Black Wolf (Romeo), Mendenhall Lake, Juneau – Image 2696

The black wolf known as Romeo had spent over seven years in and around the Mendenhall Glacier and was one of Juneau’s most beloved treasures. I took this photo of him in late March of 2009, and in September of 2009 two thoughtless low-lifes illegally killed him. There will be a memorial service for Romeo held this Saturday on November 20th at the West Glacier Trail raft launch at 1pm. Everyone I knew in Juneau loved Romeo. In the late winter/early spring of 2009, I tried to spend as much time with him as possible. But being 6’5″, I frightened Romeo every time I tried approaching him. After days of trying, I learned that I had to get low and take my time. I eventually perfected a system. I would pile my camera pack on a small sled and then lie on top of pack in the sled. Then in this prone position, I would push and claw my way out to him. I would watch him and only move when he did not alerted to me. By doing this, I was able to get within photographic range and spend hours not very far from a wild wolf. He often fell asleep. The photos were ok, but the time spend with such an amazing animal was way more precious. This photo illustrates the month of March in my Juneau, Alaska 2011 calendar. Enjoy the photo and come to the memorial.©Mark Kelley