in checking out the humans and their camp. They may have been the first humans they had ever seen, and because of this, they didn't appear to view them as a threat. However, they didn't stay long, likely heading out to hunt for a meal, and soon disappeared into the valley.
Related: Arctic Wolves: Endangered or Not? Take Our At-Risk Animal Quiz
Facts About Arctic Wolves
According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Arctic Wolves inhabit the northernmost regions of North America, such as the Canadian Arctic, Greenland, and parts of Alaska. Their thick white fur serves as camouflage in the snow and provides insulation against the bitter cold, along with a layer of fat. Slightly smaller than gray wolves , their southern relatives, Arctic wolves typically weigh between 55 and 70 pounds as adults. They can travel long distances and hunt in packs, which aids them in capturing large prey.
People were fascinated by this experience. Viewer @nata_ontheroad inquired, "Is this an electric fence around your camp? How does it work? With a battery?" Ryan responded that it was and that this setup was to protect them from potential polar bears. Oh my! That makes the wolf encounter seem far less intimidating. Viewer @megslanders responded, "What an unforgettable encounter!" That's for sure. Viewer @wild.and.about remarked, "What an absolutely epic way to wake up!" Few things could match an experience such as this!
I'm not sure I would have the bravery to camp outside where polar bears and wolves live. However, I am grateful for the people who can do it and for sharing the experience with us.
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