Dawson City’s raven whisperer shows love can take many forms and species

The raven is the official bird of the Yukon territory and holds cultural importance for many Yukon First Nation communities. These big, black birds can be seen and heard in places like Whitehorse and Old Crow.

In Dawson City, Daniel Vigliotti is known as the “raven whisperer.” Every day around lunchtime, he parks his van at a downtown gas station to start his walk. Within moments, ravens begin to arrive, often led by one named “Cora.”

“I’ll roll into town and she’ll be the first one that drops out of the sky out of nowhere,” Vigliotti told CBC News. Cora has a unique beak that makes it hard for her to eat, so Vigliotti gives her extra food when he can.

Vigliotti’s bond with Cora grew stronger after she came to him injured one day. “It actually looked like it could have been potentially a fox bite,” he explained. He decided to help her clean the wound, and after a few attempts, Cora let him. This moment changed their relationship.

“To her my role became clear and she just became my best friend,” Vigliotti said. The other ravens soon followed, forming a “posse” that can range from 12 to 25 birds. They playfully interact with Vigliotti and his dog, Mr. Fox.

Vigliotti enjoys his walks with the ravens, saying they help him unwind after a tough day. “I struggle with human interaction,” he admitted. “It’s love without the clutter of fear and greed.”