Wolves in Winter: The Strength of Staying Together
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Weekly Field Notes from the Natural World
There is a particular cold that arrives only in the depth of winter. It does not bite sharply. It settles. It presses close. It quietens the landscape until even the trees seem to hold their breath.
In that stillness, the sound of a wolf moving through snow carries further than it should. A soft crunch. A low huff of breath. A presence shaped by the season.
In the wild
Wolves survive winter not through strength alone but through cooperation. They move as a unit, each member tuned to the next. When snow deepens, they follow the same trails to conserve energy. When food is scarce, they share what they find. When temperatures fall, they curl together for warmth.
The winter months reveal their true intelligence. Every movement is timed. Every decision is deliberate. They conserve energy, choose their paths carefully and rely on the collective rather than the individual.
In story and symbol
Across Northern Europe and British folklore, the wolf appears again and again as a guide through difficult seasons. A creature that knows how to navigate hardship with poise. A companion that understands cold landscapes and long nights.
The wolf symbolises presence, deep loyalty and steady courage. The quiet kind of courage that keeps going. The kind that shares its strength so the group can move as one.
On the canvas
My wolf pieces come directly from this sense of winter presence.
Howling Wolf holds the moment of calling into the cold. A voice that carries through still air. A statement of place and belonging.
Seeking Wolf moves through the snow with quiet purpose. Alert, focused and tuned to every shift in light and sound.
You can explore both wolf artworks here:
An invitation
If the strength and presence of wolves speak to you, you may enjoy exploring the wider Folklore Collection.
If you would like these weekly Field Notes delivered every Tuesday, you can join the mailing list on my website.
Next week
Next Tuesday I will share another moment from the natural world. Something quiet and real. Something that might shift how we see the landscapes around us during these colder months.