“Wolves take direct
eye contact as a
challenge, and they
will fight back if
threatened.”
WOLVES
Contrary to the cougar, you do NOT want to make direct eye contact with a wolf if you
are approached by one. Wolves take direct eye contact as a challenge, and they will
fight back if threatened. Instead, keep your eye on the wolf indirectly and try your best
to distance yourself. If the wolf continues to step forward, clap loudly and make noise
while raising your backpack or your jacket over your head to create height. Don’t
show your teeth or snarl and make animal noises at the wolf. This type of behavior
will only further trigger their instinct to fight.
A wolf can sense when you’re scared, so try to be as scary as possible when fighting
them off. Throw things and yell, but do NOT turn your back on the wolf. If there is more
than one, and you’re being surrounded by a pack, look for a weapon or use your
walking stick to beat them across the nose. It is important that your back is never an
open target, so backing yourself up against a tree for leverage is a good idea. If there
is something nearby that you can get to and easily climb, then go. Making yourself
both unavailable and scary is your best bet to making a wolf back down.
When navigating the outdoors, it is best to travel in groups of two or more. If you are
out in the wilderness alone, you are an easier target. Carry a walking stick and some
sort of weapon, like a knife, on you at all times while in the woods. You can also pur-
chase deterrents, such as pepper spray, whistles, or other weapons that may aid you
if one of these situations ever arises. Stay alert, stay prepared, and stay safe!
80 | Summer 2017 | Adventure Outdoors