How to Know if a Wolf Is Going to Attack You

Spending time outdoors, whether camping, hiking, biking, fishing or swimming, can place you in harm's way when you are in an area with known predators. Wolves, which have been reintroduced to tourist areas such as Yellowstone National Park, can pose a threat to people unaccustomed to knowing what to watch for in terms of warning signs. Knowing how to spot a potential wolf attack can buy you valuable time so that you can get away to the best of your ability.

Things You'll Need

  • Trash bags
  • Cell phone
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pay attention to your surroundings. If you are camping, know that wolves may be attracted to food and trash. Wolves may become aggressive, and thus attack, if they are searching for food and come across a campsite littered with potential food. Keep campsites cleaned up and get inside if you see a wolf, or hear one howl and you have food around.

    • 2

      Look for animals that wolves prey upon. Know that if you see baby deer, rabbits or small mammals, you should watch for wolves. Get out of the area when you see small animals. You may be in harm's way if you come upon a wolf attacking a small animal, as the wolf will be in attack mode and may turn on you next.

    • 3

      While hunting, do not leave kills out in the open. Make sure all carcasses are properly stored out of both sight and smell of a wolf. If a wolf senses a dead animal, such as a deer, the wolf will stalk and hunt the animal to feed off of it. You may encounter a wolf attack if the wolf is feasting off a carcass left close to you. If you happen upon a wolf feeding from a recent kill, get out of the area and do not attempt to get the wolf away as it may attack you to protect the food it is eating.

    • 4

      Watch the body language of a wolf if you see one in the wild. A wolf that feels threatened, in danger or simply hunting for food will stalk prey. A wolf stalks by taking slow, calculated steps. The wolf's head will be slightly lowered and the eyes will appear wide open. The ears of the wolf will stand straight up and the back shoulder blades may be more visible while the wolf is stalking. Do not run and avoid direct eye contact with the wolf. Get out of the wolf's line of sight immediately, without running, which will prompt a wolf to chase after you to complete the hunt.