Colorado Wolf Safety Tips

myrahausheer
Dec 19, 2023
2 min read

With the recent release of 5 wolves, and the wolf reintroduction plan, I would be lying if I said that it didn't make me a little nervous about hiking in the future. Colorado already has a lot of predators to be aware of, that all require different defense tactics, and now there's one more animal to be aware of.

I keep reading that they typically avoid humans, but I would rather be prepared, and know what to do in case of an encounter. I want to start this animal safety series off with wolves, since they're a new predator, so we can all stay safe.

The basics:

5 wolves were released in Grand County this month
CPW calls for wolves to be released over 3-5 years (10-15 animals per year) in areas west of the Continental Divide.
Wolves may be found anywhere in Colorado - typically where elk, deer, and moose are abundant.
Wolves weigh 80-110lbs and are typically 2x the size of coyotes.
Wolves look like large dogs and their coloring ranges from black, pale gray, tawny, or even white.
Wolf tracks are about 5 inches long by 4 inches wide, with four symmetrical toes and identifiable claws .
A wolf typically lives to 6 years old
Wolves live in a family group, called a pack, which is typically 6-10 animals. This pack may cover 20-120 square miles.

Tips for staying safe:

Make a lot of noise when hiking and camping - especially during dawn and dusk.
Carry bear spray. I recommend this for all predators.
The CPW article also says to carry a "sturdy stick" when hiking, which I'm sorry, but that feels ridiculous. I normally hike with trekking poles, but I'm not sure a "sturdy stick" or trekking poles will do much, if you're being attacked (by any animal). Plus, who wants to carry around a large stick when hiking?
Make sure all food is secured properly (enclosed in cars, not in tents, and use bear canisters) and don't leave pet food out at your campsite.
Bring pets inside at night, don't leave them unattended, and do not feed them outside.
Keep pets on a leash when hiking.
Pick up your dog's poop when hiking. This can attract wolves because they're territorial.

What to do if you encounter a wolf:

Never approach a wolf
Talk firmly to it and maintain eye contact
Back away slowly. DO NOT RUN - this will trigger a prey response.
If you cannot back away, make yourself look as big as possible, and try to put objects between you and the wolf. If you are with a companion, and more than one wolf is present, place yourselves back to back, and continue making eye contact with the wolves.
Make as much noise as possible - yell, clap, blow an emergency whistle, use an air horn.
Watch for signs of aggression: holding its tail high, raising its hackles, barking or howling.
If an attack is imminent, use bear spray, or swing a large stick/hiking pole at it.
If you're attacked, fight back, and try to remain standing. Strike a wolf's face or belly, since they're more sensitive.
Stand between the wolf and your dog. Do not break up a physical fight between a wolf and your dog.
Call Colorado Parks and Wildlife and seek medical attention if necessary.