We all enjoy videos like this —
https://youtu.be/nBjfN6RgI7k&rel=0
— without realizing just how unusual such wolf behavior is in the wild — the real wild, that is.
Say, in Oregon…
Two wolves in southwest Oregon have shown an uncharacteristic “lack of wariness around people,” prompting state wildlife officials to issue a warning to anyone recreating in the upper North Umpqua River area east of Roseburg.
…
There have been no reported attacks on humans or pets so far, officials with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said, but they’re recommending people in the area be prepared for a potential encounter.
…
The wolves are part of the Indigo Pack — a group of four first established in 2018. Their area of known activity is generally west of Diamond Lake and east of Glide.
“The behavior of these two wolves can be a safety risk for people and their pets. Dog owners should leash their pets as wolves are territorial with other canines”…
Yes, it is cooln to know there is an Indigo Pack, and it’s easy to forget that it took our ancestors thousands of years to domesticate wolves, i.e., to make them safe enough to be friends with, plus we all want to be that presenter in a video palling around with the pack and howling with them and so forth.
But the wolves don’t know any of that. They’re wild animals, as well as villains in many tales. If somebody is hurt in an encounter, that’s bad enough, but all members of this endangered species are likely to pay for it.
Seriously, the best way to protect wolves as well as yourself is to keep your distance and know what to expect in an encounter with one in the real world.
https://youtu.be/r76GJDP0uWQ&rel=0
A little lagniappe:
Wolves, of course, aren’t the only dangerous caniform out there.
Worldwide, there is quite an assortment.
Since I’m in North America, my online video search brought up, among other goodies, some tips from REI on bears:
https://youtu.be/SHZ-prhA7E0&rel=0
Hmmm — might we going to wild bear country on Sunday morning?
Okay, okay: AND wolves:
https://youtu.be/Om-jpC2MZr4&rel=0
Featured image: From OFDW Wolf Human Interactions.
Flight To Wonder 