You’re out there in the backcountry, the crisp air is filled with the sounds of nature, and you’re soaking it all in. Then, you spot them: a pair of sharp yellow eyes watching you from the treeline. It’s a wolf. Now what?
First off, don’t panic. I’ve spent more time in the wilderness than I can count, and encounters like these are rare and usually harmless. Wolves are generally wary of humans. Between 2002 and 2020, there were only 14 recorded wolf attacks on people across Europe and North America, most of which were linked to rabid animals.
Make Some Noise, But Don’t Freak Out
If you see a wolf in the distance, consider yourself lucky—it’s not every day you get to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. But if one is a bit too close for comfort, it’s time to let them know you’re there. Wolves have an incredible sense of smell, but sometimes the wind isn’t in their favor, and they might not realize a human is nearby.
Just speak up—literally. Say something in a calm but firm voice, clap your hands, or give a little shout. The goal here is to avoid startling them. More often than not, the wolf will take off once it knows you’re around.
If a Wolf Starts Following You
Now, if a wolf starts tailing you, I get it—that can be unnerving. But don’t jump to conclusions. Wolves are territorial animals. If they’re following you, it’s usually their way of ensuring you leave their turf, especially if they have a recent kill or pups nearby.
Keep your cool. Don’t run—that’s key. Running can trigger a chase response, and trust me, you won’t outrun a wolf. Just keep facing them, make yourself look bigger, and back away slowly.
Stand Your Ground and Get Loud
In those rare instances where a wolf doesn’t back off, it’s time to assert yourself. Stand tall, wave your arms, maybe even lift your backpack over your head to appear larger. Make noise—yell, stomp, whatever it takes to show you’re not an easy target.
I’ve had to do this a couple of times with overly curious wildlife. It feels a bit silly in the moment, but it works. The idea is to convince the wolf that you’re more trouble than you’re worth.
When Things Get Serious
On the extremely rare chance that a wolf becomes aggressive—maybe it’s sick or too accustomed to humans—you need to defend yourself. If you’ve got bear spray, now’s the time to use it. No bear spray? Throw rocks, sticks, anything you can find.
If a wolf (or worse, a pack) attacks, fight back with everything you’ve got. Aim for the nose and eyes. But let’s be real—such scenarios are exceedingly unlikely. In all my years out here, I’ve never had a wolf attack me or anyone in my crew.
Think Twice About Bringing Your Dog
I love dogs as much as the next guy, but bringing them into wolf territory can stir up trouble. Wolves see dogs as competitors—or worse, intruders. Even a well-behaved dog can inadvertently provoke a wolf.
If you’re set on bringing your four-legged friend, keep them on a leash and close by. Make plenty of noise as you hike to let any nearby wolves know you’re coming through. But honestly, for the safety of both your dog and the local wildlife, it might be best to leave the dog at home when you’re heading deep into wolf country.
*This article was created with the assistance of AI.
