Wolves are predatory and strong animals, but they do not attack humans. If you are seen by a wolf, don't run away. Ignore him, let him know that you want nothing to do with him, do not show fear or panic and try to be calm. Wolves fear man more than man fear them.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Escaping an Attack
Step 1. Avoid being seen
If you see the wolf before he notices you, quietly walk away and stay alert. Remember: if you see one wolf, there are probably others present. It may happen that these animals move alone, but they almost always hunt in packs.
Step 2. If the wolf sees you, back away slowly
Avoid making eye contact in the eyes (common threat is perceived) and don't turn your back on them. If you try to escape, back away with the animal in front of you. If he is behind you, his predatory instincts may be activated. Walk slowly backwards always facing the herd.
Step 3. Don't run away
Wolves are faster than you, especially in the woods. Also, if you run away, you could unleash the predatory instinct of the animal. If you weren't chased by a pack already, you almost certainly would be if you started running away.
Part 2 of 3: Reacting to an Attack
Step 1. If a wolf bares its teeth and approaches you, act aggressively and make a lot of noise
Take a step towards the animal, scream, make a noise and clap your hands. Then slowly back off. Keep gesturing aggressively and making noise. Maintain eye contact with the wolf and don't turn your back on him.
- Don't try to fight a wolf if you have other options. These animals are strong and intelligent, with powerful jaws and killer instincts. There is a chance that you will be able to repel an attack from a lone wolf, but you should never try your luck with an entire pack.
- Breathe deeply and try to stay calm. Wolves can sense your fear. If you panic, you run the risk of freezing or running away, failing to fight to defend yourself.
Step 2. Repel the attack
If a wolf attacks you, keep it away with sticks, rocks, bear spray, air horns or any other weapon at your disposal. Find an easy position to defend: lean your back against a tree or large rock to prevent the herd from getting behind you.
Don't try to "hide in plain sight" and don't curl up in a fetal position. These actions don't stop a wolf from killing you. In most cases, a specimen that has launched an attack will only escape if you frighten it or if you prove too much of a threat to it
Step 3. Stay alert
If you can chase away a wolf, get to a safe place quickly, but without losing your temper. Climb a tree, boulder, or other elevated spot. If possible, get into a car or building.
You can't relax yet. The wolf may be hiding near you or your camp, waiting for a second chance. If he is particularly hungry, he may try to attack you again
Step 4. Join other people
If you are in a group of people attacked by wolves, form a circle to protect children and injured people in the center. When packs attack groups of prey, they target the weak links: the young, the old, and the sick. Whatever you do, don't walk away from the group. Make sure at least one person is looking in all directions so the wolves can't catch you by surprise.
- Wolves try to find the weak links of prey groups. They see all members of the group as potential prey. Children are the favorite targets, because they are small and weak. When wolves attack humans, in almost all cases their victims are children.
- Arctic wolves use this tactic to hunt musk ox: they observe the herd from a distance, waiting for the flanks to open when one of the adult oxen is distracted, then penetrate inside to hit the weaker specimens.
Step 5. Monitor your dog
If you are hiking in an area where there are wolves, never lose sight of your dog. Collect his droppings, stop him from barking and try to prevent him from urinating all over the place. All of these actions can attract predators, who will see you and your four-legged friend as intruders. Wolves, like dogs, use urine and droppings (along with scent traces and claw marks) to mark territory, and may decide to attack a specimen that appears to be intruding.
Part 3 of 3: Camping
Step 1. Start a fire
If wolves surround your camp, light a fire that produces smoke to keep them away. Use green leaves and damp wood to produce as much smoke as possible. When you have smoldering embers, move them near a tree or spread them between logs. Apply resin to the twigs and set them on fire. Try to get the smoke towards the pack.
Wolves don't like fire and smoke because they see them as dangers. If these animals accompany cubs (a rather likely occurrence in spring, the birth season), the fire could convince them to move to another den, especially if the mother believes her young are in danger
Step 2. Create a defensive shelter
Use branches, stones, sharp sticks, and other solid objects to create a barrier around your camp. If you build it right, you will prevent the wolves from getting too close. Don't forget, however, that they can still hear and smell you.
Step 3. Make a lot of noise
Wolves howl to claim their territory and interpret your noises the same way. If you are in a group, sing and shout together. Be as loud and ferocious as possible.
Don't try to imitate a wolf's howl. You may be luring a pack towards you. Lone wolves howl to find the rest of the pack and it has often been the case that wolves are run by humans who imitated their characteristic cry
Advice
- Lone wolves will rarely attempt to attack you directly. Try to appear bigger and more threatening by spreading your arms, waving the flaps of your jacket, and holding things in your hands.
- If wolves try to attack you, don't run away! These animals are genetically driven to chase prey as they run away, so avoid doing so.
- If possible, research wolves before going into areas where they are present. The better you get to know this species, the better your chances of survival will be.
- Wolves are very protective of their cubs and do not appreciate having a stranger touch them. If you meet wolf pups, avoid them!
- Don't treat a wolf like a dog. The bite of one of these animals has the force of over 100 kg per square centimeter, much higher than that of an average dog!
Warnings
- Don't try to run away from a wolf or pack by running. Ask all the people with you to form a circle and keep the children in the center. Throw stones at the wolves, make a lot of noise and try to appear threatening. Wolves do not get any prey for one in five hunts, usually when the chosen victim reacts.
- A saying goes: "The strength of the pack is the wolf and the strength of the wolf is the pack". A wolf pack consisting of more units than your group can be difficult to chase away - this is especially true if the pack is very large. Herds rarely exceed 6, but it is possible that they can reach up to 30.
- Do not allow children to move around unsupervised while hiking, camping or when they are in an area where there are wolves. Babies are vulnerable to attack due to their size and low strength. They may not even recognize a dangerous situation.
- If you've been bitten by a wolf, call 113 and rush to the hospital right away. This is rare if you have not provoked the animal, but it is still possible. You may need a rabies vaccine or a vaccine booster, to avoid possible risks.
