This episode of Animal Watch features wolves in Norway. The host visits Polar Park in the Arctic Circle, where a pack of Norwegian wolves live in a natural, untouched environment. The wolves were nearly extinct in Norway in the 1960s, but have slowly repopulated the southeastern region through migration from Sweden, Finland, and Russia. However, they are still endangered, with only around 68 wolves in the country, and are closely monitored by the government due to public opinion.
The host interacts with the wolves, including the alpha male and female, and learns about their behavior, social structure, and habitat. They also discuss the wolves' physical characteristics, such as their reddish-tinted coats, and their diet, which consists mainly of moose and other mammals.
The episode aims to dispel common misconceptions about wolves and promote conservation efforts. The host encourages viewers to visit Polar Park and learn more about these majestic animals. The park is working on a predator program to minimize wolf-human conflict, and offers a luxurious wolf lodge experience for visitors.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Norway has a vast wilderness with a rugged and breathtaking landscape.
2. The arctic north of Norway is plunged into darkness for half the year.
3. The summer in Norway is characterized by a sun that never sets.
4. Polar forests spread mile upon mile up into the arctic circle in Norway.
5. Frozen fjords reflecting icy blue skies are a common sight in Norway.
6. The Norwegian wolf was hunted to extinction in the 1960s.
7. A gradual migration of wolves from Finland, Russia, and Sweden has repopulated the southeastern corner of Norway.
8. There are approximately 100 individuals and only 4-6 breeding pairs of wolves in Norway.
9. The Norwegian government issues permits for the annual culling of wolves.
10. Polar Park in the arctic circle is home to a pack of Norwegian wolves.
11. Women are often more readily accepted by wolves than men due to their calmer and more gentle nature.
12. Wolves have a strict pack order and greeting them in order of ranking is important.
13. An adult female wolf in Scandinavia can weigh on average slightly over 30 kilograms.
14. The coat of European wolves often has a reddish tinge, which is different from North American timberwolves.
15. The body length of wolves without their tail can be up to 150 centimeters, with an added tail length of approximately 50 centimeters.
16. Wolves can live up to 10 years of age in the wild, but the average is around 6 years due to various threats.
17. In captivity, wolves can live up to 20 years.
18. Polar Park has a wolf lodge where visitors can stay and observe wolves up close.
19. The wolf lodge offers luxurious amenities, including a personal butler, cook, and massage therapist.