Many specialists claim that the wolf is the direct ancestor of the domestic dog. Nevertheless, it seems impossible to have over 400 varieties of dogs descended from just one species.
Researchers revealed that the DNA of both the wolf and dog are almost identical. The general pattern of dogs’ skeleton is still very similar to that of wolves regarding their anatomic construction. Thus, significant changes are in the shape of the skull and the length of the limb bones.
Breeds such as the Alaskan malamute retain a strong affinity with the wolf, concerning their facial appearance and underlying skull structure.
It is easy to see the similitudes between a dog and wolf. In some cases, the appearance of the domestic dog has diverged significantly from that of its “suspected” ancestor.
Let’s suppose you find yourself in the situation where you have to survive a severe attack from a wolf. What will you do then? How will you react?
Consider that these animals are stronger and far faster than you can imagine. Even someone familiar with wolves would be at great risk.
If you think a person could hunt a big animal without a weapon just like a wolf can do, you haven’t spent enough time in the wilderness.
However, the likelihood of being attacked by wolves is incredibly weak. Wild wolves are fearful of people and try their best to avoid them.
If you are in the enclosure of a captive wolf pack that had been habituated to people, the risk of attack is much higher than if you were in the woods.
Thus, if you are in this situation and you begin to feel “threatened”, I suggest you follow the below steps.
There are two things to consider:
- Observing a threatening situation unwind.
- Things you need to do in case of an attack.
Therefore, if you’re feeling threatened by wolves:
- Don’t run. Wolves are coursing predators (they take their prey on the run).
- Don’t stare at the animals. They interpret it as a challenge or a threat.
- Do not turn your back on them. If many wolves are threatening you, some of them may try to flank you.
- Try to make yourself appear bigger than you are by raising a jacket or a blouse above your head.
- Shout at them without making yourself vulnerable.
- Throw a few stones at the animals.
- Back slowly away.
If you work in an enclosure with captive wolfs, stay with your back to the fence and move towards an exit. Be careful not to fall because it could encourage an attack.
If you’re working with captive animals, you should have a colleague or a connection nearby to help via radio. It is a vital aspect because when you need help, you need it in that second.
- Keep your emotions in check. Panicking will not help you at all, and there is a huge probability of getting killed.
- Don’t exhibit excessive fear and maintain control of yourself.
If you are in the woods, I want to add some info on how to survive this kind of attack:
- Don’t let the night catch you and get off the mountain before the sunset.
- Take a partner with you in the woods. Why? If a wolf attacks one of you, the other can stop it.
- Scream for help. Ask your buddy to save you because otherwise, you may die.
- Remember, you are in the fight of your life. Therefore, avoid being bitten.
- Even with all the layers of winter clothes, the damage of a bite is instant and severe. You immediately lost all feeling in the injured area. How to avoid such a thing? You have to struggle and fight to make the beast get tired or to get rid of the danger.
- Thus, if the wolf bites you, you might survive the ordeal if you get up on your feet each time. Keep walking no matter what and maintain a positive thinking.
The pressure of a bite can break your bones and muscles in multiple places. With all that, you can get away alive.
This information should be enough to get you out of danger. But, if you try this, and it isn’t as effective as you thought it would be, I must remind you that wild animals are unpredictable. This behavior is accentuated when they are in captivity.
Do you know any other strategies that you would apply in the case of a wolf attack? If so, share your thoughts in the comments section below.
When I go into the wild I carry a firearm with enough stopping power, laws to the contrary be damned, my life is more important.
A wolf, or any canine, has no way to defeat a man who is properly using a good club. Even in one, or two, of Jack London’s
books, it mentions the inability of any dog to fight a man who is using a club. Even a large Pit Bull can be easily defeated if a man
has a good, hard, heavy[3 to 4 pounds] club, and is fairly quick, striking at the muzzle and between the eyes.
A good brief article! It is true that wolf populations have risen greatly in recent years since the re-introduction into many of the northern/western state regions. Rising the possibility of contact if one is in these areas, hunting, hiking, camping, etc. One thing to consider, the ‘lone wolf’ term doesn’t only apply to terrorist bad guys. A lone wolf has been removed from his pack. And is therefore more likely to risk attacking, livestock or humans.. More likely to be an issue from my personal 30+ years of ranching in Texas, is the threat of wild dog packs. Irresponsible people, dumping unwanted dogs in the ‘country’, have created this issue. These animals have reverted back to their feral state, with little fear of man. Many deaths have occurred here from these packs. I survived by climbing a tree and waiting them out. Never again to work in the field without a sidearm on. This pack consisted of a Great Dane, German Sheppard mix, Pit bull mix, and mutt’s. Over six counted. They remained in the area for several days despite being shot at. Second only to feral hogs, or Mountain Lion, a real potential for harm, or death. One would need to be quite skilled and fast with a club or staff to overcome a group. Throwing rocks might be a bad idea a well, but if it’s all one has, perhaps one held in hand to defend with upon attack. A proper pocket knife as a EDC in hand could help survive an attack. Be aware always of one’s surrounding and situation, especially when using a chain saw, or doing other work afield. Stay safe!
A friend of mine in Michigan told of a pack of feral domesticated dogs that attacked their livestock in a closed barn. The dogs tore at the siding and dug beneath a wall and slaughtered several animals, apparently just for the “thrill” of the kill. For this reason (and also for their lack of fear of man), feral domestic dogs are much more dangerous than wild wolves. They have been bred for many purposes, including to be fearless, and no longer possess the natural instincts that keep the wolf in harmony with its natural environment; feral dogs kill for sport. The many breeds that have been bred for extreme size (and strength) also contribute to the added danger of feral dogs. A friend once told me about a Norwegian Elk-hound they were given that was large enough and powerful enough that it would sometimes go off into the woods on its own and kill a normal-sized deer, then drag it home. It attacked the deer by running into it from the side and knocking it over, then going in for the kill while the deer was down. While this particular dog was a pet, and not feral or normally dangerous to people (except, perhaps, as a guard dog), can you imagine running into a feral version of this beast in the wild? I’m sure it would be much more dangerous than any wolf, and if it had a feral pack with it, I wouldn’t bet on your chances unless you had a fully automatic weapon.
An interesting article. I lived for many years in wilderness areas of Alaska in the territories of wolf packs and was able to observe them on occasion. They would also seek me out to watch me. I also had a number of friends who trapped wolves. They were able to let live wolves lose from their traps when on occasion they desired to do so. All the while the wolves did not try to bite or in any way try to attack. North American wolves have rarely attacked humans. They sometimes like to watch humans but prefer to stay away from humans. You can get them to vocally interact with you by making a wolf like howl.
Feral dogs on the other hand are an extreme danger when in a pack as stated by others.
I personally have no fear of wild wolves in their own areas due to my own experience and observations.
Thanks for all that you do to help all of us be better prepared to survive whatever life brings our way wherever we find our selves.