To the editor:

Thanks to Aaron Marbone for the excellent write up on wolves (“The Way of the Wolf,” Aug. 2).

After watching the documentary on the reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone, one can appreciate the importance of wolves to our ecosystems.

I was fortunate to attend a “wolf walk” at the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge before it closed. A few of us walked through the woods with two wolves and our guide. We were instructed to keep hands in our pockets at all times. The wolves were big and beautiful. They came up and sniffed us. We were not afraid. One urinated, then scratched the earth and left, as they do. I was quite close and could see its muscles rippling as it moved. I was in awe.

Several years ago, I was driving to my uncle’s in Tupper Lake, when what appeared to be a wolf ran across the road and into the woods. It was big and had a huge tail. When I mentioned it to my uncle, who was a hunter, he said it was probably a “coydog.” He said they are around and run and yip through the woods near his house. Possibly, but I know what I saw.

Also, years ago, a lady from my church, St. Luke’s, who lived in Ray Brook on a rural road, said she saw a wolf near her home. She said it was big with a big head like wolves have. Coyotes have small pointy faces.

Obviously, there are many reasons for wolves to be reintroduced into the Adirondack Park. They should be protected, if so. I have not verified this information, but I thought I read that coyotes are killing cats in this area and that the Animal Control Officer said at least 22 cats have “disappeared.” Wolves would get rid of coyotes, which are a nuisance. They could keep the deer population down as well, thereby keeping the tick population down.

In summary, it’s an interesting idea. My initial thought was no, but when you read the benefits to the ecosystem, I would support it. As Mr. Butera said, “the wolf is a keystone species which ecosystems evolve around, and whose survival is essential for other species.”

Jennifer Zahn

Saranac Lake