When discussing apex predators such as large grizzly bears or wolves, we often assume that they are naturally adept at self-preservation. It is as if coping with or evading the challenges that arise in their wild habitats is innate to them. These creatures appear to inherently understand how to navigate the myriad trials their wilderness lifestyle presents regularly. However, there are instances when even these animals require a bit of assistance. It doesn’t matter if this aid originates from their inherent survival instincts or from humans intervening to make a difference – these narratives are invariably as moving as they come.
In this piece, we’ve assembled a duo of tales for you. The first story showcases a mother bear, her baby cubs and their experience with a frozen lake. The second relates to an incident where a man assisted a wolf.
The Day Started Out With High Hopes
It’s not common to consider bears as creatures requiring aid. Nonetheless, this specific mother bear and her pair of cubs encountered difficulties. In this situation, they required the compassion and assistance of a stranger amid the hardships they faced in the wild. They braved the impossible, daring to cross a frigid lake in Russia. However, things did not work out as they had hoped. The tale, though, does not conclude with a sad ending. Rather, it is a heartening narrative that unfolded on a chilly Russian day. There are additional delightful details to this story guaranteed to warm your heart as you read on.
Things Did Not Go As Planned
You probably don’t often ponder on the morning routine of a bear in Russia when you rouse from sleep. Today, though, we’re shifting that perspective. The tale we’re about to share is so compelling that you won’t want to overlook it. This tale involves a mother bear and her offspring passing on an invaluable lesson to us. This narrative is steeped in self-sacrifice as well as fear and loss, but it also instills a sense of optimism. It paints a vivid portrait of an unspoken connection that exists between all creatures—a resilient bond symbolizing familial love and unity in the face of adversity, showing a family’s willingness to save a life, even when the family includes members of a different species.
A Treacherous Lake Crossing
The narrative kicks off on a chilly day in Russia, near a freshwater expanse known as Lake Vygozero. Situated in the Republic of Karelia, in the country’s northwest region, this lake spans around 480 square miles. It’s a part of the Vyg drainage system that channels into the White Sea basin. As the icy winter weather starts to take hold, the lake’s water can become exceedingly frosty. With the average annual temperature of the region recorded at 2.6 degrees Celsius or 36.7 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s easy to see how cold it can get there. The water in Lake Vygozero has even been reported to have temperatures plummeting down to extreme lows of -4 degrees Fahrenheit, equivalent to -20 degrees Celsius.
A Large Frozen Lake
Given the vastness of the lake and the temperatures dipping below zero, the water is likely dangerously cold for humans and most wildlife. Braving from one end of the lake to the other without falling prey to the harsh cold seems an insurmountable task. It begs the question why a mother bear would consider plunging herself and her cubs into this icy water to swim across, risking the potential dangers. Mother bears are renowned for their innate urge to protect their offspring. Yet, for reasons known only to her, she made that very decision. Together with her cubs, they embarked on their chilly water journey.
A Bad Decision
The thought process of the mother bear as she ventured to traverse the freezing lake with her cubs following closely, remains a mystery. She was soon to realize that her young ones may lack the resilience she anticipated. Her determination to wade into the icy water carrying her two cubs hitching a ride on her back, was about to be put to the test. The trio embarked on their perilous journey across the lake. It wasn’t long before it became apparent that the burden of carrying her cubs was too great for her to continue the journey. The question now arose – would her power and determination be sufficient to transport them across the icy expanse?
Some Mamas Have No Instinct
When the mother bear started her journey across the lake, her cubs struggled to match her pace. Most bear mothers are revered for their fierce protection and self-sacrifice for their young. However, this bear didn’t appear to harbor such maternal instincts, or perhaps she was paralyzed in the instance. As the cubs ventured deeper into the lake, they seemed to drift farther from her. The two cubs were fighting for survival in the unknown waters, clearly uncertain about their next moves.
Mama Bear Abandons Cubs To Save Herself
Regardless of her thought process, or deficit in problem-resolution abilities, she had effectively deserted her offspring. This conduct is perplexing and disappointing, especially since mother bears are generally regarded as extremely devoted protectors. She began her retreat, leaving her cubs struggling helplessly in the lake’s icy waters. Apparently, her survival instincts superseded her innate maternal impulses. No matter the reasoning, the aftermath of her actions left two bear cubs in a perilous situation, in serious jeopardy. They required assistance to reach the shore safely and escape the bone-chilling lake waters their mother had led them into.
The Strong Current Was Too Much To Conquer
Perhaps it wasn’t solely due to inadequate parenting capabilities that the mother bear left her cubs in a perilous situation and swam away. The lake, after all, possessed a potent undertow. This treacherous underwater pull rendered the lake extremely difficult to traverse. Evidently, the mother bear made an effort to shepherd her cubs safely through the icy lake, but presumably, the current was insurmountable for her. With her young clinging onto her back, she contended with the undercurrent for some time. Unfortunately, she began losing the struggle. Her cubs were ripped from her as she fought to preserve her own existence.
Abandoned And Struggling Cubs In Need Of Help
The mother bear found herself getting separated from her cubs and was striving to survive. Perhaps she held some hope that the cubs would miraculously make it back to her unaided. She battled the waters for a while before finally reaching the safety of the shore. Yet, upon her arrival, her cubs were distantly lagging and mustering all their strength to resist drowning. Now the cubs were left on their own by their mother and were fighting for their lives. They were draining all their energy and were incredibly desperate for assistance to cross the icy lake waters to a secure spot.
The Odds Were Against Them
The likelihood of the two juvenile bear cubs enduring this voyage was quite low. Being inexperienced and young, they had seldom swam in such icy waters. Now, they found themselves alone fending for themselves. Fear was probably plaguing their hearts as they wrestled with panic while the icy water engulfed them, striving to drag them beneath its potent currents into a frosty underwater tomb. If they were to make it through the bone-chilling waters and reach the safety of the opposite bank, they would require assistance.
An Unsuspecting Rescue
As the pair of cubs struggled to keep afloat in the aquatic expanse, an unexpected savior was fast approaching. With circumstances appearing most dire, and the odds of the young bears’ survival incredibly bleak, a glimmer of hope emerged. Out of nowhere, a boat materialized on the distant edge. It was occupied by fishermen. Seeing the cubs’ struggle for survival underscored their desperate situation. There was no sign of the mother bear in the vicinity. The fishermen realized that the responsibility of rescuing these tiny creatures fell on them. The pressing question was, did they possess the courage and capability to rescue the endangered cubs?
The Rescue Boat Came Closer
As the fisherman-filled rescue vessel drew closer, the desperate situation of the bear cubs became apparent. Every passing second was critical. The two young bears, clearly fatigued and entirely drained, struggled to keep paddling in the frigid water, striving to keep their heads above the surface. The fishermen on board acknowledged that saving the cubs was their responsibility, though they were unsure of the exact approach. Then, inspiration struck them; their boat was designed for fishing. They had nets and other equipment on board for catching fish, but now, they were going to use them to rescue bears.
They Were Being Watched
While the team of fishermen brainstormed on how to utilize their fishing nets and equipment to save the young bear cubs, they became aware of being observed. Despite deserting her cubs in the chilly water, the mother bear still remained nearby on the shoreline. She was diligently scrutinizing to see if her babies would be rescued. The fishermen, feeling daunted by the size and presence of the mother bear, started wavering in their decision to rescue her cubs. The fear of her attempting to get on board their vessel to interfere with the rescue mission was brewing among them.
Coming Up With A Fast Plan
A group of fishermen were confronted with a predicament, requiring them to quickly formulate a strategy. It was clear the distressed cubs needed help, however the presence of the mother bear could be a significant risk to their safety. Despite the urgency, they chose to delay their plan until the mother bear was a safer distance away along the shoreline. While they waited, they meticulously crafted a plan to extricate the cubs from the water and ensure their safety. Each aspect of the perilous situation was thoroughly analyzed in the process.
Capture The Rescue On Video
The fishermen were aware that they needed to exercise utmost care in their actions. The stakes were high, and any incorrect move could be fatal for either them or the young bears they were attempting to save. Despite being little, the bear cubs were nonetheless wild creatures. The fishermen were also conscious of their reputation for exaggerating their fishing stories, so they decided to film the whole endeavor to ensure its authenticity could not be disputed. They were concerned that without evidence, their tale might be dismissed as a fabrication. Their decision to record the rescue proved to be wise. They documented the full sequence of events, including the dramatic moment when one bear cub extended its paw, attempting to clamber on board.
Lending A Helpful Hand
The young cub made attempts to scramble aboard the ship, but the edge was beyond its reach. Despite its persistent efforts, the cub failed to haul itself onto the boat. The strenuous swim and frigid water temperatures had sapped the cub’s strength. For a while now, they had been battling the icy cold water. Fortunately, a group of fishermen came to their rescue. Initiating their rescue strategy, they cleverly improvised a makeshift tool from their fishing gear and extended it to the cub to provide it with a secure hold, aiding its ascent to safety on the boat.
Fishing For A Bear Cub Or Two
The fishermen were successful in their attempt to assist the cub onto the boat using their fishing equipment. However, their help was not limited to their fishing tools alone. They took advantage of their understanding of animals, which extended beyond fish. The fishermen were aware that bears have very sharp teeth and an extraordinary biting force. As such, they allowed the bear cub to use his mouth to gain traction and hoist himself onto the boat.
Did Their Plan Save The Bears?
As the scheme was executed, the bear tried to ascend onto the vessel. It appeared that the strategy was going to be executed perfectly. However, the bear was still too distant from the dock to lift his body to a secure position completely. They had managed to get so near to rescuing the bear. They realized that if they abandoned him, he would plunge back into the water. They were also aware of the potential dangers that could threaten their lives. Nevertheless, the fishermen neglected their safety in a bid to rescue the bear cubs. Without hesitation, they collaborated to hoist the bear up.
A Quick Decision Regarding Life Or Death
When they stretched their hands to rescue the young bear, they were well aware of the severe potential dangers. If they leaned too far, the strength of the bear might pull them into the icy waters. More worryingly, they could be attacked by the bear, leading to serious injury or death. Their only remaining choice was whether to trust the bear cubs and if they would participate in the rescue missions. Could they form an unlikely collaboration between humans and bears to ensure the safety of all? The fisherman earnestly hoped that their actions would not result in any injury.
An Unspoken Connection Between Human And Bear
The bear cub peered up at the fishermen from the chilly waters, with only a boat acting as a barricade between them. This seemed reminiscent of a silent bond. Could this possibly be a reality? A vessel carrying humans who’d be normally terrified to be in the presence of a bear, was now encountering a bear cub. Both parties locked eyes, each peering into the other’s essence for a fleeting moment. This embodied a profound rapport between an utterly vulnerable bear cub and the fishermen on the vessel. The crew realized they had to brave any impending risks. Their responsibility was to extend their help and make every possible effort to rescue this cub.
It Was Time For Another Brilliant Idea
While battling to rescue the young bear, the fishermen realized that a new strategy was needed. In retrospect, the solution appears very straightforward. However, amidst the looming threat, the concept felt like a flash of brilliance. They chose to employ their fishing nets in an attempt to lift the bear. The goal was to slide the net under the bear cub and hoist him out of the chilly waters. They had successfully performed this task numerous times with fish, but the question loomed – could this method be effective for the marooned bear cub?
Would Their Plan Work?
Over their seafaring career, the team of fishermen had caught an unimaginable quantity of fish. However, could the same method be applied to a bear? The major concern was whether their fishing net, designed to endure the struggles of a fish, would be able to hold the mass of a baby bear. Despite the potential failure due to the bear’s greater weight, the fishermen moved forward with their plan, ready to risk damaging their fishing equipment to increase the odds of the cub’s survival. Yet, the question remained – would it be successful?
Going Fishing For A Bear
The fishermen were left with no alternative but to test their idea. They cast their net into the lake, aiming to rescue the first bear cub. They sought to snare it and draw it towards themselves as if they were hooking and retrieving a fish by hand. They hurriedly worked while keeping an eye on the increasingly fatigued cub. They successfully ensnared the first cub in their net, pulling it nearer to their vessel. As they commenced to haul in the net with the bear attached, they vigilantly kept watch to prevent the cub from panicking and posing a threat to itself or the crew on standby.
Everybody Just Calm Down
Despite the fishermen’s plans running smoothly, they were fully aware that they were dealing with a wild creature. The unpredictability of the cub and its level of fear were unknowns. Regardless of the bear’s demeanor, a natural reaction for the cub could be to lash out, possibly causing unintentional harm to a human in its vicinity. Their only feasible option was to soothe the cub for a safe transition onboard, minimizing the risk of aggressive or frightened behaviors. What was unambiguous to them was that they had to persist in their mission to rescue the bear.
Heavier Than It Looked
Despite being just a cub, the little bear was quite heavy, surprising the fishermen. They quickly noted that the bear carried considerable heft, requiring significant strength to rescue it. The fishermen felt fortunate the stranded cub was still a juvenile and not the heavier mama bear. Fully grown bears can tip the scales above 1,300 pounds. Had the bear been more mature, the fishermen’s efforts might have been futile. It’s also noteworthy that a bear cub seems even heavier in water due to its waterlogged fur.
Heave-Ho!
If two bear cubs were to find themselves in a distressing situation, stranded in the chilling waters of a Russian lake, they were fortunate to be discovered by a boat of robust fishermen. These men, used to wrestling with weighty, fish-filled nets and navigating in treacherous sea conditions, were not strangers to the brutal cold and had prepared accordingly. However, while they were no strangers to the challenge of reeling in nets teeming with squirming fishes, they were about to experience that it barely measures up to the hefty task of rescuing a bear.
Pulled To Safety
After a lengthy period of strenuous effort, the bear cub was finally near enough to scale the side of the boat. Those on the boat were elated and filled with hope, believing all their hard work was about to pay dividends. They had triumphantly managed to pull the first cub from danger. That, however, left another cub yet to be saved. The second cub had been braving the freezing water and keeping itself afloat while they were busied with the first cub. Moreover, the second cub was a greater distance away from the boat, adding to the complexity of the situation, they also now had a frightened, soaking cub on deck to manage as they initiated the process to bring the other cub to safety.
Now Let’s Do It Again
The fishermen’s experience with the first bear cub had given them some credit. They had managed to safely bring one cub on board, and this boosted their confidence to rescue the second one as well. However, the exertion and effort from the initial rescue had left them somewhat drained. The question was, could they duplicate their success with the second cub? This would definitely test their endurance, power, and dwindling energy. But one advantage they had was adrenaline that was fueling them. In addition, they were aware that their tactic involving the fishing equipment had proved successful before, suggesting the possibility of working once again.
Sibling Bear Cubs Reunited
The fishermen expended a lot of energy to summon the necessary strength to hoist the second bear onto their boat. Though tired and depleitive of vigour, they knew they couldn’t halt their efforts if they intended to save both of the bear cubs. In the knowledge they represented the only chance of survival for these bears, they resolved not to abandon the second bear. They continuously strived, funneling all their physical power into each heave to place the bear cub on the boat. At long last, they succeeded in bringing the second cub on board, where it was once again united with its sibling.
What Do We Do Now?
The fishermen felt a weight lifted off their shoulders, their efforts had not been in vain. They had managed to get the two bear cubs safely onto their boat. There was an outburst of joyful cheers as they congratulated each other with high fives and excited shouts. Their task, however, was far from complete and they were aware they couldn’t spend a lot of time in rejoicing. They were left with a dilemma. What was the next step? It was clear that they couldn’t have the cubs aboard while carrying out their fishing activities. They knew the cubs had to be reunited with their mother, but figuring out how posed a challenge.
Not Everyone Was Happy
As the fishermen briefly took a moment to celebrate, their joy was short-lived. The relief of the two bear cubs from the peril of drowning was only temporary, as they were now exhausted, soaked, and freezing. Furthermore, they had been thrust into a strange world on the fishing boat, which only added to their confusion. The duo began to shiver – were they shivering because they were chilled to the bone or out of fear? It’s likely both factors contributed, coupled with the bewilderment of their mother abandoning them. They huddled together at one corner of the boat, appearing quite lost.
Surrogate Bear Mother
The bond between the fishermen and the tiny cubs was formed instantly. The meeting of human and bear, in an attempt to rescue the cubs during their most desperate time, was a significant encounter. Naturally, the idea of keeping the bear cubs as pets might have crossed their minds. However, the fishermen, whose primary intention was to save the cubs, realized the most favorable thing for these little bears was to ensure they were safely returned to their mother. The challenge was how this could be achieved. Given that they were amidst a freezing cold lake, they didn’t have the heart to leave the cubs exposed to danger again.
What Do We Do Now?
Having rescued the twin bear cubs from the water, the fishermen were left with a lingering dilemma – where to take them next. Their best bet was to locate the mother bear, a task they knew wasn’t easy since they had last seen her near the water’s edge and feared she might become aggressive if they drew too close. The narrative had now reached a stage where it was imperative to locate the mother bear and reunite her with her offspring. The crew of fishermen scanned the coastline, an area she was observed to have retreated to. After a prolonged search, they managed to locate the area where she was last sighted. Subsequently, they navigated their boat towards this section of the shoreline.
More Danger To Come
The fishermen were reasonably assured that they were on course to the right location on land. However, they were aware that the forthcoming step carried considerable risk. They were bound for a rendezvous with a wild animal who happened to be the mother of the two cubs they’d found and were carrying with them. The primary objective was to reunite the cubs with their mother, but they realized the situation could play out in one of two possible ways. The encounter could rapidly escalate into a perilous situation, or alternatively, it could herald a tranquil, heartfelt and affectionate reunion. They fervently wished for the second outcome, yet uncertainty lingered as they edged closer to the site where they last spotted the mother bear.
Brace Yourself
The fishermen were preparing themselves for what might come next as they neared the moment of reuniting the bear cubs with their mother. As they approached the shore, they couldn’t help but wonder about the whereabouts of the mother bear, suspecting she could be hiding nearby, scrutinizing their intentions. They fully understood their next course of action involved releasing the cubs from the boat. They harbored hopes that the young bears would safely make their way to the soil, following their mother’s scent to reunite with her. The fishermen then transferred the fragile cubs onto the land.
Where Is Mama Bear?
After managing to move the cubs from the boat to solid ground, the fishermen had prepared themselves for a possible confrontation with the mother bear. Yet, she was nowhere to be found. Had she genuinely left her offspring behind? The fishermen were uncertain of what lay ahead and how to proceed. It seemed as if the mother bear had no intention of reuniting with her missing cubs. The fishermen were now anxious that the young bears wouldn’t survive the unforgiving cold climate without their mother’s guidance and protection. Despite their dedicated rescue mission, they questioned whether their efforts had been fruitless.
Movement On The Other Bank
Witnessing the two tiny bear cubs portion from the boat onto solid ground, the observers were troubled by the possibility of their mother having truly forsaken them. They feared that their endeavors were futile. They reluctantly accepted the fact that they couldn’t leave the cubs to perish alone but were obliged to let them stray, stand by, and keep the faith. Abruptly, there was a rustle from the opposite bank. It was their mother bear; she had located her offspring. They were out of harm’s way now, and she yearned to unite with them, to be one family unit again. Without hesitation, she plunged into the water, swimming towards her two cubs.
Mother Bear Swims Closer
As the mother bear moved closer, her swimming pace increased substantially. This rapid acceleration left the fishermen in a state of apprehension as they questioned why she couldn’t swim as quickly and forcefully earlier, when the cubs were latch onto her back. They speculated that perhaps the heavy load of the two cubs was a challenging factor slowing her pace. Now, with no cubs attached to her, she appeared more than competent to traverse the lake speedily. On one hand, the fishermen were exhilarated to see the mother returning for her young ones, however, their excitement turned into fear. They were uncertain about their own safety and started pondering over her possible reaction as her proximity to them increased.
A Mother And Child Reunion At Last
Observing the mother bear dart through the water towards her cubs, the fishermen grew anxious, sensing the potential danger drawing nearer. They made the decision to retreat, leaving the cubs and heading back to their boat. Safely aboard their vessel, they held onto the hope that they had done all within their power to rescue the bear cubs. They waited, until the mother bear was within a whisker of the shore, before initiating the engine. As they navigated away, their gazes remained fixed on the family of bears, anticipating the unfolding of events.
A Job Well Done
The anglers gazed on, understanding that they had done their utmost as they safely set off. They observed the mother bear making it to land, marching towards her offspring. For the anglers, it was a melancholic farewell. The urgent endeavor to rescue the bear cubs had made them emotionally attached to the little creatures. They felt an unwillingness to part ways, but realized that they needed to keep their distance so the mother bear could reunite with her cubs in a safe environment. Somehow, they had a hunch that this time, the mother wasn’t planning to abandon her cubs again.
Another Tale Of Man And Nature
Adding to the tales of humanity’s heroic encounters with nature, there’s another narrative worth telling. This account features a man and a wolf, set against the backdrop of a perilous situation in a dense forest. The man had set a trap within the confines of his private land, located in Wisconsin, USA. The aim of this trap was to ensnare a harmful coyote that had been causing trouble. He had no intention of causing distress or harm to any other creature. But little did he know, his actions would inadvertently put an unsuspecting passerby at grave risk.
A Visitor Caught In A Trap
The man hardly anticipated capturing anything but a coyote in the snare he had laid out. However, reality proved otherwise. Before a coyote could stumble upon his property and fall into his trap, an unsuspecting visitor did. A timber wolf became the unintended victim of the trap, initially set to halt the coyote. It’s hard to fathom what might have crossed the man’s mind when he realized that he had inadvertently ensnared a timber wolf, an blameless intruder.
The Timber Wolf Fell Prey
A man named John Oens had set up a trap intending to catch a coyote but, to his surprise, ended up trapping a wolf instead. He decided to record all subsequent events and share them on the video-sharing platform, YouTube, in the year 2015. Upon viewing the initial part of the video, the audience were left speculating if his initial plan was indeed to trap the wolf. The reason for this confusion was because John’s initial statement on the video was about capturing his first timber wolf of the year, leading the viewers to presume he might have been targeting wolves all along. However, as the video progressed, he clarified that his actual target had been coyotes.
Traps and Wolves
The trap that was laid functions by clamping down on the animal’s paw, rendering it immobile and incapable of escaping. Even the most formidable animals are rendered powerless once trapped. The wolf in question was no different. Coyotes can be perilous, particularly to smaller dogs or chickens that may be present on the premises. Conversely, Timber wolves do not commonly pose a threat to human security. Approximately 60,000 of them reside in America. Most wolves harbor a fear of humans and steer clear of any interactions. However, this wolf found itself not only in direct contact with a human, but dependent on the man’s help to be liberated.
How To Set The Wolf Free
Unintentionally ensnaring the wolf wasn’t the most challenging aspect of the whole predicament. The real test laid in devising a method to liberate the wolf without jeopardizing the safety of John. The trap’s strong grip on its paw was prohibiting the wolf from moving away. One glance at the wolf’s frightening teeth was enough to intimidate anyone. Hence, the key question was – how could John untrap the wolf without exposing himself to a hazardous risk? He thought of an ingenious solution that possibly left the audience of his recorded footage guessing about the number of times he might have faced similar situations before.
A Threatening Dilemma
John was now confronted with the challenge of figuring out how to liberate the wolf without provoking it into aggression. A peculiar yet fascinating aspect about wolves is their capacity to appear calm and harmless, even when their internal emotional state is completely different. You can gauge their fear or comfort level by paying attention to their respiration patterns. A content wolf emits a chirping noise. Unlike domestic dogs who are known to bark, wolves predominantly express fear or threats through a deep-seated huff.
Understanding Timber Wolves
Before assisting an animal, gaining knowledge about their basic characteristics or behaviors is necessary. Timber wolves, alternatively known as a gray wolf or common wolf, are the biggest in their specific family of wolves. Simply put, they are massive. Their family consists of several domestic dogs, jackals, foxes, and other wolf species. They are essentially an ancient breed from Eurasia, which migrated to the United States several millennia ago. Some fully grown adult timber wolves have been reported to surpass 5 feet in height.
Cold Temperatures Don’t Scare Them
The timber wolf is perfectly at home in the harsh Wisconsin winters up north. Their dense coats are perfectly adapted to insulate them from the biting cold. Similar to the hair of dogs, the fur of these wolves can come in a variety of shades. This fur is composed of a woolly underlayer and long guard hairs that shield them from dampness. These creatures have evolved to thrive in arctic winds and temperatures dropping as low as negative 20 degrees Fahrenheit, thanks to their thick protective coats. Even their paws have extra fur between each toe to keep frostbite at bay.
Timber Wolf Paws Are Built For Winter
Their paws are uniquely designed to endure harsh cold temperatures common in the northern regions. The fur existent between their toes serves as insulation against the freezing winter temperatures. These animals’ paws are recognized for being substantially large. Besides, they possess incredibly sharp claws, which might have posed a serious threat to John while he was attempting to liberate the timber wolf from the trap. The makeup of their big, furry and sharp claws not only defends them against the cold but also affords them exceptional speed, whether they’re traversing chilling or wet terrains. These creatures can gain traction allowing them to run at speeds topping 45 mph.
Additional Timber Wolf Traits
Male timber wolves are generally 20 percent larger and heavier than their female counterparts. The individual filming the video in which this wolf was captured comments on the size of the creature. Despite the “gray wolf” moniker, the timber wolf’s coat can vary in color, including white, brown, black, gray, or a combination of these. The wolf sports a double-layered fur coat – long guard hairs overlaid on a soft, insulating underlayer of fur. When John was trying to trap a coyote, he realized that wolves have slightly rounded ears as opposed to the taller, sharper ears of a coyote. Wolves also possess a wider, shorter snout, in contrast to the narrow and more pointed nose seen in coyotes. Nobody would ever wish to be in close proximity to make these observations though. Regarding their vocalizations, a wolf’s howl extends and carries on, whereas a coyote generates a briefer, more yelping noise.
Trapped Despite Its Survival Attributes
Despite possessing numerous survival traits that were advantageous for the icy winters of the northern Midwestern United States, a timber wolf found itself ensnared. It was irrelevant that his paw had adaptations to withstand frigid temperatures. His superior size compared to others of his kind was also of no consequence. The fact that the wolf was highly self-sufficient in the wild bore no significance either. The overriding reality was that this timber wolf was stuck in a trap, powerless to liberate himself. Its salvation now depended on a human named John, ironically the same person who had laid the trap to begin with.
A Human Named John
When the wolf got caught, John Oens was not present. Despite that, it was John’s actions that led to the wolf’s predicament, making him directly responsible. The situation was undeniably distressing. Some might even see the act of trapping any animal as downright cruel. John insists he never planned on ensnaring a timber wolf, yet here he was, confronted with the dilemma of what to do next. He believed the most compassionate course of action was to release the wolf. However, the challenge was figuring out a safe way to accomplish that.
The Trap Was Intended For Safety
John stated his original intent in setting the trap was for protective measures. His property had been frequented by coyotes and he aimed to deter them. Coyotes are typically solitary hunters or pair up. They are noticeably different from dogs in several aspects. For example, unlike dogs who run with their tails elevated, coyotes run with their tails closer to the ground. These creatures are extremely communicative and have scarce natural enemies. Coyotes are excellent swimmers and have a lifespan of up to 20 years in controlled environments. They are not picky eaters, consuming virtually anything from small dogs and chickens to other tiny animals, signifying a potential hazard to human babies.
A Plan To Set The Wolf Free
While John originally planned to trap a coyote for safety reasons, he ended up trapping a timber wolf instead. The most compassionate course of action now was to figure out an approach to release the animal. The issue was complex. The wolf could panic and possibly injure itself trying to escape, or it might attack John. This was the premiere instance of John finding a wolf caught in his trap, and he only wanted to rectify the situation. The question remained, how could he liberate the wolf without triggering an attack or inflicting further injury on the animal during a potential scramble to escape the trap?
Once In A Lifetime Situation
John had never planned to ensnare an innocent, harmless timber wolf, and he recognized this as a probably unique situation. He was aware that he needed to devise a strategy to safely release the creature, but he also wanted to record the whole incident. You can hear him describe at the start of the video that the trap was designed for a coyote. He even details the specifics of the trap. It appears he identifies the trap as a Number 3 Dogless Bridger Fully Modified Set For Coyote.
Uncertainty In The Video
He swiftly took hold of a video camera to chronicle every aspect of the situation. It was his prompt decision to record the entire event that contributes to the ongoing retelling of this story. The unexpected trap of a wolf is likely the reason behind his tentative statement at the start of the video, “This is my first timber wolf of 2015.” He continued by describing the animal as large and magnificent and expressed his intent to set it free. From the get-go, he understood that he did not want the timber wolf to remain captive; however, he was uncertain about the process of disentangling the wolf.
Call For Help
Before releasing the wolf, it seems he had reached out to someone for assistance. Someone’s voice can be heard in the video, expressing doubt if the creature was really a wolf. Nonetheless, his tone bore a tinge of sarcasm, as he teased about the animal not being a wolf but a big coyote instead. Throughout the incident, John remained firm in his belief that the animal was indeed a timber wolf requiring freedom. Consequently, the individuals involved began working on a strategy to safely release the timber wolf without causing harm to any party, including the wolf itself.
The Human Seemed To Know Exactly What To Do
John persevered in his mission to liberate the trapped animal. Given the speed at which he acted, it was hard to believe this was his first experience with a timber wolf, especially considering he had laid the trap for a coyote. His actions were almost expert-like. Using a large, rectangular-shaped plywood board, he created a barrier between himself and the wolf, inching closer to it. Ingeniously, he had carved out a cut-off at the bottom of the wood which he planned to position over the wolf’s ensnared paw, all while keeping himself safeguarded.
Who Was More Scared?
The situation was likely just as terrifying for the wolf as it was for John. It’s possible they were both equally frightened. Nevertheless, John appeared to maintain his composure. His friends didn’t seem overly concerned either. However, it’s worth noting they were equipped with at least one rifle, and weren’t the ones going head to head with the wolf for its liberation. John utilized the plywood as a shield to maintain distance between him and the wolf as he cautiously moved closer, aiming to confine the wolf on one side of the wood. Simultaneously, he custom-fitted the carved wood notch over the wolf’s trapped paw with precision.
Protected Behind A Barrier
Following some struggle with the wolf snapping its jaws at the plywood, the animal appeared to grow slightly less agitated. John Oens had taken shelter behind the wooden panel. Initially, the wolf had aggressively tried to bite the plywood to fend off any potential danger. Nonetheless, in a short span of time, the wolf calmed down and ceased its biting attempts. The plywood proved to be an efficient safeguard against any possible attacks. The entire rescue operation was captured on film via a GoPro camera mounted on a helmet, enabling spectators to experience the event from his perspective.
Releasing The Trap
Once the piece of plywood, complete with a cut-out section for the wolf’s paw, was positioned, it was John’s turn to begin freeing the trapped animal. The trap was surprisingly simple to open with just a bit of exertion required. John steadied the plywood while unlatching the trap to free the wolf’s ensnared paw. There was no necessity for any tools, nor any special trick to help liberate the wolf. John merely required his hands to disengage the lever. Once disengaged, the trap let go. His allies were on alert, ready with loaded rifles should the wolf decide to retaliate against Oens.
The Wolf Was Free
As soon as the trap was sprung, the wolf darted away. John’s friends had been poised to safeguard him if required, yet there was no need for them to even ready their guns. The moment the contraption was freed, the timber wolf shot into the forest at great speed. As evident from the video footage, it didn’t seem like the wolf’s paw was damaged at all. It moved naturally, without any sign of a hindrance. There was no visible bleeding or any hints of distress as the wolf hastily retreated to the safety of the forest.
An Internet Sensation
The moment John Oens posted his adventure video documentation, he quickly gained internet popularity. His video, viewed by over 3 million individuals on his YouTube channel, instantly captivated his audience. His quick-wittedness and the ability to protect himself using a basic plywood plank caught many people’s attention. Additionally, viewers were moved by his intent to liberate the wolf. He applied his human capabilities and inventiveness to construct a method that would safely disengage the trap, enabling the wolf to return to its habitat unencumbered, free to exist without the fear of hunting in the state.
An Endangered Species
Wolves in Wisconsin, once permissible to hunt and shoot, were officially pronounced as legally endangered in 2014. This legal status not only forbade their hunting but also ensured their population’s protection under state law. Wisconsin had formerly set a wolf season while the animals were not cataloged as endangered at both state and federal levels. Presently, wolves are federally recognized as an endangered species, which disallows any wolf hunting season. In December 2014, a federal judge mandated their protection under the Endangered Species Act, with Wisconsin being one of the states affected by this decision.
It Took A Good Human Heart
John faithfully adhered not only to the laws of Wisconsin by liberating the trapped animal, but he also upheld superb ethical principles. Despite the wolf accidentally getting captured on John’s land, he acted responsibly once he realized the wolf required aid. He decided against allowing the wolf to stay captive unintentionally and, importantly, didn’t resort to the easier option of shooting it to resolve the situation. There are people who might have shot the creature and taken pride in relaying the incident. John, however, had a differing mindset. His display of compassion resulted in the wolf regaining its much-deserved freedom in the wild.
Misunderstood Fear Of Wolves
There are individuals who often misinterpret wolves, leading to fear and consequently advocating for laws permitting wolf hunting. Approximately six decades after the gray wolf was declared extinct in Wisconsin, the species’ numbers surged to over 900, courtesy of the Federal Endangered Species Act. This Act prohibited hunting or causing harm to any of the species it protected. The timber wolf, which is a subspecies of the gray wolf, occupies vast territories in the Northern Hemisphere, and was therefore included among the endangered gray wolves of the time.
Wolf Hunting
Rewind a few years before a wolf got trapped on John Oens’ land in Wisconsin. In 2012, only a handful of years before a law banning wolf hunting was enacted, it was completely legal and socially acceptable to hunt wolves openly in the region. The lenient hunting rules resulted in about 530 wolves meeting their end in the vicinity. These fatalities greatly reduced the wolf population in the northern area due to lawful hunting. In fact, it dropped their numbers to the point that they became endangered. Perhaps, when John came across the ensnared wolf on his grounds, he might have been aware of the fresh regulations against hunting. Or alternatively, he may have been simply acting out of compassion.
Keep The Wolf Population Thriving
Updated regulations have been implemented in Wisconsin regarding the hunting of wolves and fishing activities. These changes have resulted in a rise in the wolf population in the state. The northern Midwestern region of the United States is now believed to be home to approximately 1,000 wolves. This is promising news for the wolf species! The brave endeavors and sharp decision-making abilities of John Oens played a critical role in reversing the depreciation of the wolf population. John didn’t just liberate a single wolf, his actions significantly contributed to the recovery of the entire wolf community spread across the state. This act exemplifies altruism and is highly commendable.
It Pays To Be Kind
This tale might have concluded on a more dismal note. At any given time, the wolf could have shown hostility and assaulted John. Similarly, John and his companions were all armed. They could have stopped the situation before it even started by shooting the animal. His friends were present, jesting around John. However, even though it appeared to be all in jest, they might have been inclined to handle the situation in a more catastrophic way. It’s uncertain of what could have transpired. Yet, John opted for kindness and benevolence. Such stories instill hope in all of humanity.
Wolf Set Free
In the end, the saga of this timber wolf had a joyful conclusion. The wolf was successfully released to find safety. The combination of human creativity and an animal’s requirement for assistance emerged victorious. This is another instance where a person’s thoughtful strategy exhibits kindness and compassion in a potentially dangerous situation. Human and wildlife interacted closely, and what could have been a disaster for either the animal, the human, or both, each narrative culminated in a very bright ending, promising a future for the animals involved. Instances like these instill a sense of pride in the humanely decent qualities of an individual.