What to expect if you encounter a wolf
20,474,350
Published 2019-10-24
In the unlikely event that you encounter a wolf, here is what to do:
- Make sure the wolf knows you are there.
- Shout or speak loudly so the wolf hears you.
- If seated, stand up and wave arms so the wolf sees you.
Wolves tend to avoid humans when they are alone or in a pack. Once a wolf sees, hears or smells you, it will most likely leave the area quickly.
If the wolf (or some other predator) still approaches or acts aggressively:
- Do not run, stay calm and keep facing the wolf.
- Pick up small children without bending down, put dogs on a leash, and leave the area.
- Shout, make noise, make yourself look larger, and throw any available objects.
- In the unlikely event that you are attacked by a wolf, fight back.
- Use bear spray or mace, it is very effective at discouraging any large predator.
Wolves generally avoid human interactions, unless they have become too accustomed to people. This can happen when people feed wolves or wolves are getting consistent food from campgrounds or dumps.
All Comments (21)
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Woman whispers: "bath time" Wolf: runs away
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Shortly after this the wolf uploaded a video to YouTube called “what to expect when you encounter a human”
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Word of warning; this does not work as well on people. Some do get startled and leave, but some will outright approach you. It's absolutely horrifying.
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as someone who has literally never been anywhere near wolves and never will be this was super helpful
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Wolf on radio: He's just standing there... menacingly
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The wolf just tried to act like he didn’t see you cause he’s socially awkward
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Short version: Meeting another person in the forest is usually more dangerous.
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I encountered a wolf once when I was hiking. It was on its own and was the most beautiful majestic animal. I had come to a clearing and it was standing still on the other side. It did not seem shocked or frightened, to this day, many years later, I remember its eyes as it looked directly into mine. I just stood still and made no noise or movement and after it had looked at me for what seemed ages but was probably just a minute, it just slowly turned and walked away into the trees as if I was of no importance to it or its day. I still remember its beatiful head and stunning eyes. Afterwards, I did think it strange that it looked me directly into my eyes, as a dog does not do that. I felt that it was confident in its domain and had allowed me to enter it and pass thru. They are just wonderful animals.
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The wolf was probably thinking, "She's just standing there ... MENACINGLY."
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If it starts huffing and puffing: seek shelter. Ideally one made from bricks.
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"Oh my gosh: HUMAN!!! Those things are vicious!"
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People have a weird perception when it comes to wolves and think they are just attacking and killing people all the time. Attacks are so extremely rare, and that is if you even encounter one. They almost always try to avoid humans.
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“A wolf’s typical reaction when they see a human is to run away” That’s also my reaction
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This wolf: Calm Any wolf in the Far Cry games: Charges at you full speed
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That bark-howl made my hair stand up more than anything I've ever experienced. Like a deep primal reaction.
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I’ve experienced two wolf sightings. One in Alaska, another in Colorado. Both times we just stared at another, and then the wolf walked away. Thankfully there was good distance between us. I’ve also had this happen with a fox, moose, and bobcat. Bobcat was actually the closest encounter. It walked right between my dog and I. Stopped at that point, looked at me, then kept walking away. My dog was about 15 years old, so he didn’t react, just stayed still. Sometimes the best thing to do is stay still and quiet. Give them their space. It’s more their curiosity, when they know you’re not a threat, they depart. Naturally not all cases, but my own experience.
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The lady must have whispered: “it’s time for a bath”
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"If you encounter a wolf and it doesn't run away at first, it may be because the rest of the wolf pack is standing behind you."
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I have encountered single wolves and entire packs while hiking. They have never shown any signs of aggression. I have enjoyed the experience, snapped a picture or two and went on my way. Single wolves nearly always run off unless they have been habituated by people feeding them. Packs have typically wandered off.
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🇨🇦 Big Bad Wolf eh, he ran away. I worked at Canadian Forces Station Alert in the Arctic ( military out post ) We have a large family of Arctic wolves, ( 25 ) they walk amoung us, we don't feed nor touch them. They are very social, curious, shy, loving to their pups, they are a family !! They follow us down to the pump shack, wait, and walk back to HQ with us. There is no fear, and no fear of us with the wolves. Extraordinarily lucky to have been in the North Pole and to live amoung these magnificent animals.
