deer and snapping up the pigs and
sheep of the farm. When the weather gets cold and food scarce they band
together in small parties, perhaps of four or five individuals, and then
assail anything, even a bear or a panther. A bull elk or bull moose,
when on its guard, makes a most dangerous fight; but a single wolf will
frequently master the cow of either animal, as well as domestic cattle
and horses. In attacking such large game, however, the wolves like to
act in concert, one springing at the animal's head, and attracting its
attention, while the other hamstrings it. Nevertheless, one such big
wolf will kill an ordinary horse. A man I knew, who was engaged in
packing into the Coeur d'Alenes, once witnessed such a feat on the part
of a wolf. He was taking his pack train down into a valley when he saw
a horse grazing therein; it had been turned loose by another packing
outfit, because it became exhausted. He lost sight of it as the trail
went down a zigzag, and while it was thus out of sight he suddenly heard
it utter the appalling scream, unlike and more dreadful than any other
sound, which a horse only utters in extreme fright or agony. The scream
was repeated, and as he came in sight again he saw that a great wolf
had attacked the horse. The poor animal had been bitten terribly in its
haunches and was cowering upon them, while the wolf stood and looked at
it a few paces off. In a moment or two the horse partially recovered and
made a desperate bound forward, starting at full gallop. Immediately the
wolf was after it, overhauled it in three or four jumps, and then seized
it by the hock, while its legs were extended, with such violence as to
bring it completely back on its haunches. It again screamed piteously;
and this time with a few savage snaps the wolf hamstrung and partially
disembowelled it, and it fell over, having made no attempt to defend
itself. I have heard of more than once incident of this kind. If a horse
is a good fighter, however, as occasionally, though not often, happens,
it is a more difficult prey for any wild beast, and some veteran horses
have no fear of wolves whatsoever, well knowing that they can either
strike them down with their forefeet or repulse them by lashing out
behind.

Wolves are cunning beasts and will often try to lull their prey into
unsuspicion by playing round and cutting capers. I once saw a young deer
and a wolf-cub together near the hut of the settler who had captured
both. The