Dogs And Ravening Wolves

Now that I have your attention regarding whether wolves are a danger to humans, let’s do a bit more on this topic.

How dangerous are wolves to humans? Not much. If you are in the wilderness, you are much more likely to be injured or killed by injuries, bears, bees, or mountain lions (not much, but some risk). 

Wildlife biologists that study wolves note that while wolves are often curious about, and quite aware, of the presence of humans, they leave humans alone. There is much more of a risk of running across a dangerous bear than a dangerous wolf. 

On. The. Other. Hand.

We still need to explain the documented cases of wolves that have attacked humans. I have collected articles on this topic for several years, and these cases do exist. To brush those off as if they didn’t happen isn’t a way for making an adequate explanation.

While I am not a wolf expert, I do read about them, both in texts as well as in the news. Here are my theories on what causes most of these attacks.

* Being too near a den with wolf puppies. 

* Being near dead prey the wolf is guarding.

* Surprising a pack that has wolf puppies.

* Some kind of environmental disaster, famine or sickness (rabies) makes the wolves dangerous.

* Messing with captive wolves in a sanctuary or zoo. 

* Allowing wolves to become food conditioned to human garbage.

* In some instances, a lone child might be at risk.

Do I worry about wolf encounters when hiking in the West? Nope. If I had small kids, would I want them walking alone to a bus stop in a wolf habitat? No. 

I am more concerned with the danger a wolf poses to my dog. That is a real risk. Wolves will gang up and kill dogs in their territory. Few dog breeds can take on a wolf.

In North America, I would be more concerned about moose, elk, bear, mountain lions, Africanized bees, and feral cattle. You'll be lucky to even see a wolf, they are quite elusive and have better things to do with their time, finding food and fighting with one another over territory. If a wolf ever comes at you, you'll know it. It would look the same as a dog going after you, and you'd use the same solutions.

Plan accordingly.