Wolves attack joggers' dogs on Fort Rich

The Anchorage Daily News ^ | December 22nd, 2007 | JAMES HALPIN

[george76]

'They were not afraid of us,' woman says.

Neither the three women nor their dogs heard the pack of wolves creeping up behind them as they jogged on Artillery Road in the frigid morning air.

One minute it was peaceful. Then she glanced back and saw the pack of about eight wolves spanning the road, only a few feet behind.

A melee ensued, accompanied by screaming, snarling, blood and pepper spray.

"It was the most terrifying thing I've ever been through."...

The increasingly emboldened Elmendorf wolf pack is blamed for killing one dog and wounding another in Eagle River this week as Anchorage saw its seventh wolf attack in the past month, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

The wolves, possibly led by a hungry pack leader in search of easy meals, seem to have taken to attacking dogs during the day, even when groups of people are present, Anchorage-area wildlife biologist Rick Sinnott said.

"That's definitely a bit of escalation on the wolves' part," Sinnott said.

Wolves attack chained-up dogs fairly regularly in Alaska...

But for generally people-shy wolves to attack dogs in front of humans is more unusual -- and worrisome...

[jazusamo]

"We're a little more concerned about these instances because the wolves are kind of upping the ante a bit. If they keep it up, we will have to do something lethal."

Concerned they should be. Hopefully they don't wait for a human to be killed or seriously injured before they take action.

Thanks for posting, I just finished reading the article and was going to post it and found you had. :)

[george76]

Thanks.

The animal rights people must be very happy ?

Many American are afraid to defend themselves , even when attacked.

[RightWhale]

trying to eliminate their population is arrogant

Nobody has even suggested eliminating them. The aerial hunt has not been successful since few are willing to fly out for the expense and low return on investment. It is open season and defense of life and property is allowed even without a hunting license but nobody around here has reported much more than the one roving pack.

[RightWhale]

what firearm is the most effective

For personal defense a spear or sword would do. For area defense a shotgun with alternate slug and double ought will get it done.

[wolfcreek]

Despite our admiration for the wolf including our 2 wolf hybrid pets, We have NO patience for bad dogs/packs. If these wolves/packs have lost their natural fear of humans, they must be dealt with.

[RightWhale]

A jogger was stalked on Hot Springs Road a couple weeks ago. Either dog or wolf. Two dogs would be worrisome.

[wolfcreek]

I have a customer who goes Whitetail hunting on a ranch 6 hours north of Edmonton. The stipulation for getting to hunt there is taking any wolves they see.

This last trip, they shot one that weighed more than 200 lbs. (the deer were also huge)

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Nothing I have ever hit with that gun has survived.

In the end, when the smoke clears, that is the desired effect.
The Remington 870 is a fine piece. Fine indeed.

[jazusamo]

So true! Whether it be dogs or wolves, when they lose their fear of man they have to be dealt with.

[george76]

Anchorage has about 25 or 30 wolves in up to five packs, but the Elmendorf pack, which ranges from the Air Force base to the Palmer Hay Flats, is the only one suspected of attacking dogs during recent months...

---

This behavior is would get my attention. One thought is : rabid animals.

One would be foolish / lucky to only depend on pepper spray for self defense.

[Rudder]

Ariel wolf hunting is used as a wildlife management tool. (Do you mean Aerial?)

Not exclusively, there are those who do it for "sport," money and trophy.

I agree that the wildlife management aspect is necessary since there are many species of mammals competing for the same habitat. But I have read quite often that some people want the wolf eliminated altogether. I'm strongly opposed to that.

[george76]

Even if the predators are not rabid, they will be back everyday for another easy lunch.

These three girls were lucky this time.

Hopefully not, but someone may lose a child soon.

[Friend_from_the_Frozen_North]

Many native villages have a hard time feeding their families...

The answer, it seems to me, is simple. Hunt wolves first and moose second this year (and maybe next) and there should be more moose in 3 to 4 years.

They may have a couple of lean years but reducing the predator population should have a positive impact on the moose population. Anyone who disagrees has only to prove their assertions with valid and verifiable statistics. If there's a flaw in the predator-control data, be sure the rest of us will point it out.

[RightWhale]

some people want the wolf eliminated

It is not the policy of Fish&Game.

[jazusamo]

I couldn’t agree more.

From this piece and another I read from AP they were exremely lucky to get away unharmed, even with the pepper spray. The wolves had absolutely no fear of them.

[george76]

Wolves are fast and quiet.

I always turn around when hiking to see what may be gaining on us.

The other rules : do not be the last one in the line of hikers and always bring a fat, slow friend to out run...

[jazusamo]

Now that truly is a representation of survival of the fittest. lol

Wishing you and yours a Great Christmas, George!

[george76]

Thanks.

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[Rudder]

It is not the policy of Fish&Game.

Thanks. I didn't think it was.

[RetiredArmy]

Oh, wolves are so cute. Let’s re introduce them to all their former ranges so they can attack little children as well. Envirowackos will say that the wolves deserved to be there and the dogs and humans were not. Someone do me a favor, let’s send all the envirowackos to live on the plains of Africa, in the nude like the beginning of time, and see if they and the lions can learn to be pals.