Do not turn your back on the wolf. If you decide to run away, it will not work – wolves can reach speeds of up to 60 kilometres per hour. It takes them 4 metres to accelerate, so the pursuit will be short. If it is possible to retreat (for example, to the nearest tree), you should retreat backwards.
Do not make any sudden movements. Any sharp gesture can be taken by the wolf as an invitation to a fight.
Do not look the wolf in the eyes. Follow the actions of the beast with peripheral vision – direct eye contact will be perceived as aggression.
Evaluate the wolf’s actions and the environment. If the predator decides to attack, you must have a plan. In order to defend yourself, it is better to have something behind you – for example, a tree will become an ally and support. But it is better to climb it. If there is a body of water nearby, you can go into the water up to your waist – the predator will not follow you.
Get a weapon. If you do not have a means of self-defence with you, then find a rock or at least a branch under your feet. Even if they are not suitable as weapons, they can be used to intimidate. If you still have to fight, hit it in the nose – this is the predator’s weak spot.
Scare the wolf away. If the wolf has started to approach and there is nowhere to retreat, you can try to scare the enemy. Screaming may make the predator hesitate to attack. Wave your arms and jump – so you will look larger and more dangerous enemy.
Throw him food. If you’re lucky, the wolf will be distracted.
What to do after the encounter
Leave if you managed to avoid a fight. There is no need to run – the wolf may be watching the potential victim and waiting for the perfect moment to attack.
Prepare a weapon. Leaving the place of meeting with the animal, do not relax and prepare for a new encounter. It is better if you have at least a boulder in your hand by the time it starts.
Get a rabies vaccination if a wolf bites you. It is quite possible that the predator attacked because of rabies.
Tell people that you have encountered wolves. This information can save the lives of those who are going into the forest.
