Like our ancestors, it is possible to hear the wolves howl over a landscape of forests and mountains as darkness falls. But to do so, you have to travel to Salangsdalen in Troms and visit the Polar Park.
To tour Polar Park is to experience the wildlife of Northern Scandinavia and the world’s other northern regions. The animals have large enclosures, allowing them to live their lives to the fullest. Instead you’re the one doing the walking, traversing the forested hillside.
Wildlife local to the Northern Cap
The moose chews phlegmatically while keeping an eye on you, whereas the deer is lighter on his feet and shyer. The musk ox is originally from Greenland, but have strong roots in Bardu. Linger outside the lynx enclosure for a while and watch the lynx come stalking softly into view. The gleam in its eye can be either demonstrably distant or scheming. Salt and Pepper, one brown and one albino-white bear, were born in 2009 and immediately became the stars of the bear enclosure. The wolves are the most numerous, however. There are two packs in separate enclosures.
Meet the wolves
A couple of times a week, it’s possible to book an encounter with the wolves.Polar Park have worked hard over many years on getting the wolves used to humans in their environment, and is one of the few wildlife parks that allow visitors into the enclosure.Two experienced guides will bring you safely into the enclosure and given you clear instructions at all times. You will be asked to keep your arms crossed in front of you, as the wolves often come close to say hello.
They may even jump up on you and put their paws on your arms if they’re feeling extra curious about you and how you smell! You will be told to squat down without making any sudden moves. When you do, the wolves may greet you like they greet each other—with their tongues! Everything is done on the wolves’ terms and you can really feel the powerful presence of this legendary creature up close. Polar Park have worked hard over many years on getting the wolves used to humans in their environment, and is one of the few wildlife parks that allow visitors into the enclosure.