Have you ever heard of the majestic wolves of the wilderness? They are often thought of as creatures of fear, yet truly magnificent beings. But what happens when you encounter one of these wild animals while out on a walk? Our story today is about a brave young woman who had a close encounter with a wolf and lived to tell the tale.
An ODFW intern recently encountered a wolf on her own in the wild. At first, she didn’t even know the wolf was there, but then she made a noise to distract it. She quickly learned that a wolf’s instinct is to run when it sees a human. If you have not noticed, it’s best to let the wolf be on its way.
But what happens if the wolf doesn’t run? Our intrepid intern discovered that if a wolf approaches you or seems aggressive, the best thing to do is stay calm and face it confidently. Don’t be afraid, and don’t bend down, as this can be seen as a sign of submission. Instead, pick up any children you may have and put your dog on a leash. Make noises and throw objects around to give the impression that you are not alone.
You’ll be pleased to know that it’s highly unlikely that a wolf will attack you. However, if you are concerned for your safety, carrying bear spray or a mace with you is always wise. Wolves tend to avoid human interactions unless they have become familiar with people. This might happen if they have been fed by humans or if they have learned to associate people with food in their camping areas.
Ultimately, our intern safely left the area and learned much about wolves. She discovered that they have an impeccable sense of smell and that the wind can be your ally or enemy. She also learned that it’s important to stay calm and confident when encountering a wolf and to avoid its tracks.
So, do you love the outdoors? Do you want to learn more about these magnificent creatures? Then, watch the video of this dynamic encounter and discover more about wolves for yourself. You might even be inspired to have your own close encounter with these wild animals one day.
