ABOVE After a late summer storm
the afternoon light illuminates the
mountain ridges in Abruzzo National
Park. Meadows above the timber
line turn golden at this time of the
year, while the old beech forest
underneath starts to show the
first colours of autumn. These wild
mountains are a favourable habitat
for wolves, because they provide
abundant prey and cover.
LEFT Three adults cautiously make
their way out of the shelter of the
forest and into a mountain meadow.
A pack consists of a mated pair and
their offspring, including any young
wolves born in the previous year that
have yet to disperse. This trio belongs
to a pack of five.