Is There More To Yellowstone Wolf Attack Than Park Officials Are Admitting?

[bearpaw]

http://lobowatch.wordpress.com/2012/06/15/is-there-more-to-yellowstone-wolf-attack-than-park-officials-are-admitting/
15 Jun 2012
 
Is There More To Yellowstone Wolf Attack Than Park Officials Are Admitting?
 
It’s no secret among the residents of the Greater Yellowstone Area that the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have been less than honest about the impact wolves have had on the park and the area in general, or how those involved with the Northern Rockies Wolf Recovery Project have manipulated science to achieve a fast track to a successful wolf recovery.  Likewise, from the very start of the project, the likes of former project coordinator Ed Bangs and Yellowstone wolf biologist Doug Smith have thumbed their noses at any claims in regard to the health or safety threats wolves pose humans, especially when it comes to an outright attack on a human.
 
So, are wolves a threat to humans, will they attack a person?
 
One Yellowstone National Park tourist can probably answer that question better than anyone working at the park.  The man was hiking in the Hayden Valley, along the Yellowstone River, in early June (2012) when he encountered wolves, or a wolf, which he claimed became aggressive and threatening.  And this is where the story goes in two directions.
 
One story is that, to ward off the attack, the hiker sprayed the wolves with pepper spray bear repellant, but they did not back off.  The man then ran to the river and jumped in, while the pack of five wolves continued to pursue him, running along the bank, for nearly a mile.  The other story, being told by Yellowstone National Park officials, is that the hiker encountered a lone female wolf, which was guarding its den, and that there was not an attack, so there was no reason for the man to jump into the Yellowstone River.
 
Park spokesman Al Nash said, “There was no wolf attack, however, a visitor apparently had some sort of encounter with a wolf. The wolf did not attack him.   This gentleman encountered a wolf, just as many visitors encounter bears, elk or sheep.  I don’t know what his decision-making process was. He chose to get away from the animal. Why he chose to go into the Yellowstone River, I just don’t know.”
 
            When rumors of the “encounter” began to circulate a week after the incident took place, Scott Rockholm, the founder of Save Western Wildlife, called the Yellowstone offices and spoke with the head of the park’s wolf project, biologist Doug Smith.  Smith also stressed that the man was not attacked by the wolf.  Rather, he had gotten too close to the wolf’s den, and the wolf was simply doing what it took to get him away from the area.
 
According to Rockholm, Smith commented, “The female wolf escorted the man away from the den, and the man overreacted”.

A short story on the incident that ran in the Billings Gazette on June 12 shared – “The wolf allegedly gave a warning bark, which the man interpreted as a growl. He sprayed the wolf with pepper spray — a deterrent most often used in bear encounters. The hiker heard the wolf yipping as a result of the spray as he fled.  Park officials said the man jumped into the Yellowstone River, believing the wolf might pursue him. He apparently lost his backpack as he was washed downriver and was treated by park rangers for hypothermia.”
 
Dr. Valerius Geist, a professor of wildlife ecology with the University of Calgary, in Alberta, Canada says, “The position taken by the park is a classical one:  Blame the victim!    No wolf gets within pepper-spray distance without intent.  On the positive side, the wolf sprayed is unlikely to try getting close    again. This is good negative conditioning.”

During the month of June, the Yellowstone River typically sees its highest water mark as the mountain snowpack recedes quickly.  The runoff is swift, and the stretch of river where the hiker took the plunge is at just over 7,000 feet elevation, and the water runs cold.  Mid day water temperatures in early to mid June run around 47 or 48 degrees, accounting for the hiker’s case of hypothermia.
 
Will Graves, the author of the book “Wolves in Russia – Anxiety Through the Ages”, doesn’t buy YNP’s claim that the frightened hiker jumped into the river for no reason at all.  He points out,  “Anyone who jumps into the Yellowstone River in June, during high water, must be under a great deal of stress.”
 
Yellowstone National Park did not release the man’s name, but has stated that an investigation would continue to learn more.  Until then, they’re likely sticking with their story, and claim that there was not an attack.  Still, the other story, claiming that it was a pack of wolves, not a single female wolf, that pursued the hiker supposedly has a witness.  Looks like the best of either story could be yet to come.  -  Toby Bridges, LOBO WATCH

[woodman]

Is the hiker still Alive? From what I read here, I think that he or she is. It also sounds as if he or her said there were 5 wolves after him or her. Are there any public statements from the hiker that are public?

[bearpaw]

I imagine they are trying hard to get the name of the individual....

[sebek556]

hope they come forward and tell their story. 

[bearmanric]

Just remember wolves dont kill. And the two people that died in alaska last year from wolf attacks didnt happen. Wish this would happen at Wolfhaven. Rick

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2160668/Pack-wolves-maul-woman-keeper-death-Swedens-popular-zoo-horrified-visitors-look-on.html

[Bean Counter]

  liberal Nazi eff-tards... They value animals > people. Of course they're lairs.

Next question.

[GrainfedMuley]

Just remember wolves dont kill. And the two people that died in alaska last year from wolf attacks didnt happen. Wish this would happen at Wolfhaven. Rick

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2160668/Pack-wolves-maul-woman-keeper-death-Swedens-popular-zoo-horrified-visitors-look-on.html

Isn't there wolves out at Northwest Trek?

[Skyvalhunter]

Hybrid dogs

[WAcoyotehunter]

I had a couple buddies get in trouble with a pack of wolves in Idaho several years ago.  They were bowhunting and had wolves all around them...with intent.  They were both at full draw back-to-back and had to slowly move out of the area while the wolves growled and barked at them.  It's quite a story with all the details. I'm a poor typist and don't want to tell thier story, but they were certainly concerned for thier safety.

[NWBREW]

Don't forget about what happened with hirshey last year up in the wilderness. I believe she got very lucky. It's a matter of time till something bad happens. 

[ICEMAN]

Gotta love this comment from "officials" ;

According to Rockholm, Smith commented, “The female wolf escorted the man away from the den, and the man overreacted”.    

[seth30]

Don't forget about what happened with hirshey last year up in the wilderness. I believe she got very lucky. It's a matter of time till something bad happens. 

link?

[NWBREW]

Don't forget about what happened with hirshey last year up in the wilderness. I believe she got very lucky. It's a matter of time till something bad happens. 

link?

Report Washington Wolf Sightings Here - Estimated at 101+  thread. Reply #77 and 79. In the wolf section.

[hirshey]

Don't forget about what happened with hirshey last year up in the wilderness. I believe she got very lucky. It's a matter of time till something bad happens. 

Yeah, I was thinking about my experience while reading this.. Being "thrown to the wolves" if you will by having the wolf management team give my name and number to the newspaper then criticizing my encounter.. Kind of funny how that works.

[bearpaw]

When I reported a wolf attack on my neighbors dogs, I got an unpleasant call from Region 1 WDFW. 

[Curly]

What is wrong with people???  Why so much love for the damn wolves that they will lie about events?    It is mind boggling how they want to protect the image of their beloved wolves.

[CAMPMEAT]

I wonder if the reporting person got their white socks tangled up in their Birkenstock sandals and couldn't run. Then they had to jump into the river after being chased for a MILE by the wolves, just to untangle their socks ? Sounds legit to me, I mean, come on....

[KFhunter]

When I reported a wolf attack on my neighbors dogs, I got an unpleasant call from Region 1 WDFW. 

 
eww did they know who you were and about your guide service?  I'd be very careful if I were in those shoes or you might find difficulties
 
Did they threaten you?

[bearpaw]

When I reported a wolf attack on my neighbors dogs, I got an unpleasant call from Region 1 WDFW. 

 
eww did they know who you were and about your guide service?  I'd be very careful if I were in those shoes or you might find difficulties
 
Did they threaten you?

No threats, the person who called me knows me by first name and was upset because I copied my message about the wolves to local legislators and numerous other people, I was then told by the caller that it was coyotes even though the incident wasn't fully investigated yet. I challenged that with the fact that the resident sees coyotes on his property regularly and knows exactly what coyotes look like, he said the wolves were as big as his german shepherds. I questioned why 5 adult coyotes would be traveling together in the summer, and I questioned why 25 pound coyotes would attack two 100 pound German Shepherds in a kennel in the back yard. Nontheless I am pretty sure WDFW put it down as probable coyote. Later last summer I had two more reports from local residents in the same general area of 5 adult wolves traveling together. I suppose those were only coyotes too. 

Wolf tracks were spotted within a few miles of the area this winter, but nobody has seen the wolves this summer yet, I don't know where those wolves are at now. They are different wolves than the smackout pack because those wolves were being seen at the same time last year.

I honestly do not think most people in WDFW realize what they are dealing with in these wolves. I think they have believed the disney-like propaganda they have been spoonfed by wolf groups and WDFW has ignored the real science from Alaska, Canada, and Idaho showing the impacts of wolves. If anyone doubts that, simply read our wolf plan, it is unrealistic. I predict that the same harsh realities that educated IDFG will educate WDFW.

-Wolves will multiply much faster than they thought possible
-Wildlife will disappear much faster than they thought possible
-Our moose herd will almost vanish
-Wolf attacks on livestock, pets, etc will increase rapidly
-The public will demand control
-If WDFW does not control wolves, then in time the public will rebel like they have in Idaho and take care of the problem, unfortunately there will be a lot of unnecessary losses to wildlife, livestock, pets, and possibly some unsuspecting human victim(s) if the wolf dillema has to evolve to this point.

Like it or not that is what has occurred in Idaho and will likely occur in Washington. Don't shoot me, I am only the messenger.

[bearpaw]

sorry for hijacking the topic....

[KFhunter]

It took me ahwile looking at that track to realize that was not a quarter, or silver dollar - but a copenhagen lid

[FALFire]

[/quote]

-Wolves will multiply much faster than they thought possible
That's good, means more pelts when they are ready for the taking.

-Wildlife will disappear much faster than they thought possible
That's bad, means I'll just have to be sure to kill them on the spot.

-Wolf attacks on livestock, pets, etc will increase rapidly

That's good, maybe the ranchers will pay up too, more land to hunt.

-The public will demand control

That's good, then we won't have to listen to the wolf lovers bitchin'


-If WDFW does not control wolves, then in time the public will rebel like they have in Idaho and take care of the problem, unfortunately there will be a lot of unnecessary losses to wildlife, livestock, pets, and possibly some unsuspecting human victim(s) if the wolf dillema has to evolve to this point.

That's good, WDFW doesn't have the ability to handle the problem now, just wait till this thing explodes in their faces, wolf permits by the dozens!!

[/quote]

[BOWHUNTER45]

Thats it Dale . They have one goal on their minds and it sure is not what we want ...they think everyone is an idiot and you can not tell them sheet ! Once these wolves take over the only way it will ever be addressed is by the people who do not want them and take it into their own hands ...I am seriously against the wolf thing ...do not care if they all die or get killed 

[bearpaw]

It took me ahwile looking at that track to realize that was not a quarter, or silver dollar - but a copenhagen lid

Yes, that's about a 5 inch track, right on Old Dominion Mountain a few miles from Colville.

[woodswalker]

No threats, the person who called me knows me by first name and was upset because I copied my message about the wolves to local legislators and numerous other people, I was then told by the caller that it was coyotes even though the incident wasn't fully investigated yet. I challenged that with the fact that the resident sees coyotes on his property regularly and knows exactly what coyotes look like, he said the wolves were as big as his german shepherds. I questioned why 5 adult coyotes would be traveling together in the summer, and I questioned why 25 pound coyotes would attack two 100 pound German Shepherds in a kennel in the back yard. Nontheless I am pretty sure WDFW put it down as probable coyote. Later last summer I had two more reports from local residents in the same general area of 5 adult wolves traveling together. I suppose those were only coyotes too. 

Dale, its open season on Coyotes.....     

[bearpaw]

No threats, the person who called me knows me by first name and was upset because I copied my message about the wolves to local legislators and numerous other people, I was then told by the caller that it was coyotes even though the incident wasn't fully investigated yet. I challenged that with the fact that the resident sees coyotes on his property regularly and knows exactly what coyotes look like, he said the wolves were as big as his german shepherds. I questioned why 5 adult coyotes would be traveling together in the summer, and I questioned why 25 pound coyotes would attack two 100 pound German Shepherds in a kennel in the back yard. Nontheless I am pretty sure WDFW put it down as probable coyote. Later last summer I had two more reports from local residents in the same general area of 5 adult wolves traveling together. I suppose those were only coyotes too. 

Dale, its open season on Coyotes.....     

It certainly makes a guy feel that way after the way WDFW has acted on this whole wolf issue by telling people it's only coyotes so many times. Fortunately we are now getting trail cam photos to prove the wolves are here. This has put pressure on WDFW to get to work on their end. Suddenly alas, we have wolf packs appearing that were not here only a few months ago. 

I am happy WDFW has at least hired a couple trappers. But, imagine how many wolf packs would be confirmed if we had a dozen trappers out there confirming wolves, there is proof of many other packs than the ones identified thus far. I think we would quickly confirm enough wolves to delist in Region 1 alone. 

[sebek556]

Dale what do you think would happen if one of us trappers accidentally caught a wolf in one of our traps and called them up?

[Special T]

If you can get a wolf in a cage trap...  you da man... I don't know of any boday that can get coyotes in the damn things.  Would be a great way to force the issue now wouldn't it.

[bearpaw]

Dale what do you think would happen if one of us trappers accidentally caught a wolf in one of our traps and called them up?

A friend caught a coyote in a cage trap this last winter. So, I think on rare occasion it could happen that a wolf is accidentally caught in a bobcat set. I think the proper thing to do is to call the WDFW, I imagine they would collar it and release it. I know a guy who caught a cougar years ago, he called WDFW and they came and helped release the cat.

This would be a good question for Outdoor Guardian.

[Feanix]

It would be the same as catching a lynx, wolverine, fisher, or any thing you don't think you can release safely ( like a cougar). Call them up and they would come out and release it. They would probably collar a wolf first, as Dale suggested.

[sebek556]

that was kinda my point, if we as sportsman and trappers focus in on some of these areas where wolves are known but no pack is present according to the WDFW, maybe we could get lucky and help them do their job. I am not saying to intentionaly due wolf set, but if a wolf would wander into a bobcat set in one of these areas then it would be a winning outcome I think. 

[Special T]

I would bet that that is currently going on under the radar... you cannot get enough wolves in a cage trap to make it worth your while, but i'm sure you could in a padded foot hold trap like the WDFW uses. 

[Outdoor Guardian]

Dale what do you think would happen if one of us trappers accidentally caught a wolf in one of our traps and called them up?

A friend caught a coyote in a cage trap this last winter. So, I think on rare occasion it could happen that a wolf is accidentally caught in a bobcat set. I think the proper thing to do is to call the WDFW, I imagine they would collar it and release it. I know a guy who caught a cougar years ago, he called WDFW and they came and helped release the cat.

This would be a good question for Outdoor Guardian.

You're exactly right, Dale.
The proper thing to do would be to call the WDFW Police for assistance. We understand this can happen and have the willingness and ability to address it. -OG

[bearpaw]

Thanks for posting OG, I thought this would be the position of the WDFW. 

[Humptulips]

I seriously doubt it would be possible to catch a wolf in a cage trap set for bobcat. Besides the reluctance of canines to enter a cage trap there is the size. Bobcat cages are just not big enough to fit a wolf in. If a wolf did decide to go in one it would only get half way in. The door would drop on it's back and be held up until the wolf backed out. It happens all the time with cougar. These animals are just too long for the traps.
As for padded jaw traps. I don't believe there are that many permits being issued especially in the areas where wolves are. Also coyote traps are way undersized for a wolf. Yes, you could concievably hold one but it would be a fluke.

[hirshey]

Probably isn't likely.. but not impossible. I've heard of smaller cougars being caught in bobcat traps. 

[bearpaw]

I would definitely agree that a 100 pound wolf is not going in a smaller live trap, but there are a bunch of guys making homemade traps and some of these are larger. I think some are large enough for a wolf pup born in the spring to get into, that would be the type of wolf most likely to get in a trap since they lack experience.