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Description
This biographical novel by one of Canada's most acclaimed authors describes how a scientific assignment to study wolves in the Northwest Territories transformed a nieve, young biologist into a fierce and passionate advocate for wildlife. When Farley Mowat was dropped into the Arctic wilderness he believed that wolves were brutally decimating caribou herds and attacking humans. As he spends hours observing a wolf pack in its's natural environment Mowat soon develops a deep understanding of the intimate connections between the animals, the land and the indigenous people. Touchingly written with the characteristic storytelling style that makes Farley Mowat so timeless, this book is as important today as it was fifty years ago.
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General Assessment
Recommendation of how and where to use it
This examination of Arctic ecology is particularly relevant to middle and high school classes that are investigating ecosystem dynamics and factors that disrupt and damage natural systems. The detailed information about wolves, caribou and the Inuit also supports student learning about the biological, cultural and economic impacts of global environmental issues like climate change.
"Never Cry Wolf" highlights the scientifically flawed approach to increasing threatened wildlife populations by predator removal. Students could compile and analyze research data on caribou predation rates compared to more signifcant mortality factors such as reduced food availability due to deforestation. These results could form the basis of a student driven letter writing campaign asking governments to ban wildlife culls.
Relevant Curriculum Units
The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.
- Step 1Select a province
- Alberta
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 9
- Step 3Select a subject
- Environmental Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Environment and Outdoor Education: Environmental Investigations
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Biological Diversity
- Knowledge and Employability Science: Biological Diversity (Social and Environmental Contexts Emphasis)
- Manitoba
- Newfoundland & Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 8
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Interactions in Our Environment
- Grade 9
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Biological Diversity
- Grade 10
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Experiential Science 10, Terrestial Systems: Ecology of the Land
- Experiential Science 10, Terrestial Systems: Resource Management and Population Dynamics
- Grade 11
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Experiential Science 20, Marine Systems: Habitats, Population Dynamics and Management
- Grade 12
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Science 30: Population and Community Dynamics
- Ontario
Themes Addressed
Ecosystems (4)
- Appreciating the Natural World
- Biodiversity
- Interdependence
- Wildlife Protection
