When we think of formidable carnivores like giant grizzly bears or wolves, we tend to instinctively believe that they are well-equipped to handle their own survival. Confronting and surmounting the various challenges their untamed existence presents seems to be their forte. They appear as beings that possess inherent knowledge on how to overcome the diverse trials their wild life consistently presents them with. However, there are circumstances when these animals actually require some assistance. It doesn’t matter where this aid originates, whether it is from their own innate sensibility to quickly adapt or from humans intervening to contribute some good – these narratives are typically as heartening as they come.
In this piece, we’ve compiled a pair of narratives. The first surrounds a mother bear, her baby cubs, and their encounter with a frozen lake. The second story features a man extending a helping hand to a wolf.
The Day Started Out With High Hopes
Bears are typically not perceived as animals in distress requiring assistance. Nevertheless, one mother bear and her pair of cubs stumbled upon some hardships in the wild, needing the goodwill and aid of a stranger. In an overwhelming endeavor, they tried to traverse a frigid lake in Russia, which unfortunately didn’t go as expected. Yet, the narrative does not culminate in disaster. On the contrary, it’s an uplifting tale that unraveled on a chilly day in Russia. Beyond this, the story contains additional elements that are sure to touch your heart as you continue reading.
Things Did Not Go As Planned
The notion of how a bear starts its day in Russia probably never crosses your mind when you rise each morning. Today, however, this perspective will shift. Here is a tale that surely keeps you hooked. It’s about a mother bear and her cubs, from whom we learn a significant lesson. The narrative encompasses sacrifice, fear, and loss, yet it also evokes a feeling of hope. It paints a vivid image of an unspoken connection shared by every creature in the natural world. Above all, it showcases the power of familial bonds and unity in preserving a life, even if that life belongs to a different species.
A Treacherous Lake Crossing
The tale unfolded on a chilly day in Russia. A freshwater lake known as Lake Vygozero exists there, situated in the northwest section of the nation. This lake finds its home in the Republic of Karelia and covers a span of approximately 480 square miles. It forms a part of the Vyg drainage within the White Sea basin. The water temperature often drops significantly during the onset of the cold weather conditions. However, the average yearly temperature of the region is approximately 2.6 Celsius or 36.7 degrees Fahrenheit. So chilling is the lake’s water that it’s known to plunge to a bone-chilling -4 degrees Fahrenheit, equivalent to -20 degrees Celsius.
A Large Frozen Lake
Given the enormity of the lake and the sub-zero temperatures, the water is too chilly for humans or majority of animals. Crossing the lake from one shore to the other appears unachievable without falling prey to the harsh cold conditions. Consequently, why would a mother bear contemplate that she and her offspring could plunge into the water and paddle to the other edge without any adverse impact? Especially considering the well-known protective instincts of mother bears. Regardless of her logic, she had made up her mind to attempt this. She and her young ones commenced their voyage through the frigid waters.
A Bad Decision
The thought process of the mother bear as she decided to traverse the icy lake with her cubs is not explicit. She was soon to find out that her offspring might not be as hardy as she had assumed. The decision to venture into the water with her two cubs clinging onto her back was an immediate challenge. The trio embarked on their journey across the lake. Shortly, it was evident that she wouldn’t be able to maintain the trek with the burden of her cubs on her back. Was her tenacity and determination sufficient to shepherd her family across the frigid waters?
Some Mamas Have No Instinct
As the mother bear started to cross the lake, it didn’t take long for her cubs to have difficulty maintaining her pace. Despite the widely-known fact that mother bears ferociously defend their cubs, even displaying a readiness to risk their own lives, this specific mother bear didn’t appear to exhibit that inherent maternal behavior. Possibly, she was momentarily paralyzed by the situation. The cubs, drifting towards the heart of the lake, tried their best to stay afloat without any clear instructions on their next move.
Mama Bear Abandons Cubs To Save Herself
Regardless of her reasons, or potential deficiency in the problem-solving department, the female bear had essentially deserted her cubs. This behaviour is perplexing and disheartening, considering that mother bears are typically seen as extraordinarily protective. She started to swim away, leaving her cubs scrambling hopelessly in the frigid lake water. It appeared that her survival instinct superseded her inherent motherly duties. Nonetheless, this led to a precarious scenario where both bear cubs were left in grave danger. They needed assistance to reach the shoreline and escape the icy lake their mother had led them into.
The Strong Current Was Too Much To Conquer
It might not have been a complete failure in parental instincts that led the mother bear to abandon her cubs in a perilous situation. The eminently strong undertow of the lake could have played a role. This prominent undercurrent rendered the lake a notably demanding place to navigate. Evidently, the mother bear did strive to shepherd her cubs through the frosty waters, although it appears the current was overwhelmingly potent for her. She waged a vigorous battle against the undercurrent with her infant cubs clinging onto her back. However, she gradually found herself succumbing to the formidable current. Her cubs were being ripped away from her as she swam to protect her own existence.
Abandoned And Struggling Cubs In Need Of Help
The mother bear found herself drawn away from her offspring, making an effort to protect herself. Perhaps she held onto the hope that her young would manage to return to her unscathed. She swam for a considerable amount of time before successfully reaching the shore. On her arrival to the dry land, however, she discovered her cubs were severely lagging, doing their best to keep their heads above water. Now left alone by their mother, the two cubs were doing their utmost to survive. They were fatigued to their limits and seriously in need of assistance to make it across the icy lake and reach safety.
The Odds Were Against Them
The survival chances for the two juvenile bear cubs undertaking this voyage seemed bleak. These were inexperienced cubs, lacking the knowledge of swimming in the fiercely cold waters they encountered. Now, they were left to fend for themselves. Fear was probably overwhelming the bear cubs as they struggled to retain control amidst their rising panic. The frosty water was relentlessly gushing against and over them, trying to drag them under the powerful currents towards a cold and watery end. Should they have any hope of weathering the icy water temperatures and reaching the opposite shore unscathed, they would require assistance.
An Unsuspecting Rescue
The couple of bear cubs were desperately trying to keep themselves afloat in the water when an unlikely help was heading towards them. Just when their chances of survival seemed bleak and the situation looked its bleakest, a glimmer of hope emerged. A fishing boat unexpectedly materialized on the horizon. The vessel was crewed by fishermen who quickly noticed the plight of the cubs in the water, realizing something was off because there was no mother bear in sight. Understandably, they felt it was their responsibility to try and save these young bears. Were they equipped and ready to rescue the cubs?
The Rescue Boat Came Closer
As the vessel with fisherman rescuers approached, it was clear that the bear cubs were in grave peril. Time wasn’t their ally. The two cubs appeared to be completely spent and fatigued to their limits. Battling to tread water and keep above the icy cold aquatic surfaces, they seemed almost out of steam. To the fisherman crew, it was apparent that they were the only hope of rescue. However, they were unsure about how to proceed with the rescue mission. Suddenly, an idea sparked. They were operating on a fishing boat after all, equipped with nets and gear designed for trapping fish. This instance, though, they would be reeling in bears.
They Were Being Watched
While the group of fishermen were devising a plan on how to utilize their fishing tools and nets to rescue the baby bears, they realized they had an observer. The mother bear, who had seemingly left her offspring in the freezing water, was not far off on the bank. She was attentively observing to see if her babies would be rescued. The sheer size of the bear was daunting to the fishermen who debated whether they should proceed with the rescue mission. They feared she might try to board their vessel to protect her cubs.
Coming Up With A Fast Plan
The team of fishers confronted an urgent predicament, aware that a swift resolution was necessary. They understood the need to save the floundering bear cubs, yet were cognizant of the significant danger their mother could potentially pose. Despite the necessity for immediate action, they decided to hold off for a brief period until the adult bear had moved a greater distance away on the beach. Meanwhile, they were formulating a thorough strategy to rescue the cubs from the water as safely as possible. Each facet of the perilous predicament was thoroughly examined in order to devise the most effective approach.
Capture The Rescue On Video
The fishermen were acutely aware that every action they took needed to be exceptionally careful. The situation could become fatal at any point, either for them or for the bear cubs. They were attempting to save young bears, and despite their tender age, these were still natural-born predators. They were mindful that fishermen are notorious for fabricating imaginative tales about their catches, so they decided to video document their entire daring journey. They were concerned that without this evidence, their story might be dismissed as a mere fisherman’s tale. It turned out that recording the event was a wise decision. They managed to capture their whole rescue operation on film, including the moment a bear cub reached out its paw in an attempt to climb onto their vessel.
Lending A Helpful Hand
Despite his efforts, the small cub found the ship’s edge too steep to surmount. He persisted, but his strength was insufficient to hoist himself onto the vessel. Fatigue from their swim and chilliness of the water contributed to his weakness. The cubs had found themselves battling the icy cold for some time. Fortunately, the fishermen came to their aid. Bringing their rescue strategy into play, they utilized their fishing equipment, providing the cub with a stable grip to aid in his ascent onto the ship.
Fishing For A Bear Cub Or Two
The fishermen were successfully aiding the young bear onto the boat using their fishing equipment. Nonetheless, their assistance extended beyond employing their gear, as they also drew on their knowledge of animals. Interestingly, these fishermen were not only versed in matters of fish but also had some understanding about other animals. They were aware, for example, that bears possess extraordinarily sharp teeth, and their jaws have impressive gripping strength. To facilitate the cub’s climb onto the boat, the fishermen allowed him to use his powerful mouth for leverage.
Did Their Plan Save The Bears?
As the plan was being put into motion, the bear was attempting to get onboard. Everything appeared to be going smoothly as if the scheme was bound to succeed without a hitch. However, the bear was still too distant from the boat’s entry point to lift his whole body onto it safely. They had come so close to saving the bear. They knew the bear would topple back into the water if they were to abandon him. They also realized there were potential hazards that could put their own lives at risk. At this juncture, the fishermen set aside their own safety concerns in a bid to save the bear cubs and collectively took immediate action to hoist the bear up.
A Quick Decision Regarding Life Or Death
They understood, as they extended their hands to rescue the bear cub, that there were high risks associated with the endeavor. There was a grave danger of them plunging into the icy water if the bear should pull too forcefully. More alarming was the possibility of a sudden attack that could result in serious injuries or even death. The only decision left was whether or not to trust the cubs. Could they cooperate in this rescue mission? Could there be unity between man and beast for the mutual benefit of all parties? The fisherman fervently prayed that their actions would not result in harm to anyone.
An Unspoken Connection Between Human And Bear
With the chilly waters severing as the only division between the bear cub and the fishermen, the young creature gazed up in curiosity. The scene was rather extraordinary – a group of men, who would typically tremble in fear at the sight of a bear, were now in close proximity to a baby bear. Their eyes locked for an instant, as if probing the depths of one another’s being, creating a powerful bond between the vulnerable cub and the fishermen on the boat. Knowing they might be exposing themselves to danger, the crew knew they had a duty to extend a helping hand to rescue the fragile cub.
It Was Time For Another Brilliant Idea
As the baby bear and the fishing crew fought to pull the little creature to safety, they understood that they needed an alternative strategy. In retrospect, the concept seems incredibly straightforward. However, in that moment of peril, the thought flashed upon them as if a brilliant inspiration. They made a decision to employ their fishing nets in an attempt to rescue the bear. The strategy involved netting the bear from underneath and hoisting him out of the icy water. They had performed such rescues numerous times with fish, but could they execute the same with this marooned bear cub?
Would Their Plan Work?
Throughout their careers as fishermen, the crew had caught an immeasurable amount of fish, but could they apply the same method to rescue a bear cub? The primary concern was the fishing net’s durability, which was designed to withstand a school of wriggling fish, not the mass of a juvenile bear. Regardless of the potential that the web might not support the bear’s weight, the fishermen pushed forward. They were prepared to risk their fishing equipment for the opportunity to give the little bear a chance at life. But would their bold endeavor be successful?
Going Fishing For A Bear
The fishermen were left with no option but to test their idea’s effectiveness. Casting their net into the lake, they initiated their mission to rescue the first cub. Much like fishing, their aim was to snare the cub and draw it towards them manually. Time was of the essence as the cub’s energy levels plummeted. Successfully, they ensnared the first cub within the net and drew it close to the boat. As they commenced to tow the net bearing the bear cub, the fishermen vigilantly ensured the cub didn’t panic, posing a threat to itself or the rescue team onboard.
Everybody Just Calm Down
Despite the fishermen’s plans proceeding seamlessly, they remained acutely aware that they were dealing with a wild creature. The cub’s potential reactions or level of fear remained an uncertainty. Regardless of the bear’s temperament, it was entirely expected that the cub could lash out or inadvertently injure one of them. Their only option was to attempt to placate the cub sufficiently to bring it on board without provoking any aggressive or fearful behavior. It was unmistakably evident that they had to persist in their attempts to rescue the bear.
Heavier Than It Looked
Although the bear was merely a cub, it was heavier than it looked. The fishermen quickly observed that lifting this bear was going to require substantial amount of strength. They felt fortunate that the stranded bear was a young cub, not the heavier mother. Fully grown bears can weigh over 1,300 pounds. If the distressed bear had been older, the fishermen’s efforts may have been futile. Moreover, a baby bear cub is even heavier in the water due to its wet fur.
Heave-Ho!
It was fortunate that a group of stout fishermen happened to stumble upon two bear cubs stranded in the icy waters of a Russian lake. Thanks to their routine of reeling in heavy fish nets and navigating treacherous sea conditions, these men were no strangers to adversity. They were well-prepared for the biting cold and were about to discover that rescuing a bear cub was a significantly tougher task than wrestling with a feisty fish net.
Pulled To Safety
After spending ample time pushing and pulling, they managed to get the cub close enough to embark onto the boat. The joy and optimism among everyone on the ship was palpable, with the assurance that their hard work would bear fruit. The first bear cub was safely rescued, marking their initial success. That said, the task was only half-complete. The other sibling was still in the freezing lake, keeping itself afloat while the first rescue took place. Complicating matters, was the fact that this second cub was farther off from the boat. To top it all they also had a frightened, soggy cub on board that they need to manage as they endeavored to bring the other cub to safety.
Now Let’s Do It Again
The fishermen deserved some praise. After managing to bring one bear cub safely onboard, they were certain they could repeat the process for the second. However, they now felt fatigue setting in, a result of the effort exerted during the first rescue. The question remained, could they replicate their feat for the second cub? This would require considerable grit, strength, and an energy that was ebbing. However, they had their adrenaline rush as a plus point. Moreover, they were also aware that their strategy of deploying the fishing gear had proven effective once, offering hope it could do so again.
Sibling Bear Cubs Reunited
Through sheer determination, the fishermen managed to summon the stamina required to haul the second bear cub onto their vessel. Their energy was rapidly depleting, yet they understood the need to continue with their rescue mission to ensure the safety of both cubs. They were the only chance these cubs had for survival. They persisted, unwilling to leave the second cub abandoned. They exerted every physical effort, each tug and pull, to lift the bear cub onto their boat. At last, the second cub was safely aboard, reunited with its sibling.
What Do We Do Now?
The fishermen breathed a sigh of relief in unison, acknowledging that their endeavors had succeeded. Their rescue mission to get the two bear cubs onto the boat was accomplished. The air filled with jubilant cries and high fives exchanged in the heat of excitement. However, they recognized there was no time for prolonged rejoicing. Despite their sense of relief and satisfaction, they were well aware their task was far from over. Now, they had to figure out their next move. Keeping the cubs on their fishing vessel wasn’t feasible. Their overarching goal was to reunite the cubs with their mother but figuring out the means to do so proved to be challenging.
Not Everyone Was Happy
As the fishermen took a moment to applaud each other, their jubilation was short-lived. Although the duo of cubs were spared the risk of submersion, they were exhausted, sodden, and frosty. It also seemed that they were utterly bewildered by their unprecedented surroundings on the fishing boat. The twin cubs started to quiver. Was it the biting cold or fear that triggered this? Likely, it was a combination of both, coupled with uncertainty about their mother’s whereabouts who had left them solitary. They curled up, terrified in a nook of the boat.
Surrogate Bear Mother
The fishermen instantly developed a strong connection with the tiny cubs. At their direst moment, man and bear had come together in an effective rescue mission. Of course, the idea of adopting the bear cubs as pets might have crossed their minds. Despite having a grand scheme to save the cubs, the fishermen realized that the most beneficial action would be to reunite the small bears with their mother. But the question was, how could they achieve this? They were now located in the heart of a freezing lake and they did not wish to leave the cubs vulnerable once more.
What Do We Do Now?
Following the rescue of the two bear cubs from the water, the perplexing issue the fishermen faced was where to take them next. The team of fishermen, who had turned into rescuers, realized the importance of locating the cubs’ mother for their safety. Previously sighted close to the waterside, the mother bear posed a possible danger if approached too closely. The narrative had now shifted to a hunt to locate the mother bear to reunite the family. The last seen location of her was on land, causing the boat, brimming with fishermen, to scour the coastal line. Their search lasted for quite some time, but they eventually pinpointed the mother bear’s last known location and directed the boat towards the shore.
More Danger To Come
As the fishermen ascertained their direction towards the designated land spot, it became evident that their impending move carried a significant risk. Their trajectory directed them right towards a wild animal – a mother bear whose two offspring they had just rescued. Uniting the cubs with their mother was their primary mission, but the outcome was unpredictable. The scenario could potentially escalate into a perilous situation or unfold into a poignant, serene reunion filled with affection. Despite their strong desire for the latter scenario, the fishermen felt uncertainty creep in as they neared the location they had last spotted the mother bear.
Brace Yourself
As the anglers moved nearer to rejoining the bear cubs with their mom, they geared up for any potential confrontation that may arise. When the boat finally touched the shoreline, they found themselves thinking about the location of the mother bear. The fact that she was possibly nearby, possibly observing them from a hidden location to assess the level of danger they posed, was in their minds. The next part of this delicate operation, as fully understood by the anglers, involved releasing the cubs from the boat. Their hope was that the bear cubs would manage to securely transition onto the terrain and later on locate their mom by following her familiar scent. Carrying the frail cubs onto the terrestrial terrain was the final task accomplished by the men.
Where Is Mama Bear?
After managing to move the cubs from the boat to solid ground, they prepared for an assault from the mother bear. However, she was nowhere to be seen. Could it be that she had forsaken her own offspring? The crew was unsure of what lay ahead or how to proceed. It seemed as if the mother bear had no intention of reconnecting with her lost cubs. Now, they were concerned that the baby bears would struggle to survive the cruel cold without their mother’s guidance. Did all their strenuous efforts to save them go to waste?
Movement On The Other Bank
As they observed the two diminutive bear cubs safely disembark from the boat and amble onto dry land, they were plagued with worry that the mother bear had indeed forsaken them. They were consumed by the apprehension that their endeavors had ended in vain. They harbored no desire to leave the cubs facing death alone, but were left with the sole option of allowing them to amble away and to remain hopeful. Suddenly, there was a stir from the opposing shore. It was the mother bear – She had located her offspring. They were secure, and she yearned to reunite with them, reforming their family once more. She dove into the water, swimming steadily towards her twin cubs.
Mother Bear Swims Closer
As the mama bear drew nearer, her swimming pace rapidly increased. The fishermen started to feel uneasy, pondering why she didn’t display the same vigor and force of swimming with her cubs clutching onto her back. Perhaps the strain of carrying two cubs was hindering her speed. Now that she was independently swimming, she appeared exceedingly adept at traversing the lake swiftly. Even though the fishermen were elated that the cub’s mother was en route to retrieve them, their fear was also escalating, uncertain of their own safety, and they contemplated her potential actions as she continued to close the distance.
A Mother And Child Reunion At Last
While the fishermen were observing a mother bear swiftly making her way towards her cubs, it dawned on them that they might be in harm’s way with her approach. Opting to abandon the cubs and to seek refuge in their boat was the best decision. From the safety of their seafaring vehicle, they hoped for a positive outcome, assured that they had done everything they could to rescue her offspring. The fishermen climbed onboard and only re-started the engine when the she-bear was within visible range of the shoreline. As they navigated away, they kept vigilance over the bear family to witness the unfolding scenario.
A Job Well Done
The fishers observed their safe departure, aware that they had exhausted all their options. They saw the mother bear make it to land and start towards her young ones. It was a sorrowful farewell for the fishermen. During the strenuous effort to rescue the bear cubs, they had developed a sentimental attachment to them. They were reluctant to depart, but they understood they had to clear out so the mother bear could safely return to her offspring. An internal instinct indicated to them that this time, the mother bear wouldn’t desert her cubs again.
Another Tale Of Man And Nature
The tale of a man’s valiant effort to coexist harmoniously with nature adds yet another chapter. This time, the saga revolves around a man and a wolf, set amidst the perilous wilderness. The male protagonist had laid a trap on his personal estate in Wisconsin, USA, with the single-minded intention of ensnaring a perilous coyote. He had no intentions of impeding the journey of any other creature. Unbeknownst to him, his trap was about to endanger an unsuspecting guest instead.
A Visitor Caught In A Trap
The man had hardly anticipated trapping anything other than a coyote in the snare he had laid. But, fate had different plans. Prior to a coyote straying into his land and into the trap, it was an unsuspecting guest that ended up ensnared. The trap which was meant for the coyote, painfully imprisoned a timber wolf instead. One can only speculate what may have crossed the man’s mind when he realized he had inadvertently ensnared an unassuming timber wolf visitor.
The Timber Wolf Fell Prey
The gentleman went by the name of John Oens. In an unexpected surprise, the snare he had laid out hoping to snare a coyote ended up capturing a wolf instead. He decided to chronicle the subsequent events and uploaded the account on YouTube in 2015. As the video commences, it initially appears ambiguous to viewers whether his goal was to entrap the wolf. At the video’s onset, he declares that this is his initial catch of a timber wolf for that year, implying that his intent could be wolf hunting. Later in the video, however, John clarifies that the trap was originally set with a coyote in mind.
Traps and Wolves
The trapping mechanism operates by pinning down the animal’s paw, rendering it immobile and unable to escape. Even the most formidable animals are rendered powerless once ensnared by the trap, and this wolf was no different. Coyotes can pose a danger, particularly to smaller pets like dogs or farm animals such as chickens. Conversely, Timber wolves usually do not present a risk to human safety. With an estimated 60,000 of them residing in America, most wolves maintain a healthy fear of humans and typically avoid any interaction. However, this particular wolf would find itself not only in close proximity to a person, but also reliant on the man to gain its freedom.
How To Set The Wolf Free
The challenging aspect of the whole ordeal wasn’t accidentally trapping the wolf. The real difficulty lied in determining a way to free the wolf and ensure the person wasn’t harmed. The trap had firmly gripped the wolf’s paw, impeding its mobility. One glance at the wolf was enough to make a person fear its threatening teeth. The question then arose, how could John liberate the wolf without having to risk his own safety? He thought of an ingenious solution that left anyone watching his video to speculate about his previous experiences with such instances.
A Threatening Dilemma
John now found himself tasked with the challenge of liberating the wolf, all the while avoiding an attack from it. It’s fascinating, yet perplexing, how wolves can outwardly seem peaceful and friendly, but inwardly experience entirely different emotions. A useful method to discern whether they are fearful or relaxed is by observing their respiration. A content wolf emits a chirp-like sound. Unlike domestic dogs that commonly bark, they usually emit a deeper, gruff huff that signifies fear or threat.
Understanding Timber Wolves
Understanding some fundamental traits and behaviors of an animal is crucial before attempting to assist them. Timber wolves, otherwise known as common or gray wolves, are the largest specimens within their respective wolf family, signifying their significant size. This family also encompasses several domestic dogs, jackals, foxes, and various other wolf species. Originating from Eurasia, these wolves migrated to the United States several thousands of years ago, making them an ancient breed. Some have even grown to surpass 5 feet tall as fully matured adults.
Cold Temperatures Don’t Scare Them
In the northern regions of Wisconsin, the timber wolf acclimatizes perfectly during the winter. Their thick fur provides them with valuable protection against cold temperatures. The coat, comprised of densely packed hair, can range in various colors, much like domesticated dogs. The base of their fur is woolly, with long protective strands to guard against dampness. Their coat offers a natural shield against arctic breezes and freezing winters that can dip as low as minus 20 degrees F. Moreover, their paws are specifically designed with extra fur between each toe to safeguard them from frostbite.
Timber Wolf Paws Are Built For Winter
Their paws are specifically adapted to withstand the extreme cold of the northern regions. The fur located between their toes serves to insulate them against the icy winter conditions. These paws are significantly large and equipped with razor-sharp claws, which could have been dangerous to John as he attempted to liberate the timber wolf from the trap. This unique combination of size, fur, and sharpness not only protect them, but also provide excellent traction allowing them to sprint impressively fast, up to 45 miles per hour, despite the harsh or wet conditions.
Additional Timber Wolf Traits
Male timber wolves are typically around 20 percent larger and weightier than their female counterparts. The person filming the video where this wolf was spotted commented on the animal’s massive size. Although referred to as a gray wolf, the coloring of a timber wolf’s coat can range from pure white and various shades of brown to black or gray, as well as a mix of these colors. The wolf boasts a two-tiered coat consisting of long, outer guard hairs and a layer of soft, insulating fur beneath. Contrasting with a coyote, which was John’s initial target, the wolf’s ears appear somewhat round, while coyotes have taller, pointed ears. Wolves showcase a wider, shorter snout, as opposed to a coyote’s narrow, sharper nose – not that anyone should aim to get near enough to make such a distinction. The howl of a wolf is prolonged and continuous, contrasting with a coyote’s shorter, sharp, yelp-like sound.
Trapped Despite Its Survival Attributes
Despite all the beneficial features this timber wolf possessed to withstand the brutal, cold winters of the northern Midwestern United States, it ended up ensnared. It was of no consequence that its paw was built to shield against freezing temperatures, or that its size distinguished it within its species. Neither did it matter that this wolf was fully capable of looking after itself in the wild. The reality was that the wolf was ensnared in a trap and could not liberate itself without assistance. To escape its confines, it required the aid of a man named John, ironically, the same man that had laid the trap initially.
A Human Named John
John Oens wasn’t present when the wolf found itself in a trap. Nonetheless, he was the direct cause of the animal’s predicament. The scenario appeared extremely distressing. Some might even argue that laying a trap for any creature would be a cruel act. John insists that he never planned on trapping a timber wolf, but he now found himself in a situation requiring him to make a decision. He believed that the most compassionate course of action would be to release the wolf. The question was, how could he accomplish this without endangering himself?
The Trap Was Intended For Safety
John professed that his initial intention for setting up the trap was to ensure safety. His property had been a frequent stop for coyotes, and he aimed to halt their trespassing. Coyotes, even if they typically hunt solo or in duos, are very distinct from dogs. An easily observable distinction is their tail behavior, with a coyote’s tail held down during its run, as opposed to a dog’s upward tail. Not only are coyotes vocally expressive, but they also face very little threats from nature’s predators. They prove to be adept swimmers, can live up to two decades in captivity, and boast a diet that can include anything from small dogs and chickens to other little creatures. Moreover, they can even pose a danger to human toddlers.
A Plan To Set The Wolf Free
John had meant to trap a coyote for security reasons, but he unintentionally caught a timber wolf. The most compassionate thing to do was to come up with a strategy to release the animal. The situation presented a complex problem. The wolf could either hurt itself in fear and effort to escape, or become hostile towards John. This was a first for John, having found a wolf snagged in his trap. He merely wanted to rectify the error. But, the challenge lay in how he could liberate the wolf without risking an attack or causing the animal further damage in what could be a desperate fight to break free from the trap.
Once In A Lifetime Situation
John never intended to ensnare a harmless, benign timber wolf, and he understood that such an occurrence was likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Aware that he needed to formulate a plan to liberate the animal safely, he also desired to record the entire incident. At the beginning of the video, his voice can be heard detailing that the trap was originally intended for a coyote and he provides details regarding the specific type of trap used. It appears he identifies the trap as a Number 3 Dogless Bridger Fully Modified Set for Coyote.
Uncertainty In The Video
He seized a video camera with an aim to chronicle each aspect of the episode. The ingenious idea of recording everything served as the means for this tale to be repeatedly shared. His incredulity upon discovering a wolf caged in his trap likely led to his indecisive tone at the onset of the video, as he stated, “This is my first timber wolf of 2015.” Despite this, he continued to clarify that the creature was indeed large and magnificent and he intended to work out a method to release it. From the get-go, he understood that it was never his intention to keep the timber wolf captive; he was merely uncertain on the procedure to release the wolf back into the wild.
Call For Help
Before releasing the wolf, it seems he reached out to another person for assistance. In the video, one can hear an individual asking if the animal was indeed a wolf. Ironically, the same individual also cast doubts, suggesting in a sarcastic tone that it was merely a gigantic coyote, not a wolf. Amidst this skepticism, John was adamant that the creature was a timber wolf requiring liberation. Consequently, the people embarked on creating a strategy to safely dispatch the timber wolf without injuring themselves or the animal.
The Human Seemed To Know Exactly What To Do
John continually pursued his strategy to liberate the animal. Surprisingly, he appeared to think swiftly and adapt, especially if this was truly his first time dealing with a timber wolf trapped in a deception initially meant for a coyote. His actions were conducted with confidence and clear understanding. He utilized a massive piece of plywood, shaped like a broad rectangle. Positioning it between himself and the wolf served as a protective barrier as he cautiously approached the creature. Operating with ingenuity, John had expertly carved a groove at the bottom of the wood rectangle, planning to use it to cover the wolf’s ensnared paw, all the while maintaining his protective shield.
Who Was More Scared?
The whole circumstance was likely just as terrifying for the wolf as it was for John. Possibly, they both shared the same level of fear. However, John presented himself as calm and composed. His friends didn’t show any significant concern either. But that could be attributed to the fact that they had at least one rifle for protection and it was not them who were about to engage in a close encounter with the wolf to liberate it. John was using the plywood as a shield, creating a partition between him and the wolf. As he gradually moved towards the wolf, he made sure the wolf stayed on the one side of the board. All the while, he was carefully positioning the sawed-off wooden notch over the trapped paw of the wolf.
Protected Behind A Barrier
Following a series of attempts by the wolf to bite through the plywood, the animal began to appear more tranquil. John Oens had shielded himself behind the barrier of the plywood. The wolf initially tried to clamp down on the wood in a bid to defend itself. Soon though, it ceased these attempts. The plywood provided an effective defense against any potential threat. The whole rescue operation was recorded on a GoPro attached to a helmet, offering viewers an insight into the event from John’s perspective.
Releasing The Trap
After the plywood with the wolf’s paw carve-out was positioned properly, John was ready to start freeing the trap. Surprisingly, the trap opened without a struggle. As John maintained the plywood’s position, he simultaneously eased the trap open to liberate the wolf’s snared paw. Nothing such as a tool or clandestine trick was necessary to emancipate the wolf from its entrapment. The only thing John required was his hands to detach the lever. Once the lever was detached, the trap was let go. Nearby, his comrades kept watch, rifles primed and at the ready in case the wolf decided to attack Oens.
The Wolf Was Free
As soon as the trap was sprung open, the wolf made a quick dash. John’s friends were prepared to safeguard him, however, they didn’t need to ready their rifle. No sooner than the trap opened, the wolf sprinted speedily into the forestry. From what the video shows, it looked like the wolf fled without suffering any damage to its paw. It moved without any signs of limping. It didn’t appear to have any bleeding wounds or any other indications of harm as it swiftly darted back to the shelter of the woods and its freedom.
An Internet Sensation
John Oens turned into an immediate online sensation when he posted a video of his adventure. More than three million viewers flocked to his YouTube channel to watch it. His swift reflexes and the ability to use a simple plywood as a barricade captivated many. His audience also found his eagerness to liberate the wolf moving. Leveraging his intelligence and dexterity, he conceived a method to untrap the wolf safely that allowed its return to the wild, enabling the creature to continue its life, devoid of the fear of hunting.
An Endangered Species
At one time, wolves could be legally hunted in Wisconsin. However, in 2014, these animals received the official status of being legally endangered within the state. This distinction not only stopped legal hunting but also offered state law protection for their population. Wisconsin had once created a wolf season, though this was only when the animals weren’t categorized as an endangered species at both the state and federal level. Presently, wolves are recognized as a federally endangered species, a factor that rules out a hunting season. As at December 2014, a court ruling at the federal level dictated that protections from the Endangered Species Act apply to them. This included Wisconsin among the states where protections were enforced.
It Took A Good Human Heart
John adhered to not just the laws of Wisconsin by releasing the trapped animal, but also demonstrated a strong moral integrity. When confronted with a situation where a wolf had accidentally trapped itself on his property, John decided to opt for kindness. Rather than keeping it captive, or taking the easy way out by shooting it – as some might do, often followed by boasting about their actions – John made a different choice. He was guided by altruism, which led to the rescue and subsequent release of the wolf back into its natural habitat.
Misunderstood Fear Of Wolves
Misconceptions about wolves often lead to fear, prompting some to advocate for amendments in hunting laws to permit wolf hunting. Approximately six decades post the declaration of extinction of gray wolves in Wisconsin, there was a significant increase in the population, exceeding 900. The swell in numbers owes much to the Federal Endangered Species Act’s legal protections that prohibit hunting or inflicting harm on any species listed. The timber wolf, which is a member of the gray wolf family, populates vast territories across the Northern Hemisphere. Accordingly, timber wolves were also counted amongst the endangered gray wolves during that period.
Wolf Hunting
Rewind a few years before the incident when a wolf was trapped on John Oens’ land in Wisconsin. In 2012, some years prior to the implementation of a law prohibiting wolf hunting, it was completely legal and socially acceptable in the state to hunt wolves without any restrictions. These liberal hunting rules resulted in approximately 530 wolves dying in the region. These hunting-related deaths significantly depleted the wolf population in the Northern areas. In fact, they reduced the numbers to such an extent that the wolves found themselves on the endangered list. It’s possible that John was aware of the recent changes in hunting legislation when he encountered the entrapped wolf on his land. Then again, he might have simply been acting out of compassion.
Keep The Wolf Population Thriving
New legislation in Wisconsin pertaining to wolf hunting and fishing has led to a surge in the wolf population in the state. It is estimated that almost 1,000 wolves now inhabit this upper middle-west state in the U.S. This is indeed a positive development for the wolf species! Owing to his bravery and quick-wittedness, John Oens played a pivotal role in rejuvenating the dwindling wolf community. His contribution extended beyond just liberating one wolf; he actively aided in revitalizing the entire state’s wolf populace. This act of generosity is certainly admirable and beneficial.
It Pays To Be Kind
This tale could have concluded on a far more somber note. The wolf had every chance to act out aggressively towards John. Similarly, John and his comrades were all armed, possessing the capacity to preemptively terminate the ordeal by shooting the creature. His friends observed from the sidelines, providing him with some degree of hassle. However, even though their teasing seemed harmless, they might have been swayed to manage the situation more fatally. No one can predict the potential outcome. But John opted to demonstrate kindness and empathy, instead. Such narratives instill a sense of optimism in all of humanity.
Wolf Set Free
In the end, the tale of this timber wolf concluded joyfully. The wolf was successfully liberated and escaped to safety. Human resourcefulness and a creature’s plea for assistance intersected, resulting in a victory for both parties. This exemplifies another scenario where human quick wit, compassion and kindness confronted potentially dangerous situations. Mankind and nature came into direct contact, averting what could have been disastrous for either the wolf, the human or both. Each narrative resulted in a profound sense of joy that provided a promising future for the animals involved. Such stories instill a sense of delight in being both human and humane.