The wilderness school WILDNISWISSEN offers a wilderness tour, “WINTER-WOLF-TRACKING”, in Russia. WILDNISWISSEN would like to give experiences with nature and wildlife, share the wonder of creation and reconnect people with nature.

A group of eight members from Germany and Austria had perfect conditions for their activities. Fresh snow, frosty nights to -25 degrees Celsius, deep blue sky and sunny days. Jörn Kaufhold, Astrid and Rüdiger Szelest guided the group.

Approximately 450 km north-west of Moscow, in the Tver region, the Biological Station "Chisty Les" is located. In the station wolves, bears, lynx, and other animals are brought up in preparation for their reintroduction to the wild. The group was glad to meet and to talk with Professor Valentin Pazhetnov. He is known far beyond the Russian borders, leads the Biological Station and the bear project, which is funded by IFAW.

Vladimir Bologov, wildlife biologist and head of the wolf project in the Biological Station, shared his knowledge about ecology and behavior of wolves.

Surrounded by an unspoiled Russian winter landscape the group followed the tracks and trails, excrement-, urin- and vegetation marks of wolves, lynx, moose and many other anmimals up to 25 km a day.

The tracks, trails and signs brought the surrounding of the Biological Station to life. They also allowed the group to interprete animal behavior and discover what they are doing. Tracking provides amazing opportunities to learn and interact with the wild creatures.