This feature-length documentary from Bill Mason imparts his affection for the big northern timber wolves and the pure-white Arctic wolves. Filmed over three years in the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, the High Arctic and his home near the Gatineau Hills in Quebec, Mason sets out to dispel the myth of the bloodthirsty wolf. Going beyond the wolf's natural habitat, Mason relocated three young wolves to his own property and was able to film tribal customs, mating and birth. As a result, Cry of the Wild offers viewers access to moments in wildlife never before seen on film.
Ages 9 to 17
Geography - Physical Geography/Geology
Science - Biology
Science - Environmental Science
Have students share popular misconceptions about wolves. Discuss fairy tales in which wolves are portrayed as vicious and a threat to man. How have your perceptions changed since viewing this film? How do you account for the prevalence of the negative stereotype concerning wolves? What was the most interesting new information that you learned about wolves? In what ways was Bill Mason’s time with the wolves successful/unsuccessful?