The sun is slowly setting and an evening mist is settling over the moors. The full moon is finding its way out between the gaps in the clouds. It’s silent, so silent. Two pygmy owls are calling each other. Apart from that, all that can be heard is the sound of birch logs crackling in the heat of our fire. Just as the sun disappears behind the horizon the characteristic howl echoes over the district. Wolves. Howling, crying wolves!
We find ourselves in the wolf territory of Uttersberg, one of Västmanland’s two wolf territories on the edge of the municipality of Köping. Here in Bergslagen the eco-tourism company Nordic Safari, has built a wolf hide-out; a cosy overnight shelter which accommodates five people. This wolf territory may be one of the smallest in Sweden, only about 35 square kilometres, but it has one of the largest packs. At its most, the pack has had nine members. Its current population is uncertain, since it is unclear how many wolf cubs have been born recently.
Three of Sweden’s four predators exist in Västmanland; wolves, lynx and bears, although bears are more sporadic here. Although these predators do not attack humans you should of course be very careful if you come across them. Even though it is known that wolves do not attack humans it is quite exciting to move through their own territory at dusk. We are probably being watched right now, says Lars Gabrielsson, who runs Nordic Safari together with Mattias Zettergren and Kim Lill. The reverse, being able to see the wolves, is more difficult.
If you walk through the territory a thousand times you might catch a glimpse of a wolf twice. So seeing a wolf is nothing you can anticipate. But just being able to listen to their howling on a summer evening is an experience that you won’t ever forget.
Nordic Safari is based on many years´ experiences of the deep forests of Bergslagen. All three guides are nature photographers and have spent a great deal of time in different hide-outs capturing wood grouse, black grouse, beavers, moose, wolves and foxes with their lenses. With this priceless experience behind them they now organize a high standard of guided tours through the great forests of Västmanland. The selection of animals and birds varies between seasons and the life-cycles of the animals. But with Nordic Safari you can hike and spend the night in the middle of wolf territory, follow the drama of the moose rut, pass through lynx or red deer territory, watch the courting of wood grouse and black grouse from ringside seats, go along to the beaver huts or simply take a night hike through the forest.
www.nordicsafari.net
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