Member Blog Post

In the northern plains of  Michigan’s lower peninsula, the Rifle River winds it’s way through the dense forest.  The area is both remote and eerie.  The Chippewa Indians were known to bury their dead near water.  There is a legend of an animal spirit that is half dog and half wolf.  These spirits are said to protect the graves of the Chippewa warriors.  It is said that the spirits will attack anyone who disturbs the burial ground. Residents and visitors to the area have reported seeing packs of “shadow dogs” near the dirt road the cuts through the forest.  The white settlers of the region came to call them “the witchy wolves”.  The legend has been handed down from generation to generation.  The legend is remembered today with an annual run.  Supporters of the run hide along the course and howl like wolves as the runners go by.  The Witchy Wolf Run is held in the small town of Omer in September, the run starts at sundown.