Wrestling Wolves, Ely, Minnesota, 1998
Photograph by Joel Sartore Gray wolves, like these two wrestling at Ely, Minnesota's International Wolf Center, were hunted to near extinction in the western U.S. in the 1800s and early 1900s. But 34 years on the Endangered Species List and a successful federal reintroduction program begun in 1995 has helped the species recover dramatically. Western populations were delisted in February of 2008. (Photo shot on assignment for, but not published in, "Return of the Gray Wolf," May 1998, National Geographic magazine)
Snarling Wolf, Ely, Minnesota, 1998
Photograph by Joel Sartore A remote-controlled "carcass cam" captures an inside view of a gray wolf fiercely guarding its meal at the International Wolf Center in Ely, Minnesota. Wolves at the center are provided with food, but wild populations generally hunt in packs. After a large kill, a single wolf can consume more than 20 pounds (9 kilograms) of meat. (Photo shot on assignment for, but not published in, "Return of the Gray Wolf," May 1998, National Geographic magazine)
Sailboats, Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota, 1975
Photograph by David Boyer Sailboats jockey for position in a boat race on Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota, a state that owes much of its buoyant outdoor spirit to its rivers and 15, 291 lakes. For a lake to be counted, it has to cover at least ten acres (four hectares) and flow with fresh water. No ponds or potholes, please. (Text adapted from and photo shot on assignment for, but not published in, "Minnesota, Where Water Is the Magic Word," February 1976, National Geographic magazine)
Fourth of July Fireworks, Bowlus, Minnesota, 2000
Photograph by Richard Olsenius Fireworks light up the sky over a grain elevator in Bowlus, Minnesota. The volunteer fire department sets off the display every year on the Fourth of July, during Bowlus Fun Days. The daylong celebration is a "big thing" in Bowlus, says Charlie Sobieck, who owns the grain elevator. "We have bingo, a snow-cone stand, cotton candy, polka bands, and a parade with floats. It's a good gathering for people to see people they haven't seen in years." (Text adapted from and photo shot on assignment for, but not published in, "In Search of Lake Wobegon," December 2000, National Geographic magazine)
Memorial Day Salute, Minnesota, 2000
Photograph by Richard Olsenius A Veterans of Foreign Wars honor guard stands at attention for a three-round salute in honor of Memorial Day. First widely observed in 1868, Decoration Day, as it was originally known, was a time to honor fallen Civil War soldiers by decorating their graves. In 1971, the U.S. Congress made Memorial Day a national holiday honoring all Americans who have died in service to their country. (Photograph shot on assignment for, but not published in, "In Search of Lake Wobegon," December 2000, National Geographic magazine)
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