If it’s winter in Juneau, it must be Romeo!!!
Romeo in Juneau - it must be winter!!!
If it is winter in Juneau, Alaska, you can bet you will see a lone wolf named by the locals as Romeo, walking and patrolling the Mendenhall Glacier. The black wolf has been seen on this glacier in Alaska for about the last 6 winters. However, what is interesting about Romeo is that he is always alone. This is rare for wolves, of which dogs descend, because they are pack animals and Romeo is never with a mate or with a pack. Biologists are mystified by this behavior and as an animal of the wild he doesn’t seem to have a fear or aggression towards humans, as he walks around the glacier, just several hundred yards away from people.
Estimates are, by the physical characteristics of Romeo, that he is about 8 years old and the last 6 winters of those eight years have been spent in Juneau. Romeo usually comes back to the area in November, when the glacier’s lakes begin to freeze and he stays there for about six months or so before he moves on for the summer months.
Many stories have been told to describe Romeo’s behavior, but the most interesting goes back to about 2003. It was at this time that according to the story released by the Associated Press, “a pregnant female wolf was found dead about one-quarter mile from the glacier’s visitor’s center. The wolf was stuffed, mounted in the center, and named Juliet.”
About 6 months later was the first time that the people of Juneau heard Romeo’s howl. His howl was never returned and many think that the howl is to his mate, Juliette, who will never return. Perhaps Romeo comes back every year to see if his Juliette has appeared or perhaps he comes back to mourn the loss of his loved one in the last place they were together.
December 30th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Thank you Susan for your news on the black wolf at Mendenhall Recreation Area in Juneau. This creature is indeed majestic and one of the wonderful things about living here, but it is important to remember that he is wild, and not a friendly pet. As such, we at the Tongass National Forest do not refer to him as Romeo, but rather simply the Mendenhall black wolf to dispell any idea that he is a pet. Because he is wild, he is unpredictable, and all recreationists at Mendenhall Lake should exercise caution when the black wolf is in the vicinity. There have already been some close encounters with the wolf. If one of those close encounters turned tragic, it is likely some community members will call for this beautiful wolf to be put down. That would be a sad day, as the wolf offers community members a rare opportunity to observe this creature in his own habitat. The bottom line is, we need to respect the fact that the Mendenhall wolf is indeed wild, and as such, honor his need for space and distance.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
Julie Speegle
Asst. Public Affairs Officer
Tongass National Forest
Juneau Ranger District
Juneau, Alaska