Minnesota has the largest population of wolves in the lower 48 United States. As a native Minnesotan, it's only natural that I have an ongoing romance with wolves. I'm constantly fascinated with their appearance and complex social structure.

A wolf pack consists of family members. The entire pack remains close to the den when the alpha female prepares to give birth to a new litter of pups. After the pups are born, the mother or another pack member will guard the den while the rest of the pack hunts for food. The sharing of parental responsibilities is unique to wolves. I truly hope they will always be a part of our delicate ecosystem.

- Daniel Smith