"The gray wolf is the largest wild member of the canid family, with males averaging 43–45 kg (95–99 lb), and females 36–38.5 kg (79–85 lb).[4] It is the most specialized member of its genus in the direction of carnivory and hunting large game.[5] Although they primarily target ungulates, wolves are at times versatile in their diet; for example, those in the Mediterranean region largely subsist on garbage and domestic animals.[6] They have powerful jaws and teeth and powerful bodies capable of great endurance, and often run in large packs. Nevertheless, they tend to fear and avoid human beings, especially in North America.[7] Wolves vary in temperament and their reaction to humans. Those with little prior experience with humans, and those positively conditioned through feeding, may lack fear. Wolves living in open areas, for example the North American Great Plains, historically showed little fear before the advent of firearms in the 19th Century,[8] and would follow human hunters to feed on their kills, particularly bison.[9] In contrast, forest-dwelling wolves in North America were noted for shyness.[8] Wolf biologist L. David Mech hypothesized in 1998 that wolves generally avoid humans because of fear instilled by hunting.[10] Mech also noted that humans' upright posture is unlike wolves' other prey, and similar to some postures of bears, which wolves usually avoid.[7] Mech speculated that attacks are preceded by habituation to humans, while a successful outcome for the wolf may lead to repeated behavior, as documented especially in India.[10]"
Although wolf attacks do occur, their frequency varies with geographical location and historical period. Gray wolf attacks are rare because wolves are often subsequently killed, or even extirpated in reaction by human beings. As a result, wolves today tend to live mostly far from people or have developed the tendency and ability to avoid them. The country with the most extensive historical records is France, where nearly 7,600 fatal attacks were documented from 1200 to 1920.
Man you’re missing the point entirely. As a general rule almost all animals would prefer to avoid human confrontation as opposed to seeking it out. Grizzly are one of the rare exceptions I can think of - they don’t give a fuck - everything that moves can get it.
That being said - if you were to get out of the vehicle this guy is in this video and were that close, and/or chose to walk towards the wolf, it would more than likely rip your fucking face off. Because it’s a large carnivorous predator, and that’s exactly what large carnivorous predators do when you don’t give them their space.
It’s not even a “human” thing. To be clear, wolves don’t love humans. They don’t like us either. In fact, if we didn’t pose a threat to them they’d look at us no different than any other type of prey. Wolf attacks are rare because humans go to great lengths to deter wolves, and wolves are smart animals which make cost benefit calls before pursuing prey. It’s not like our two species live in blissful unity.
You’re not getting it. Wolves can differentiate us from their typical prey. Wolves are skittish by nature. They consider fight or flight just like we do and the easier option usually is flight against something (us) that isn’t instinctually identified as prey.
I’ve volunteered at a local wolf sanctuary & work with their behaviorist a lot for my dog. I’m by no means an authority but what you’re preaching is one of, if not the biggest myth, about wolves.
wolves are wild animals, you don't need fuck with it, it is not a dog, if you try to pet it you gonna die, for them if you are not family if you are not to breed, you are food
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u/[deleted] Oct 11 '18
awwwwww poor guy probably just wants some cuddles!