How to avoid a wolf
An encounter with a wolf is one of the most terrifying scenarios that can unfold in the forest. The height of the predator ranges from 66–86 centimeters, the body length is 105–160 centimeters – it is almost impossible to fight it. He also has 42 teeth, strong legs and instincts that help detect the fear of a potential victim. Fortunately, humans are not the most common prey for wolves. This does not mean that they ignore people, but they do not attack at every meeting. But it’s still better to reduce the likelihood of a collision.
- Do not go where wolves have been seen. Even after information about predators appears, many people still go to their territory and believe that they will get lucky.
- Assess the situation and remain vigilant. Wolf tracks (they look like dog tracks) are a reason to change the route and go home.
- Keep children, sick and elderly people at the center of the group. Wolves always attack the weakest, so they need to be covered by those whom the animals consider more dangerous. A large group of people in which there is no obvious candidate for the role of prey can be bypassed by a predator.
- At a rest stop, make a fire. Fire and smoke will scare away the animal if it wanders near you.
- Clean up after your dog’s excrement. If you take your pet for a walk, clean up after it. Otherwise, you may attract the wolf’s attention.
What to do if you meet a wolf
If it was not possible to avoid the meeting, you will have to overcome your fear and prepare for the fight. Fortunately, it is not guaranteed – sometimes you can wait it out.
- Calm down. A rash decision can cost your life, so it is necessary to maintain composure even in the face of very serious fear.
- Don’t turn your back on the wolf. If you decide to run away, nothing will work out – wolves can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h. It takes them 4 meters to accelerate, so the pursuit will be short. If it is possible to retreat (for example, to the nearest tree), you need to step back backwards.
- Don’t make sudden movements. A wolf can take any sharp gesture as an invitation to fight.
- Don’t look the wolf in the eye. You will have to monitor the actions of the animal using peripheral vision – direct eye contact will be perceived as aggression.
- Assess the wolf’s actions and environment. If a predator decides to attack, you must have a plan. In order to defend yourself, it is better to have something behind your back – for example, a tree will become an ally and support. But it’s better to climb on it. If there is a body of water nearby, then you can go into the water up to your waist – the predator will not follow you.
- Take out your weapon. If you do not have a means of self-defense with you, then find a stone or at least a branch under your feet. Even if they are not suitable as weapons, they can be used to intimidate. If you still have to fight, then hit it in the nose – this is the weak point of the predator.
- Scare away the wolf. If the wolf begins to approach, and there is nowhere to retreat, you can try to scare the enemy. Screams can make a predator doubt the advisability of an attack. Wave your arms and jump – this will make you look like a larger and more dangerous enemy.
- Throw him food. If you’re lucky, the wolf will be distracted.
What to do after the meeting
- Leave if you managed to avoid a fight. There is no need to run – the wolf can watch the potential victim and wait for the perfect moment to attack.
- Prepare your weapons. When leaving the meeting place with an animal, do not relax and prepare for a new encounter. It will be better if at the beginning you have at least a cobblestone in your hand.
- Get a rabies vaccine if you are bitten by a wolf. It is quite possible that the predator attacked precisely because of rabies.
- Tell people that you met wolves. This information can save the lives of those planning to go into the forest.
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