Educating public about wolves woman’s goal

I’ve always have had a fascination with wolves. Flying for wildlife research in Alaska, I have tracked wolves, attached radio collars to them, watched wolves take down moose and even let two live wolves go from traps. So it was only a matter time before I stopped in at Wolf People in Cocolalla after passing it for years.

Wolves are elusive, and although they occasionally wander through, they are not often seen in the wilds of North Idaho. The next best thing to a wilderness spotting might be visiting Nancy Taylor, who educates people about the species through her store and with her pack of 19 wolves. The Taylors’ home compound provides a naturally landscaped facility with large enclosures. Visitors to the Wolf People store on U.S. Highway 95 across from Lake Cocolalla can visit part of the pack kept in smaller enclosures during business hours. Call (800) 404-WOLF (9653) or (208) 263-1100 for more information.

Taylor has operated Wolf People for 13 years and usually see pups born into the pack and holds elders when they die. Although 5 to 7 years is considered a long life for wolves in the wild, in captivity they can live to be as old as 18, explains Taylor.

Wolves at Wolf People are fed beef, lamb, chicken, turkey and deer meat scraps from processors (they are not allowed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game to use roadkill).

Taylor graduated from the University of Minnesota and operated a large insurance agency in Phoenix for 20 years. She has lived with wolves for 20 years.

What is your job title? “Owner, Wolf People”.

How long have you been doing this? “Thirteen years.”

How did you choose this line of work? “I have lived with wolves for 20 years and came to understand that most people know little about them. I wanted people to learn more and understand this beautiful creature from God.”

Are you paid: (a) well; (b) more than you are worth; (c) slave wages, (d) could be better? “(C).”

What is the best thing about your job? “Educating people about wolves and knowing this business is making a difference in how people perceive the wolf.”

What is the worst thing about your job? “When people refuse to learn the truth abut the wolf and leave here still thinking the wolf is a savage killer.”

Do you plan on doing this job (a) until retirement; (b) until something better comes along? “Forever.”

Do you have any on-the-job funny stories? “We give our wolves hot dog treats. One day a blonde lady was in and asked, ‘Why do you pay your wolves with foreign money?’ when we told her they work for franks!”

Any bad experiences? “Before we added the back chain-link fence, some people snuck around back and scared the pair of wolves that were here. Now they will not come up and greet our visitors the way they once did. They are still loving to me and some women and children, but not to men.”

If there was a movie made about you and your job, what actor should play you? “Kristine Wagner, because I have read she is very interested in protecting endangered species and loves animals as I do.”