What to do if you see a wolf.

[johnhens]

A wolf has been seen frequently around 3 Mile CG lately. The wolf seems to be loosing its natural avoidance of humans. The NPS put this out:

Wolf sightings in the park have been common recently. If you see a wolf during your trip:
☑Do not approach it! They are wild animals with unpredictable behavior.
☑Keep your phone/camera away. Focus on the wolf.
☑Encourage the wolf to move along by clapping your hands and raising your voice.
If the wolf is not deterred, it is important to know and understand wolf behavior so you can keep yourself and wolves safe.
Wolves generally try to avoid humans. Wolf attacks on humans are exceedingly rare, far less so than negative encounters with moose. Until wolves have a good idea of what you are or aren’t, they may try to investigate by coming closer to get a better look and/or circling to be downwind and catch your scent. This is normal behavior for a wolf. Wolves exhibit assertive or aggressive behavior when protecting den or rendezvous (pup-rearing) sites or food resources. This behavior includes barking, snarling, growling, circling, or bluff-charging and are all signs or signals that you are too close and you need to move away. Remember, this behavior is not an attack, but rather the wolf trying to intimidate you to leave the area. If this happens to you, you can:
☑Face the wolf or wolves and maintaining eye contact, slowly and calmly back away from the wolf or wolves and leave the area, giving a wide berth if needed. Do not run or turn your back toward an aggressive wolf or wolves.
☑If you are by yourself, make yourself as large as possible (stand on a rock, use your backpack, etc.) If you are with a companion you can face back to back and move slowly out of the area. If you are with a group, make the group look as big as possible, provided you can safely and slowly retreat.
☑Use your voice(s) or use other implements to create a loud sound to startle the wolf or wolves.
☑Aggressively use trekking poles, rocks, or limbs to discourage a wolf from approaching.
☑Climb a tree if necessary. Wolves cannot climb trees.
☑Consider carrying bear spray to be deployed only when a wolf approaches within 30 feet (about two car lengths).
☑If a wolf attacks, fight with any means necessary.
If you have acquired the proper certification and have brought your service animal to Isle Royale, he or she must be under control and on a leash at all times. Wolves perceive other canids as a competitor or threat and it is not uncommon for wolves to attack domestic, hunting, or herding dogs.
To prevent negative encounters with wolves (and other wildlife) hike with a partner or group (but hiking alone can be safe and enjoyable too!), keep a clean camp and cook area so you do not attract wolves or other wildlife and habituate them to humans, and be aware of your surroundings while on the trail and at camp.
Please report wolf encounters to a park ranger at a Visitor Center during your trip. Reporting your observation can help the NPS head off any problems before they occur and keep both the wildlife and visitors of Isle Royale safe.
Learn more about wolves on Isle Royale: https://www.nps.gov/isro/learn/nature/wolves.htm

[Midwest Ed]

Indeed, this is saddening. One or more of the transplanted wolves seem to have little to no fear of humans.

A very recent video on the IR facebook group showed a person meeting one on a trail. The person stepped off but the wolf eventually kept going in their direction, fully aware of the person but not seeming to care at all. I hope it's not catching on with the others.

The NPS directions did not mention to not feed them. Pretty much goes without saying, especially with this group and I think also with the vast majority of visitors. But that would be the worst thing that might start happening.