Was that a Wolf?
A guide to distinguish between wolves and coyotes in North America.
“To look at what it means to share habitat with the wolf is to consider how we share it with all fellow beings, human and animal and other.” Erica Berry, Wolfish, p. 15
Wolves undeniably spark intense emotions in people. In some cultures, wolves are seen as close spiritual kin to humankind, as powerful images of “wilderness”, or shining examples of social behavior outside of human society. For many, having wolves on the landscape is critical for sustainable ecosystems and their relationship with the land and nature. For others, fear and dislike of wolves runs deep. A combination of longstanding myths and folklore that paint wolves as villains, combined with present-day concerns over livestock depredation, competition for game species, and human safety, keeps some people wary of wolves today. Our goal is to objectively present the realities of wolves as a species, along with the complexities of the wolf-human relationship. Our hope is that sharing this information helps foster respectful, open dialogue about wolves and how we live with them today.
To facilitate and foster wolf-human coexistence, the International Wolf Center has produced the Wolves and Humans informational series:
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Living With Wolves
Tips to avoid conflict while living and visiting wolf country.
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Too Close for Comfort
Tips on preventing wolf habituation and food conditioning as well as what to do if you suspect this behavior in wolves.
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Are Wolves Dangerous to Humans?
A summary of two comprehensive reports on wolf/human conflict.
The International Wolf Center encourages the reproduction of these informational sheets for your personal use, or for distribution to any audience.
Each person holds a unique set of values towards wolves. Our value systems are often influenced by our cultural and personal experiences, perceptions, and knowledge.
Human Perspectives
Sustainable coexistence with wolves depends on understanding them as a species, examining our own values and how they influence our decisions, and searching for practicable solutions to conflicts. We encourage everyone to learn about others’ experiences with and perceptions of wolves. Below are a few accounts of different relationships and experiences with wolves:
A Personal Account of a Dog Killed by Wolves, by an anonymous resident of Ely, MN
Keeping the Wolf from the Door, by John Hart, wildlife biologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Wildlife Services program in Minnesota
“The Wolf Is My Brother”, by Robert Shimek, member of the Red Lake Nation and resident of White Earth Indian Reservation (Gaawaabaabiganikaag Ishkonigan)
Washington Wolves Killing Livestock, personal accounts from livestock owners, KING 5 Seattle, September 2018
Depredation
One worldwide, controversial aspect of the wolf/human relationship is the incidence and mitigation of wolf depredation, or wolves killing domestic livestock and pets.
Wolf-dog Hybrids
Additionally, the practice of wolves or wolf-dog hybrids as pets raises many questions.
