Timberwolves
The small boat symbolizes Longridge's love for animal expeditions and exploration. Longridge's work involves researching different species of animals. Every time Longridge goes to study animals, he uses his small canoe instead of large ships. The small ship gives Longridge a wider view of the animals he intends to study. In addition, the small boat allows Longridge to choose which sites to visit during his explorations.
The lynx
Lynx symbolizes the violence of the wild. While traversing the dangerous terrains of the forest, Tao comes across the lynx, which preys on her. Tao is the only tactical member who helps her friends to get food when crossing the forest. Tao does her best to evade the lynx but realizes her life is in danger. Tao only survives after a child hunter shoots the lynx to save his life. Consequently, Burnford uses the lynx to show the violence of the wild. Predator animals prey on other animals, and humans use tools such as guns to defend themselves from aggressive animals such as the lynx.
Bodger (the elderly dog)
Bodger is a symbol of love. Throughout the text, readers realize that Bodger is lovely to every human being who handles him. Despite being 11 years old, Bodger does not create territories. Bodger starts showing his love for Peter, who has taken care of him for the last eleven years. When Hunters relocate to England, Bodger is the first to love Longridge, forming a great friendship. Similarly, Mrs. Oaks misses Bodger after discovering that the pets sneaked at night and ran away. Consequently, Bodger is an emblem of affection because every human character in the novels would like to bond with him.
