The group was shocked when they saw this, and the event actually changed their lives forever. Though it’s never easy to deal with a wounded animal, this was even worse because it wasn’t a small coyote. What did they do with this scary creature they discovered in the woods?
Facing This Wolf
The day started like any other for John Oens. However, when he inspected his trap, he had no clue what he was about to find. Instead of a coyote, he discovered a big timber wolf that was trying to free itself.
Facing This Wolf
Drawing Up a Plan
John knew he was in a bad situation and couldn’t abandon the wolf. The animal could die from exposure and more. His trap didn’t have teeth, so it could catch small animals. In a sense, it was similar to handcuffs, so this wolf couldn’t easily escape without help, and John had to figure it out!
Drawing Up A Plan
This Dangerous Creature
Wolves and coyotes might not be hurt by the trap, but they’re not happy when they get out. Typically, lone wolves don’t attack humans, but a trapped one could act mean. If John got the timber wolf out, he must remember to be very careful. The animal might not be grateful for the assistance.
This Dangerous Creature
Illegal to Hurt the Animal
Timber wolves are listed on the endangered species list by the federal government. Wisconsin also prohibits the killing of timber wolves. Therefore, John could get jail time or have to pay a fine if he shot and killed the animal. Was John certain this was a timber wolf, though?
Illegal To Hurt The Animal
Wolf or Coyote
It’s hard to tell the difference between a coyote and a wolf, though wolves are bigger. One of his friends told John that, and he wondered if he misidentified the animal. Everyone started arguing, but John eventually determined it was a timber wolf because of the size and markings.
Wolf Or Coyote
Magnificent Timber Wolf
Knowing that it was a timber wolf did little to make John happy. He still had to figure out what to do with the creature. His friends wanted to ignore it and go on about their day, but he couldn’t do that.
Magnificent Timber Wolf
Wolves and Men
Humans and wolves often collide, and things go wrong. Wolves can kill farm animals, but they rarely attack humans. This only happens when they’re in danger or become rabid. In fact, wolves are usually afraid of humans and try to avoid them.
Wolves And Men
The Risky Situation
John finally realized this wasn’t a coyote, but he was scared because it was a wolf. To free the creature, he must put his life on the line. He knew he had to be fearless, but his heart pounded while he prepared himself!
The Risky Situation
Dad’s Help
John had his father and a friend with him. Once his father joined the fray, they both knew they couldn’t leave this poor animal. His dad went to the truck for some plywood and a gun, but this was just a precaution. Hopefully, they didn’t need it.
Dad’s Help
Waiting for His Dad
The wolf seemed to be at ease now, so the two friends stayed while the dad got supplies. John stepped forward to get a look at it. They couldn’t afford any mistakes now and had to free the wolf quickly, or they might all perish!
Waiting For His Dad
Think It Through
It hadn’t been long since they saw the wolf, but John felt like an eternity went by. He couldn’t stay calm and patient because it wasn’t a typical hunting problem. Ultimately, he knew it wasn’t going to be easy, and this is where the plywood and rifle come into play.
Think It Through
The Plan in Motion
Once his dad got back, John put everything in motion. He grabbed the plywood and used it as a shield. Meanwhile, his friend filmed the event. Plus, his dad was there to fire on the wolf if it attacked. They were prepared, but they didn’t know what might happen!
The Plan In Motion
All Up to Him
John wasn’t comforted that his dad had the rifle and knew he could be dead before the shot rang. Once the wolf was free, it could flee or attack. They didn’t know what might happen and couldn’t predict it, but they were ready. John just kept moving forward.
All Up To Him
Plan Into Action
His dad tried to reassure him. If the animal leaped, the rifle was the only thing in its way. There was no time; John turned to his friend, who offered moral support. Now was the time to put their plan into action!
Plan Into Action
Different Sides
There was a notch on the plywood, and the goal was to put that past the grasp of the wolf. Then, the plywood could be lowered over the paw. That notch fit perfectly. However, the wolf was biting the wood and was ready to strike…
Different Sides
A Veteran Hunter
John had gone on many hunting trips and was used to wild animals, but this was new. Knowing the plywood offered some protection, he wondered if it might only hold while this wolf was imprisoned. Once free, it could jump at him.
A Veteran Hunter
What He Then Found
During previous trips, John encountered many fascinating creatures, even in Wisconsin. He’d seen a Canadian Lynx once and was taken aback by its size. Both the wolf and lynx stay away from humans, though it probably got caught when hunting and drew John’s attention.
What He Then Found
Lynx and Bobcat
These two animals have many similarities, and John had caught both. Usually, when bobcats come into contact with humans, it’s because they’re sick or rabid. This means they start behaving poorly. With that, they often eat small animals.
Lynx And Bobcat
To Tell Them Apart
Bobcats are more common in the wild than lynxes. They’re both shy, and many people confuse them. Examine the ears. A lynx has furry ones with long tufts, while the bobcat has short hair. Plus, they have distinct tails.
To Tell Them Apart
Hungry Animals
It’s often easy to move small animals like raccoons and coyotes, but the larger ones are hard. Timber wolves can go to 150 pounds! How could they move it since they’re the most dangerous creatures in the Wisconsin woods?
Hungry Animals
Meeting the Wolf
Don’t assume that a wolf is likely to flee and leave you. Stay motionless if you see one and wait for it to go away. Make sure that you don’t look it in its eyes or turn your back on it. Wave, yell, and throw rocks to try to scare it!
Meeting The Wolf
Releasing This Wolf
Now was the time to release the timber wolf, and John was ready. He was about to determine if he lived or died with only a piece of plywood separating him and the beast. The wolf didn’t like the plywood and bit. John set up his trap and found it hard to do it carefully.
Releasing This Wolf
Finally Free
John was finally successful and freed the wolf’s paw. It took a moment to spin then flew away. All three men were happy that the wolf was free and John was safe. They congratulated each other, but what did the video show?
Finally Free
The Last Look
His friend was taping the entire thing, so they watched the video to see what the wolf did. Before running to the woods, it looked at John for a moment. Was this its way of showing thanks? John knew he made the right choice.
The Last Look
True Feelings
John let this wolf out of the trap, revealing his feelings for all creatures. Though they are obnoxious and feed off livestock and wild animals, they do it to frighten and feed. John had heard that wolves attack domestics, but he respected that he was in the wolf’s territory.
True Feelings
Very Smart
Why is it hard to keep these creatures away from farms? A fence isn’t enough because they can jump and dig. With that, there’s too much space for the fence. Since wolves can jump 6 feet in the air, they’re quite smart.
Very Smart
Trapping Animals
As a trapper, John uses animal traps with bait to attract them. Food and urine work well for coyotes, with dog food or meat being popular. However, wolves are also attracted to the bait and can smell it for several miles.
Trapping Animals
Other Animals
John was trying to capture the coyotes to prevent them from harming farms and pets. However, he also catches other animals than his intended prey. Once, he caught a red fox and also used plywood to free it.
Other Animals
Badgers Come Too
It’s reasonable to think that John has caught just about any animal. Sometimes, the smaller ones are more aggressive. Once, he caught an American badger, which can fight black bears. John had to be very cautious because they’re so dangerous and fearless.
Badgers Come Too
The True Pest
Badgers can kill pets, destroy farms, and cause other animals harm. These pests have sharp teeth and claws and a bad odor! They’re common for Wisconsin, and John knew how mean they were. Trappers use special badger traps to keep the population under control.
The True Pest
Trapping Tips
Do you plan to go animal trapping? Whether you do it for fun or to rid your property of destructive pests, you require a hunting license. Then, you need to be very cautious. Otherwise, your foot or hand could get caught in that trap.
Trapping Tips
The Fur Trading Industry
Fake fur is more popular now, so why is there still a trapping industry? These animals are hunted for more than their fur. Their entire bodies can be used. Even the carcass is bait or compost!
The Fur Trading Industry
Trapping History
Fur trading and trapping have been done since the 1700s. Trappers went to the East to sell wares and make money. Plus, there was a demand for different furs, and the West was overrun with annoying animals!
Trapping History
The Double Whammy
Most trappers see strange things in their set traps. John wasn’t the only person to see something unusual. Once, a trapper saw two baby pigs, making it a double whammy. Those animals had destroyed the gardens and crops and had to be stopped!
The Double Whammy
Bear Trapping
While small animals are aggravating, large animals are downright bad. Somehow, a violent and enraged bear was found in a coyote trap by the trappers. They had to free the big animal, and the situation was similar to what John’s group experienced.
Bear Trapping
Smelly Traps
You probably know that skunks can stink because they emit a bad odor when scared or trapped. Trappers usually get a heads up before they get to the location. In fact, the spray’s smell can be detected miles away. However, skunks also have sharp claws and teeth!
Smelly Traps
Something Odd
Once, a bald eagle became caught in someone’s coyote trap. A hiker found this large bird in the Alaska woods. She took pictures and then later released it. However, she got in trouble for tampering with the trap and got a $500 fine. Still, the judge let her off for her heroics.
Something Odd
A Poor Deer
Eagles can be dangerous, and this one surprised a sika deer. In the end, it triumphed because the deer was helpless. Though the deer weighed more, that matters little in the wild. The owner of the trap discovered the dead deer after many hours.
A Poor Deer
Raccoon and Hog
Night-vision cameras can be your best friend. A landowner wanted to see what emptied his feeder, but he had no idea what he was about to get into. He found that a wild hog ate the corn, but it was accompanied by a raccoon!
Raccoon And Hog
Deer and Squirrel
Once, a deer was out walking in the woods, but it never expected to get attacked by a flying squirrel! Though you wonder what the squirrel was up to, it’s hard to say. The deer didn’t know what was happening, so the ambush was a success!
Deer And Squirrel