Wolves, Dogs, and Humans

$998.50

Dates:
June 20-24

Location:
Lamar Buffalo Ranch

Meals Included?:
No

Instructors:
Joanna Lambert

Audience Type:
Adult

Program Type:
Field Seminars

Program Subject:
Natural History, Wildlife

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Archeological and genetic evidence has demonstrated that humans have a closer and more ancient history with wolves (and, ultimately, domestic dogs) than any other animal species on the planet. Wolves started self-domesticating themselves more than 36,000 years ago, scavenging near human hunting sites. Over time, this interaction resulted in humans selecting for traits that led to the fully domesticated wolf that we call "dog."

Ironically, wolves remain one of the most persecuted species on the planet and have been exterminated throughout much of their range - an issue that ranges today throughout Europe and the United States, particularly around Yellowstone National Park. This Field Seminar will touch on these topics and give participants a rich understanding of just how unique our relationship is with Canis lupus - not just now, but in the evolutionary past as well.

About the instructor

Joanna Lambert, Ph.D., is a professor at the University of Colorado-Boulder. She has a deep passion for the natural world, resulting in a career spent publishing and teaching about the behavior, ecology, and conservation biology of wild mammals, especially primates and carnivores. Her research has taken her to every continent on the planet, though she has spent the most time (30 years) in equatorial Africa and especially enjoys doing research and teaching in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Download Program Information:

Course Letter

More Information:

Lodging | Audience Descriptions

We are continually updating and refining our COVID-19 mitigation measures to ensure the health and safety our guests, staff and volunteers. Read our COVID-19 guidelines for program participants.

SUMMER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE

Be prepared to hike up to 1 mile per day, comfortably, through relatively flat terrain on maintained trails.
Be prepared to hike up to 3 miles per day, comfortably, with elevation gains up to 600 feet. Some off-trail hiking possible.
Be prepared to hike up to 5 miles per day, comfortably, with occasional elevation gains up to 1000 feet in undulating terrain.
Be prepared to hike up to 8 miles per day, at a brisk pace, comfortably, with climbs up to 1500 feet on dirt trails. Loose rocks, uneven footing, and off-trail hiking are possible. Good coordination is recommended.
Be prepared for brisk aerobic, destination-oriented hiking up to 12 miles a day. You should be physically conditioned to do these hikes comfortably. Elevation changes up to 2000 feet on dirt trails or off-trail. Loose rock, uneven footing, steep hillside traverses, and stream crossings are possible. Good coordination is required.

WINTER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE

Leisurely hikes up to 1 mile per day through relatively flat terrain on maintained or snow-packed trails.
Hikes on snow-packed trails, or snowshoe or ski trips, up to 3 miles per day with climbs up to 250 feet.
Brisk hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing up to 5 miles per day with climbs up to 500 feet, including some trail-breaking in snow.
Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 8 miles per day with climbs up to 1000 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 12 miles per day with climbs up to 1500 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.