What do the wolves represent in the novel, Julie of the Wolves, 2?

Wolves are often seen as mysterious and dangerous creatures, and in this novel they symbolize the wilderness and a connection the Eskimos have with nature. The wolves are in danger when they kill a musk ox from the herd that Kapugen has in an enclosure in Kangik. Kapugen's first instinct is to kill the wolves in order to protect the herd, but he comes to remember that connection and decides that he should allow nature to live in harmony without so much human interference.