Hiker Blasts Approaching Wolf With Bear Spray @ Yellowstone National Park
A tense wildlife encounter in Yellowstone National Park has gone viral after a bystander captured a wolf trailing a hiker for several minutes in broad daylight. The footage, filmed with a long-range telescopic lens on Sunday, August 23, shows the wolf staying remarkably close to the man as he moves through a remote area of the park, prompting the person recording to remark that the animal was following him “like it’s his dog.”
As the wolf continued to close the distance, the hiker turned to face it, drew a canister of bear spray from his holster, and released a short burst directly at the animal. The wolf immediately halted, wheeled around, and retreated in the opposite direction.
Yellowstone is home to roughly 100 wolves across multiple packs, descendants of the animals reintroduced in 1995 after wolves had been eliminated from the region decades earlier. That reintroduction remains one of the most closely studied predator recovery efforts in the world.
Park regulations require visitors to stay at least 100 yards away from wolves at all times. Wolves that become comfortable around people can grow bolder, increasing the risk of dangerous encounters and sometimes forcing rangers to relocate or euthanize habituated animals. Officials continue to urge every visitors to carry bear spray, know how to use it, and keep a safe distance from all wildlife.
Yellowstone National Park Wolf Safety Guidelines:
While wolves and cougars (mountain lions) are skilled predators, they are not normally a danger to people, and very few documented confrontations with humans have occured in Yellowstone. It’s still important, however, to know what to do if you encounter them.
Stay at least 100 yards away from wolves & cougars
Keep at least 100 yards (91 meters) from wolves and cougars at all times and never approach them to take a photo.
Stand your ground if a wolf is nearby
If you’re concerned about a wolf because it’s too close or not showing any fear of people, stand tall and hold your ground. If the wolf approaches you, wave your arms, yell, and flare your jacket. If that doesn’t discourage it, throw something at it or use bear spray. Group up with other people, continue waving and yelling, and tell a ranger as soon as possible.
Don’t handle wolf scat
Wolf scat may contain tapeworm eggs that can cause hydatid disease in humans.
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