Photos: Breeders of the pack
Paul Pondella plays with Takoda, the alpha male in his wolf pack, as his partner, Colette Duvall, looks on. The couple have three adult wolves and seven pups. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Some passersby have mistaken the Alaskan timber wolves for huskies, but their distinctive yellow eyes, massive paws and enormous teeth are very different from domestic dogs. This is Takoda, the alpha male of the pack.
See full story (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
In late May, Alaska gave birth to seven pups. Paul Pondella estimates the extra mouths -- and liability coverage -- will bring his costs to $150,000 a year.
See full story (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Allie (short for Alaska) nurses her 5-day-old pups at Paul Pondella and Colette Duvall’s home in Valley Village.
See full story (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Takoda, right, and Shadow in the back yard. The adult wolves are whistle-trained and visit an expert groomer every month.
See full story (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Pondella has installed a 2-foot-deep root barrier in the yard so they can’t dig out, and a steel gate inside the house controls access to most living areas.
See full story (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Pondella and Duvall recently formed a nonprofit so they can take donations for the pack, and they plan to create an educational center to introduce the wolves to children and teach them about wild animals.
See full story (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
