Arctic Wolves Walk Right Up to Workers and “Sniff” Them

[AspenBud]

Number of people in North America killed by bear (black and brown bears) in 2014: 6

Number of people in North America killed by wolves in North America in 2014: 0

The problem with wolves is relative to the other big predators there just aren't that many in the lower 48 and while it's nice to speculate about potential fatal attacks, and when they occur they make news, they really aren't that common here compared to the other two big apex predators. One wolf, or a pack, certainly has the potential to kill a person. But up to now that has proven to be more the exception than the rule...and so far, that continues to be the case.

(We'll see if that lasts whether we want to or not.)

Don't forget how many hundreds and thousands of livestock these wolves kill every year.  To the city dweller this is OK but to us rural folks it is NOT OK!

Coyotes have them beat in the lower 48, that includes cattle (probably calves). It's not even a contest. For now...

Only because of sheer numbers.

Correct

[grundy53]

Number of people in North America killed by bear (black and brown bears) in 2014: 6

Number of people in North America killed by wolves in North America in 2014: 0

The problem with wolves is relative to the other big predators there just aren't that many in the lower 48 and while it's nice to speculate about potential fatal attacks, and when they occur they make news, they really aren't that common here compared to the other two big apex predators. One wolf, or a pack, certainly has the potential to kill a person. But up to now that has proven to be more the exception than the rule...and so far, that continues to be the case.

(We'll see if that lasts whether we want to or not.)

I like how you conveniently limit it to North America. How about we widen the parameters to all areas where people live with wolves. Also let's not forget that bears are found throughout North America. Not just where there are wolves.

Because this isn't Russia.

Nowhere in what I wrote did I say they couldn't become more of a threat.

The bear stats I posted involved incidents mainly from Canada. Only a couple were in the US.

But the wolves over there are still wolves right?

[pianoman9701]

The numbers of wolves, coyotes, bears, etc., really have no bearing on this thread. It's pretty obvious to anyone who's familiar with predator characteristics what these wolves are up to - sizing up their prey for a possible meal. Whether or not we have way more coyotes and bears than wolves also makes little difference. Not only are the wolves here to stay, but they're nowhere near done populating our state and the Northern US. If they're not as dangerous, prolific, or having as large an impact on ungulates and livestock as the others, it's only a matter of time before they do. I, for one, can't wait until the Commission gets its head out of its collective dark place and allows us to start putting rugs up on the wall. I know that the unfortunate victims of government incompetence who live in the NE corner of our state feel the same way.

[AspenBud]

The numbers of wolves, coyotes, bears, etc., really have no bearing on this thread. It's pretty obvious to anyone who's familiar with predator characteristics what these wolves are up to - sizing up their prey for a possible meal. Whether or not we have way more coyotes and bears than wolves also makes little difference. Not only are the wolves here to stay, but they're nowhere near done populating our state and the Northern US. If they're not as dangerous, prolific, or having as large an impact on ungulates and livestock as the others, it's only a matter of time before they do. I, for one, can't wait until the Commission gets its head out of its collective dark place and allows us to start putting rugs up on the wall. I know that the unfortunate victims of government incompetence who live in the NE corner of our state feel the same way.

I generally agree with this.

[Axle]

I'm guessing those wolves are habituated to humans. The behavior in the video sure makes it look that way.
I'm also guessing somebody at that facility has been feeding them on occasion.

[kodiak 907]

 

I'm guessing those wolves are habituated to humans. The behavior in the video sure makes it look that way.
I'm also guessing somebody at that facility has been feeding them on occasion.