It’s the stuff from which legends of old are made—wolves standing high on a mountain in “V” formation howling at the full moon. But it’s just that, legend.
“That’s one of the many misconceptions about wolves,” explains Mary-Martha Bahn, owner of Howlers Inn. “They don’t howl more at a full moon than any other time”.
Howlers Inn holds the distinction of being the only bed and breakfast in the U.S. that’s also a wolf sanctuary. Six wolves—an Alpha male and Female, a Beta, an Omega and everything in between—call Howlers home. Bahn and her husband, Chris, also call Howlers home these days, although they never set out to own a wolf sanctuary.
A New Career in the Bed and Breakfast Industry
Five years ago they were looking for a business and had considered several properties. However, the B&B at Howlers was the only one they looked at. Six weeks after they looked at it, it was theirs. Bahn has no regrets.
The idea behind the Inn was simple. Create a place where captive-bred wolves, which could not be released into the wild, would have a home. The wolves come from all parts of the United States. The Bahns have them spayed or neutered and do not sell or breed them. They just become a part of the whole ambiance of Howlers. The whole sanctuary is in fact paid for by income from the Inn and donations.
“I really love the fact that I can look out at the wolves from my kitchen window as I’m doing the dishes.” she says. “And I love sharing this with our guests. It’s not something most people ever get to experience.”
A Different Kind of B&B
Apparently the guests love the close proximity to the wolves as well as the down home atmosphere of the place, too. The luckiest of guests actually get rooms overlooking the wolves’ enclosure, and the dining area also overlooks the enclosures. Everyone enjoys watching the wolves snatch up any leftovers from breakfast.
Howlers can accommodate up to twelve guests, and welcomes children of all ages. Most guests spend their days after breakfast exploring the beautiful countryside. Yellowstone National Park is an easy day trip, and there is great fishing, historic towns, and other outdoor activities, including downhill and cross country skiing in the winter.
But the best part of their day is likely the return to Howlers and the wolves.
“At sunset our guests usually sit on our deck with a glass of wine listening to the wolves howling or walk around the wolf enclosure. It’s pretty cool.”
To read more about this, go to Howler's website,
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