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In the Valley of the Wolves
Introduction

In 1995, the first gray wolves were transported from Alberta, Canada to Yellowstone National Park, to repopulate the sprawling landscape with the species, absent for more than 70 years. The following year, a second wave of wolves was brought to the park from British Columbia, Canada; five of them were released together, and they were named the Druid Peak pack. Since the arrival of those first immigrants, wolves have thrived in Yellowstone — and none more dramatically than the Druids.

The epic history of the Druids, one of more than a dozen packs now occupying the 2.2 million acres of Yellowstone, is documented in NATURE’s In the Valley of the Wolves, was produced and shot in High Definition by Emmy-award winning filmmaker Bob Landis.

On the Web site for In the Valley of the Wolves, you’ll learn how the successful reintroduction of Yellowstone’s apex predator has changed the entire ecosystem of the park, and about the threats that these majestic animals continue to face on their road to recovery.

Watch an online-exclusive video. In this video, Emmy Award-winning wildlife cinematographer Bob Landis discusses the making of the film, including the ideal circumstances for filming a predation scene; the importance of spending a vast amount of time in the field; the uniqueness of Yellowstone’s Druid wolf pack, and more.

To order a copy of In the Valley of the Wolves, visit the NATURE Shop.

Online content for In the Valley of the Wolves was originally posted November 2007.

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76 responses
Mark -- June 22nd, 2008 at 4:56 pm

This was simply outstanding. Thank you nature for this program.

Rachel -- June 25th, 2008 at 8:38 pm

Come on Nature, put this full episode online next! This is the one I want to see!

Alan -- June 26th, 2008 at 7:09 pm

Beautifully filmed and a fantastic story of these beautiful animals. Programming like this should be watched by every american.

bob -- June 29th, 2008 at 9:17 pm

hi i’m bob. I love wolves. i would love to see the full episode. could u please play it on TV again soon? Thanks!

Robyn Monaco -- June 30th, 2008 at 9:11 pm

How can I purchase this episode?

Zoe -- July 1st, 2008 at 5:36 pm

I would love to either see this on PBS soon, or have it in my D.V.D. collection. Where and when will I be able to purchase this episode?

NATURE Online -- July 1st, 2008 at 6:00 pm

To purchase this and other NATURE DVDs, click the “shop” link near the top of the site.

Clare -- July 4th, 2008 at 12:07 am

I have been a Nature fan for a long time and this is a superb example of TV at its best.

Katrina -- July 13th, 2008 at 11:37 am

This video needs to be one of the online videos to watch.

connor -- August 4th, 2008 at 4:24 pm

that looks awsome thas the one that i want to see

Connor -- August 6th, 2008 at 3:49 pm

i vote for that one put it on TV when is it coming out it should be in the movie theater.

Connor -- August 6th, 2008 at 3:57 pm

i’v been drawing pictures of animals they are hanged on my wall

kady -- August 15th, 2008 at 3:57 pm

woles are a hiliy dangeres creacher if they are not trained when not rased from a puppy. and if they are raised from puppes.

kady -- August 15th, 2008 at 4:02 pm

wolfs are in the dog family. so they can make a good pet also like dogs do.if you like wofes alot have one as a pet.

Sunny -- August 17th, 2008 at 11:55 am

Wolves can’t be a pet even if they are canids. Wolves are born wild and live wild. They have wild instincts that can be very dangerous. You can keep a dog that has some wolf blood in it like huskies but not pure wolf unless you have a special place to keep them.

Jack -- September 9th, 2008 at 8:29 pm

kady: Sorry you are wrong. Wild wolves will most likely avoid humans, how can that be dangerous? They also don’t make good PETS because they are wild animals. And they shouldn’t be PETS anyway 1) Hard to train 2) You are training them so they are not afraid of human, which will make them more dangerous then a wild wolf. To anyone that thought about getting a wolf as a pet, please stick with a dog and forget about getting a wolf or even wolfdog unless you have years of experience training canine, acres of land and a secure enclosure.

Oh and Sunny, Siberian Huskies don’t have wolf blood in them, they are pure dogs, just like any other breed or dogs, except they look similar to a wolf ;)

Dalilah -- September 11th, 2008 at 6:17 pm

Wow this nature show is the best ever!
I really hope nature plays it on T.V. again!

connor -- September 22nd, 2008 at 2:36 pm

i love nature when are you gonna
make another one if you do it has to
be the best one ever!

connor -- September 22nd, 2008 at 2:41 pm

hey every one my dad said there is a
grizzly bear as tall as my house he probably
saw it cause he went to africa

connor -- September 25th, 2008 at 4:25 pm

the animals i drew were bears lions
cheetahs tiger crocidile elaphant and graffe

connor -- September 25th, 2008 at 4:35 pm

i vote for in the valley of the wolves

connor -- September 25th, 2008 at 4:40 pm

hey nature how do you vote
cause i want to vote

marion lee -- October 29th, 2008 at 12:54 pm

the killing of the fox was terrible- and you showed his terrible pain- the pain he suffered- i was traumatized very traumatized- any my children were traumatized- please don’t show that stuff- the rest was ok

R.k.Sharpe -- October 30th, 2008 at 3:39 pm

I don’t think it was a fox that was killed by the wolves but a coyote.Most the times they are not welcomed to the kill.It’s the chance they take when hunger is overpowering.They take the risk.That seen,I think.that my children would not fully understood the whole picture of things.I loved the episode.

jim -- October 30th, 2008 at 7:16 pm

the killing of the coyote was part of nature. I think it is good to see real natural events on tv like this. Try explaining it to your kids instead of shielding it from them.

jim -- October 30th, 2008 at 7:20 pm

When will this episode be shown again? I travel to Lamar every summer to see the wolves and have seen them kill elk and it is the most wonderful experience-to see raw nature-predation in the wild. Never are you more at touch with nature.

R.k.Sharpe -- October 30th, 2008 at 10:25 pm

You are right,Jim.Children need to see the whole experience.It happens in the oceans,on land,and in the sky.Thank you.

trevor boutilier -- November 16th, 2008 at 1:51 pm

i believe if our young we’re shown what wild animals and nature are really like there would be alot more respect instilled in them. however why stop there,if children were showns the dangers of all things such as drugs,speed driving,and fire instead of hidden from the truth we may actually create a world of respect.

michelle -- November 23rd, 2008 at 5:56 am

hi Nature. I’m 16 years old and I just have to say that this was amazing. Such a fantastic piece of film and documentary. I would love to see this full episode online soon. I’ve seen the clips and missed the tv showing. So let’s go! ^_^

david -- December 3rd, 2008 at 12:06 am

The only good wolf is a dead one.

Pete -- December 4th, 2008 at 1:11 am

It’s one of the best episodes that Nature has ever produced. It is nice to see these Canadians are doing well in Yellowstone. A PBS viewer from the north of the 49th parallel.

Gail -- December 6th, 2008 at 3:22 pm

We visit the Lamar in Yelowstone every year. This was an outstanding film! I am amazed at the footage! Is this going to be shown again on PBS and when?

Jake -- December 23rd, 2008 at 10:43 pm

I just rented this on DVD from my library. What a great show. From just a cinematography standpoint this film was amazing. It looks amazing on and HD set. Great story as I have always been fond of wolves. There were parts I didn’t like such as when the wolves killed the coyote and when the pups were left in the den being blocked by the other wolves so no food could be brought in. But I guess that’s just life so it shouldn’t feel so sad. Anyway, overall great work done on this film.

Shane -- December 26th, 2008 at 2:55 pm

I got this for a presant it is my favorite nature show! it had great fotage. i think they should make a folow up on it. I would love to see more wolves at Yellow stone!

lakeiya owens -- January 6th, 2009 at 3:14 pm

i love wolfs

peter -- January 29th, 2009 at 8:44 am

reely great!

austin -- February 4th, 2009 at 1:03 pm

i love wolves..there my favorite animal..they r so cute man…i want to get on for my friends kari and haley

austin dean markel -- February 4th, 2009 at 1:07 pm

hello again my little friends….i got a wolf today…her name is susan…she is a feisty one…she likes to eat a lot and play…tomorro im goin to go to a city to get her some outfits…bye

kadee gullickson -- February 5th, 2009 at 12:54 pm

i love wolfs.

Asier Eskibel -- February 10th, 2009 at 2:28 pm

I from Basque country in the north of Spain.I go every years to Yellowstone,I like and love very much the wolfs and the Yellowstone wildlife.

James Brancheau -- February 16th, 2009 at 3:58 am

Some animal shelters attempt to quantify animal and human behavior by using color codes. They are relying on some one evaluating the dog or cats behavior based on there evaluations. That is a good theory how ever dogs and cats have more sense and may or may not work of actual is perceived emotions to each and other individuals.
Too often there kind of evaluations could be totally wrong and would not put indivals with a particular animal with which they would really relate better if they were properly informed as to how train a given animal.
What many animal shelters fail to realize that your toy or small dogs were breed to protect there owners investments from rodent invaders. Often the smaller breeds of dogs are ratters. Breed to protect farm stocks from being eaten by rodents.
Shelters look at dogs as pets. Dogs came to us to help us some were adapted to protect of food supplies from rodents. Some dogs aid us in hunting by pointing and retrieving. Some dogs aid us in herding sheep and cattle. Most dogs until recent time when we had time on our hands to play were working along side us. These same dogs were family pets but when it came time to go to work there went with us to work. The mutual partnership enabled both the man and dog to have the good life.
Now we are changing there role. There role are long ingrained in there way of being and they need to be socialized to there new role. Yet they need to be given a given task. I love miniature Schnauzers and I have had a Pomeranian both of these breeds are rodent hunters. These are also good at hunting birds. My dogs have frequently cough both rodents and birds. Watching them I have watched them stalk birds, squirrels, rabbits and have had witnessed more than one squirrel chase. I have had dogs chase rabbits. This behavior dose not surprise me. I know what breed of dog I have. When they are not protecting there home they are loving pets. These dogs are strong companions.
It is time for shelters to understand what the dogs coming into there shelters were breed to do.
As for cats I am alergic to them and have not made a study of how they were breed. It is something they should look into.

[...] The epic history of the Druids, one of more than a dozen packs now occupying the 2.2 million acres of Yellowstone, is documented in   NATURE’s In the Valley of the Wolves. [...]

sarah -- February 22nd, 2009 at 10:02 pm

I love the Valley Of The Wolves Nature show!! thank you sooooo much for filming it!!!!!!!! i love wolves, and i really LOVE the druid wolf pack! <3

Joey Charles -- February 22nd, 2009 at 10:04 pm

In The Valley Of The Wolves is a stunning cinematic beautifully shot work that really shows the world of wolves and coyotes and many other awesome animals in the wild….

Jeniece -- February 22nd, 2009 at 10:08 pm

This show made me cry, laugh, and tugged at my heart strings. Even more than this it gave a unique insight into life of wolves at Yellowstone. I learned a lot not just about wolves, but also the creatures around them.

ROCK -- February 22nd, 2009 at 10:25 pm

I got my 1st HI-Def TV in December. This one show made the whole investment worth it. In addition to the breathtaking photography, the content was excellent and informative. Thanks a lot PBS!

jeff -- February 22nd, 2009 at 11:24 pm

i felt sorry for the coyotes lol

Shirley -- February 23rd, 2009 at 1:50 am

Hats off to cinematographer Bob Landis for his capturing the beauty of Yellowstone, and the fabulous footage of the wolves’ lives.

Katie -- February 23rd, 2009 at 11:50 am

We watched this program last night. We missed the beginning and the very end, but found what we did see really fascinating. We visited Yellowstone in 2004 and did not get to see any wolves, but we are really anxious to go back and have another chance at spotting a pack – hopefully the Druids! Thanks for the great program.

ramone -- February 23rd, 2009 at 12:42 pm

i hated when the wolves surrounded and killed the male coyote. it was very cruel and unnecessary.
i have been shown a different side to wolves, and it was used to remind me about how we humans are becoming.

may God bless you all and keep you safe!

Aaron -- February 23rd, 2009 at 1:44 pm

Its the way nature works, the way nature runs is in fact necessary. We have to stop looking at wolves through the “holy” or “evil” theory, instead, take it for what it is, a magnificent keystone predator. Wolves are very territorial, and the coyote took a risk at taking what was the wolf’s property. Animals eat animals, its inevitable. That doesn’t make the wolf a bad animal in any way. You can either hate nature or except it. I spend a lot of time researching wolves, and the issue surrounding them is very controversial. I found this film an extraordinary piece of footage, its amazing how much detail there is in this film. A direct view into the lives of wolves, and the most intensively studied wolf pack in North America, the Druids. Its one of Natures best, we need more like this!

rks -- February 23rd, 2009 at 1:44 pm

Coyotes are not welcomed to a kill when wolves are present.The fox didn’t stay knowing it wouldn’t be a good time to catch something to eat.Hunger and being in winter makes them take chances.

Jim D. Kelley JR. -- February 23rd, 2009 at 3:03 pm

To commenter #30 who said

“The only good wolf is a dead one.”

You are truly a sad human being…

Kerry -- February 23rd, 2009 at 3:26 pm

Best Nature program I’ve ever seen. Amazing and extraordinary glimpse into the lives of these magnificent predators. Thank You to Nature & PBS

Trevor -- February 23rd, 2009 at 5:07 pm

My kids and I totally enjoyed watching this.
Thank you! They totally understood the role of the ‘mother’. FINALLY!

Linda Bonner -- February 23rd, 2009 at 5:18 pm

Exceptional documentary! My family held captive to the TV for the hour and wanted more!I pray that people speak up for the wolves and wildlife in general because as humans we have a lot to answer for when we meet our maker!

Nancy Rynes -- February 23rd, 2009 at 7:43 pm

What a spectacular film! Mr. Landis – you and the crew produced an amazing piece that is more than just a documentary – it is truly art. From this wildlife painter to you and your crew – thank you for this gorgeous, artful portrayal of my favorite place (and animal) on earth.

Phil York -- February 23rd, 2009 at 10:07 pm

Wolf combat is so intense…
Nature, Thanks for bringing the action of the Wild to my TV!

Aaron -- February 24th, 2009 at 12:13 am

Research from Denali National Park finds that in a wolf fight between packs, death will usually be caused by puncture through the skull, and most times the alphas are the ones to die. They lead the charge.

Denise -- February 24th, 2009 at 1:50 pm

In the Valley of the Wolves was riveting. My husband, who usually is bored by documentaries watched with interest. Of course it was hard to watch the killing of the coyote, but that’s nature. All creatures experience pain and death. It’s inevitable for all of us. I really didn’t know much about wolf packs before watching this. In fact I admit I am rather fearful of them because of all the myths you hear about them. It was so awesome to see them in their natural environment. The wolf is an incredible animal. It’s made me want to learn more. Excellent work, Nature!

Stephenie -- February 24th, 2009 at 5:27 pm

Thank you so much for this outstanding documentary. It was absolutely riveting, and captivating from beginning to end. Laughed, tears, and fear. It was a thrill ride.

JODI -- February 26th, 2009 at 12:11 pm

I LOVED the Druid wolves. I was so pleased they were able to rebuild with Casanova and his brother. I would love to see more information on wolves of the world being broadcated. This documentary was wonderfully done.

Steven -- March 3rd, 2009 at 11:36 pm

In response to commenter # 30 – The wolf has never killed a human being in all of recorded history. The wolf is truly one of natures most efficient, socially superior and enduring animal in all of the animal kingdom. Thank you Nature for your totally entertaining documentary. Keep up the good work!!

Shree_from Singapore -- April 3rd, 2009 at 5:52 pm

This has been the most exquisite documentary on wolves i have ever seen.The team who worked on this film has truely captured the beauty of these wolves .Wolfs are magnificent creatures and their extremes and weaknesses have been portrayed with so much care and respect in this documentary. It not only showed the relationships between wolfs and packs it gave so much insight to learning about ourselves,as humans. I wish the best for nature Channel and the experts involved in projects like this. keep up with educating more and more mass towards respecting and protecting our earth and our co-inhabitants.And the best way to do that is in a way we as humans, can relate.And most likely that might have been a key factor for this phenomenal success to the valley of the wolves.I urge Nature to bring forth more quality programs like this in the future.Fantastic job Valleyofthewolves Pack!!

david ball -- April 6th, 2009 at 1:47 pm

i like Nature in the Valley of the Wolves becuse the Wolves say in side the park bounders if they left the park they will be shot by hunners agin i like wolves 6;00 am i saw the Roose Creek pack Drudies peack Fight and one Die doing the Fight

Kendall Eisert -- April 16th, 2009 at 1:13 am

Absolutely beautiful. As a member of Defenders of Wildlife I am always glad to see programs so uplifting like this particular one. But it is a shame that President Bush lifted the protection on the wolfs in this area as well as Idaho and other. Sarah Palin in another one that needs to be taken out of office due to her inhumane treatment of the helpless innocent wolfs………….

Again I just wanted to say that this is truly a beautiful program and I would love to see more like this in the future. Keep doing a fantastic job on Nature.

Many Thanks

Jillian -- May 3rd, 2009 at 9:57 pm

I myself love wolves,they are the most beautiful
creatures in the world!!!I also think that it is very important that we as humans protect the animals in need of protection.We need to make sure that us humans do are part to clean,our Earth so animals like the gray wolf don’t become extint.Nature is doing a great gob of teaching people about animals and how to protect them to make sure no more kinds of animals die because of us.My brother and me watch Nature every time it comes on.I love to learn about adifferent animal every time.
Love the vidos keep up the great gob!!!!

Michael -- May 16th, 2009 at 6:38 pm

My son and I met Mr. Landis in the winter of 2008 when we took a Pete Bengeyfield photo course offered through The Yellowstone Association. Little did we know when we set out on our trip that we would have the opportunity to meet the guy who created this amazing film. We were privileged to be invited to his home with a group of people to preview some of his then current work. Thank you, Bob, for an incredible film and the opportunity to meet and visit with you.

Rafe W, Thomas -- July 22nd, 2009 at 6:41 pm

I missed “wolves” due to schedule change in my area, any way you could reshow? thanks.

#2 why do you tend to have the same shows rerun? any way you could run some older shows,back when George was producer? He was the master.!

Luke -- August 23rd, 2009 at 9:23 pm

Excellent Program

tabitha -- September 11th, 2009 at 11:06 pm

response to #30 how could anyone say the only good wolf is a dead one that’s not right wolfs are beautiful and graceful animals!!!!!!

Cahill -- October 22nd, 2009 at 4:11 pm

Beutiful graceful cold blooded killer

Jake -- November 1st, 2009 at 5:16 pm

The wolves are the most beutiful animals in the world that they should not be shot at or killed because wolves can be mystirous to people thats the way i see it.

MrDude -- November 2nd, 2009 at 3:07 am

Was the part where the guanacos live
Torres del Paine in Chile?

Fu-Rubin -- November 13th, 2009 at 10:19 am

You will be as saddened as I was by an obituary written about Wolf 527, one of Yellowstone National Park’s beloved wolves. After we watch PBS “In the Valley of the Wolves” We spend time at Yellow Stone Park this summer. It was a really sad news today to learn Wolf 527 death. So many people work so hard to bring the circle of life back to the park. PLEASE help save the wolves!

KR -- November 17th, 2009 at 10:55 am

I just saw this episode last night, it was incredible, I was glued to the tv. I love Nature!

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