Raising Pups in an Uncertain Environment
With a traditionally high mortality rate, the pack works hard to keep the pups fed and safe.
Coastal wolves, also known as sea wolves, are a unique subspecies of gray wolves found exclusively on the remote coastal islands of British Columbia. Genetically distinct from their mainland relatives, they rely heavily on marine resources, feeding on salmon, herring, shellfish, seals, and otters.
Coastal wolf packs typically consist of 5 to 10 members, with pup-rearing season beginning in early spring. Dens are often hidden in dense coastal forests or high river banks. Litters generally range from 3 to 6 pups, which are born blind and deaf, only beginning to open their eyes after 10 to 14 days. All pack members play a role in raising and protecting the pups. Subordinate wolves and even yearlings act as babysitters while the alpha female hunts or rests. By 3 to 4 months old, the pups are strong enough to travel with the pack and start swimming short distances. While some will remain with their pack for life, others disperse around 1.5 to 2 years old in search of new territory and mates.
Despite the pack’s care, only 30-50% of pups survive their first year. Starvation, predation, and interspecies competition are the leading causes of pup mortality. Declining salmon populations have increased competition among wolves, bears, and eagles for food. Additionally, habitat loss and human encroachment are putting increasing pressure on coastal wolf populations. Large-scale logging reduces old-growth forests, while logging roads provide greater human access, leading to more wolf-human encounters and an increased risk of hunting and habitat disturbance.
Directional Thoughts:
How do you convey the struggles to raise pups and get them through the first year?
Convey the struggles of the pack to keep the pups fed and safe from predators
Convey the energy and curiosity of the pups
Shot List:
Opener (“the hook”)
Scene Setter
Den site - Old growth forest - wide angle
Drone shot within old growth forest & ocean
Aerial
Habitat destruction. Old growth forests needed for den sites are being cut down at an increasing rate.
Wide Angle - Camera trap
Reasonable distance adjacent to den site for pup interactions
At rendezvous points for pup and pack interactions
Pups moving through the forest with adult
Mountain lion - predation
Conflict
How to convey survival/mortality (triptych showing pup count declining through the year)
Mountain lion - predation
Portrait
Detail / Abstract / Macro
Special Moment / Emotion
Interaction between pup and adult pack member
Action / Motion
Cubs playing
Closer
Dead pup
Potential “Money” Shots:
Conflict between pups and predator
