Photographer chased by wolves near Hyak

[seth30]

Thought I saw one three weeks ago over in 49 Degrees north.  Started predator calling for one last chance at spring bear and saw something black loping along the hill side.  Turned out I was only seeing the legs of a bull moose as he ran for his life from the sound I was producing

[KFhunter]

Thought I saw one three weeks ago over in 49 Degrees north.  Started predator calling for one last chance at spring bear and saw something black loping along the hill side.  Turned out I was only seeing the legs of a bull moose as he ran for his life from the sound I was producing

Next time you're up in 49 make some scrapes as you walk along,  kick around to make some fresh dirt then pee in the middle of it then on your way back out see if anything has changed       

[scottr]

I heard about through friends. Basically my brother works with a guy who knows him really well. His story seems consistent with aggressive territorial behavior likely made worse by the presence of his dog. We all encouraged him to report it to the WDFW.

I have hunted this area a for number of years and have seen significant wolf sign (scat and prints) so it doesn't surprise me to hear that he had this encounter.   This is within easy range of the Teanaway Pack, packs out of Greenwater/410 and any lone wolves using the MF Snoqulamie/Taylor Fork/Alpine Lakes (as I and other have documented) so it could be one of those packs or a breeding pair branching off expanding their territory

[scottr]

I've heard of this type of behavior before. Sounds like he got an escort out of a denning area. Not sure why you would try to out run a wolf though unless it was to the nearest tree.

My thoughts, not the best choice but given his adrenaline/fear running was not an unnatural response to the danger he was sensing. 

[fish vacuum]

Can you give us his Instagram account name?

For what reason?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I was expecting photos until I read your post again.

[Pegasus]

Sorry but I think this guy is mistaken. One you aren't going to outrun a hungry wolf pack no matter how good you are in trail running and second, wolves barking at a domestic dog sounds more like dogs. Growl and snarl maybe. Run Forest run. I think this is a fairy tale or a very confused photographer.

[scottr]

Sorry but I think this guy is mistaken. One you aren't going to outrun a hungry wolf pack no matter how good you are in trail running and second, wolves barking at a domestic dog sounds more like dogs. Growl and snarl maybe. Run Forest run. I think this is a fairy tale or a very confused photographer.

Here are my reasons to believe his story 1) multiple sources talking with him that he did encounter an animal on the trail 2) he saw a large canine animal on the trail 3) there are wolves in this area, I know from personal experience.

Bark may not be the most accurate term for wolf vocalization but they will make noises other than howling when addressing a threat, I'd call it a huff or woof.

His choice to run had nothing to do with thinking, it was pure instinct driven by fear flight/fight.   

[ghosthunter]

Sorry but I think this guy is mistaken. One you aren't going to outrun a hungry wolf pack no matter how good you are in trail running and second, wolves barking at a domestic dog sounds more like dogs. Growl and snarl maybe. Run Forest run. I think this is a fairy tale or a very confused photographer.

I tend to think this happen.
We heard a story like this a year or two ago from a very reliable and experience hunter on this forum. Possible a better hunter than most of us.
She was packing out a deer on a mule deer hunt when she was followed by wolves if I remember right.

[scottr]

Sorry but I think this guy is mistaken. One you aren't going to outrun a hungry wolf pack no matter how good you are in trail running and second, wolves barking at a domestic dog sounds more like dogs. Growl and snarl maybe. Run Forest run. I think this is a fairy tale or a very confused photographer.

Here are my reasons to believe his story 1) multiple sources talking with him that he did encounter an animal on the trail 2) he saw a large canine animal on the trail 3) there are wolves in this area, I know from personal experience.

Bark may not be the most accurate term for wolf vocalization but they will make noises other than howling when addressing a threat, I'd call it a huff or woof.

His choice to run had nothing to do with thinking, it was pure instinct driven by fear flight/fight.   

Just to add to this on the vocalizations. From the International Wolf Center:

http://www.wolf.org/wolf-info/basic-wolf-info/biology-and-behavior/communication/

When you hear a wolf howl in the night–the are not howling at the moon–they are communicating. They call any time of the day, but they are most easily heard in the evening when the wind dies down and wolves are most active. Wolves’ vocalizations can be separated into four categories: barking, whimpering, growling, and howling. Sounds created by the wolf may actually be a combination of sounds such as a bark-howl or growl-bark.

Barking is used as a warning. A mother may bark to her pups because she senses danger, or a bark or bark-howl may be used to show aggression in defense of the pack or territory.

Whimpering may be used by a mother to indicate her willingness to nurse her young. It is also used to indicate “I give up.” if they are in a submissive position and another wolf is dominating them.

Growling is used as a warning. A wolf may growl at intruding wolves or predators, or to indicate dominance.

Howling is the one form of communication used by wolves that is intended for long distance. A defensive howl is used to keep the pack together and strangers away, to stand their ground and protect young pups who cannot yet travel from danger, and protect kill sites. A social howl is used to locate one another, rally together and possibly just for fun.

[thinkingman]

Sorry but I think this guy is mistaken. One you aren't going to outrun a hungry wolf pack no matter how good you are in trail running and second, wolves barking at a domestic dog sounds more like dogs. Growl and snarl maybe. Run Forest run. I think this is a fairy tale or a very confused photographer.

Here are my reasons to believe his story 1) multiple sources talking with him that he did encounter an animal on the trail 2) he saw a large canine animal on the trail 3) there are wolves in this area, I know from personal experience.

Bark may not be the most accurate term for wolf vocalization but they will make noises other than howling when addressing a threat, I'd call it a huff or woof.

His choice to run had nothing to do with thinking, it was pure instinct driven by fear flight/fight.   

I agree and also think the wolves were not intent on harming/eating said photographer and dog.
I skied behind a buddy of mine on Mammoth Mtn when a coyote ran next to him for about 20 yards, just like your dog would. Funny to watch.

[MikeWalking]

Isn't Hyak on USFS land?   Using a drone for profit is illegal.  Your friend may want to be careful what he says.