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Paper Short Abstract

This paper explores the endeavor of tracking wolves alongside a biologist. It describes the various types of tracks wolves and we left behind, and reflects on the power of tracking within the realm of inter-species ethnographic encounters and anthropological research.

Paper Abstract

Wolves are elusive animals. Encountering a wolf is a rare occurrence. Those who live near them, or pursue them out of curiosity, scientific interest or animosity, know that wolves are aware of their presence long before they can locate them. Wolves spend a lot of time observing the habits and behavior of those who live near them, be they humans or other animals. They know the routes and habits of prey, allies and possible enemies. But they also leave tracks, and it is possible to reconstruct their routines and get to know their situation.

This paper presents the work of following wolf tracks together with a biologist who has located several packs, whose members sometimes go into the Basque Country. It describes the type of tracks that he collects and the information that each one of them offers, and imagines the ones we left behind and the knowledge they bestow upon the wolves. Finally, reflects on the power of tracking within the realm of inter-species ethnographic encounters and anthropological research.