Maned Wolf in Autumn Tidal Flat

Pale orange fur covers the standing maned wolf as it pauses on the wet, dark mud of a tidal flat near Moscow. Overcast skies cast a diffuse gray light, yet a warm, artificial firelight glows from the left, highlighting the long black legs and the tips of the bent autumn grasses. Small raindrops glisten on the darkened earth and the animal's coat. The wolf stands in the right third of the frame, its head lowered slightly in patient stillness. Surrounding reeds curve under the weight of the light drizzle, creating a textured border against the flat, slick ground. at the edge is a single reflection of the firelight shimmering on a puddle near the wolf's front paw.