WOLVES AND HUMANS
Information provided by the International Wolf Center
Wolves are shy and generally avoid humans. Most people will never see a wolf, let alone have a conflict with one. Wolves can, however, lose their fear of humans through habituation and may approach camping areas, homes, or humans. Below are guidelines that you can follow to decrease the chance of wolf habituation and conflict while living or visiting wolf country.
ARE WOLVES A DANGER TO HUMANS? Wolves are not dangerous to humans. It is important to keep wolf attacks in perspective. There is a greater chance of being struck by lightning than being injured by a wolf. The injuries that have occurred were caused by a few wolves that became fearless of humans due to habituation.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER A WOLF
While seeing a wolf is a memorable experience, like any other wild animal, you should use caution when they are close. Keep the following things in mind while you are viewing them:
• Do not feed wolves.
CAMPING IN WOLF COUNTRY
• Do not entice wolves to come closer, and do not approach them.
• Cook, wash dishes, and store food away from sleeping areas. • Pack out or dispose of garbage and leftover food properly. • Suspend food, toiletries, and trash out of reach of any wildlife. Never burn trash. • Keep children and pets near you at all times.
• Leave room for a wolf to escape.
• Do not allow a wolf to approach any closer than 300 feet.
• Keep kids near you and dogs leashed.
AUTUMN GUIDE
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