Wolf encounters blur wildness in dog sledding

Blair Braverman, an accomplished dog sledder, recounts encounters with wolves that challenged her perception of wildness. During expeditions in Wisconsin and Saskatchewan, wolves appeared alongside her teams, treated by the dogs as peers. These experiences created a profound, unnerving connection between Braverman, her dogs, and the wild.

Mushing offers a unique sense of timelessness, a connection to ancient methods of northern travel. The sport has transformed significantly over the past century. Historically, dogsleds were used by trappers and mail carriers. The rise of long-distance racing in the 1970s, aimed at reviving sled-dog culture after snowmobiles became prevalent, led to changes in dog teams, prioritizing speed and lighter builds.