On a stark, sub-zero February day, Yellowstone National Park is a study in brittle, snow-covered solitude. It's on such a day that you'll likely find Brian Connolly stationed in a remote area of the park, shapeless under layers of winter wrappings, silently observing members of the park's 13 wolf packs.

"In 1997, I saw wolves in the wild for the first time, and it was a life-changing event," said the Wappingers Congress of Retired Teachers member. He was struck by the pack's similarity to human family structure and the role they play in preserving environmental balance.

In the years since, Connolly has spent every February and three summer months observing the wolves of Yellowstone as a spotter with the park's Wolf Project, which tracks the park's packs. "The wolf biologist can't be everywhere at once, so he has a network of people like me," Connolly explained. "We locate wolf packs and observe and report on their behavior."

Giving back

Using a high-powered telescope that offers clear views of the animals from up to a mile away, Connolly has observed wolf hunts, territorial battles between rival packs and wolf-bear interactions. The former high school creative writing and English teacher has transformed his adventures into art, penning Wolf Journal, a novel for young adults inspired by his experiences at Yellowstone. He is also the author of three other nature-themed books.

"I wanted to find a way to give back what I've been given and to inspire kids to protect the wolves," said Connolly, explaining that many people consider wolves vicious killers. Connolly considers his daily wolf-watch his book publicity tour. "I stand in one spot with my scope and, when other visitors come to watch the wolves with binoculars, I let them take a peek through my telescope," he said.

Wolf Journal has gained a measure of fame in the Cortland area of central New York. The book is required reading for junior-year science education majors at the State University of New York at Cortland, and for students at nearby McGraw Middle School, where many Cortland undergrads student-teach.

In the meantime, Connolly continues his quiet campaign to raise awareness, one person at a time. "I enjoy meeting people and showing them the wolves," he said. "Sometimes they kneel down and cry after seeing the animals up close through the scope. They're just so beautiful."

To order copies, visit http://www.bconnollybooks.com/.

— Kara E. Smith