Kevin Strauss, Tales with Tails Storytelling Programs, PO Box 655, Ely, MN 55731, USA

Much of what we think we know about wolves comes from stories. The first wolf we heard about as children was "big" and "bad". As educators teaching people about wolves, we must first overcome those negative stories in the backs of our (and our students') minds. One of the most effective ways to combat negative wolf stories is with positive or even neutral ones.

This summer, Tales with Tails Storytelling Programs worked with the International Wolf Center to develop and present a weekly series of wolf stories from around the world. Each program included stories of wolves being mean, foolish, wise and helpful to give audiences a well-rounded view of the wolf in folklore. After each story, the storyteller also presented some scientific information about wolves and whether they really act as they did in that story.

This combination of diverse wolf stories and scientific information has proven to be an effective educational strategy at the International Wolf Center.