Wolves may be afraid of humans, but keep them away from livestock and pets
If you’re worried about a wolf hurting you or your children, you can take a deep breath. Wolves are naturally shy creatures, and there’s very little risk of a wolf-to-human attack. But if you live rurally and own livestock or poultry, it’s important to know how to keep wolves away to protect your animals.
Wolves are intelligent predators. Keeping them away often takes research, and you may need to rotate methods to permanently remove them since wolves can adapt to most barriers. Let’s explore the range of humane methods for keeping wolves away from your home, why they came there in the first place, and when you should call a wildlife pro.
Wolves usually hunt for large game like elk and deer. But if they see smaller animals hanging around your property, they’ll also take the opportunity to hunt them. It’s important to keep mice, squirrels, and rabbits away by removing things they’d be attracted to. Clean up any fallen bird seed from your bird feeder, and don’t store pet food outside. In addition, make sure your trash and compost are secured and difficult for any animal to get into.
If you have plenty of hiding spots and food sources, wolves will likely find your property an oasis. Keep your space clear of tall trees, shrubs, and bushes that wolves can hide in. If you own livestock, never let a carcass or bones of an animal sit close to your herd. That means moving the carcass, burning or disposing of it, or building a fladry perimeter (evenly spaced flags) around it to deter wolves from entering.
If the above methods only go so far in how they keep wolves away from your home or animals, you may need to employ nonlethal deterrents. Think of them as scare tactics that will make wolves feel unsafe and less likely to enter your property. You may have to rotate between deterrents, as wolves are smart creatures who may adapt easily.
Non-lethal deterrents include:
Strobe lights
Playing loud, intense music
A colorful, inflatable dancing tube (often seen in used car lots)
Putting up a fence around your property is a surefire way to keep wolves out, though it can be costly to build a fence. If you decide to go this route, make sure your fence meets the requirements of being wolf-proof, as these animals can climb and dig.
Your fence should:
Be at least 8 feet tall
Bend outward at the top
Extend 1 foot into the soil with an outward bend
If you have a chicken coop, it’s worth reinforcing its fencing with heavy gauge welded wire. You can also add a fine layer of mesh on top of that to prevent coyotes or foxes from reaching through.
Dogs are an age-old protection method for property and livestock. If you’ve been considering a guard dog to keep away wolves, go with a large breed, like a Great Pyrenees, Kangal, or Anatolian Shepherd. Their large size means wolves will more likely avoid facing off with them. Plus, their loud bark is a natural alarm system for most predators. A dog shouldn’t be your only defense against wolves, however. Combine a few of these methods to protect your home and your canine defender.
Like bears and bobcats, wolves are attracted to food that they can easily find through scent. Ensure your yard is free and clear of things like pet food, fallen bird seed, discarded fruit from a tree, etc. These treats attract rabbits, mice, and squirrels, which in turn attract wolves who prey on them.
Most importantly, wolves are opportunistic scavengers. If there is a carcass of a deceased animal on your property, there’s a high probability that a wolf or wolf pack is going to wander its way over to try to turn it into a meal. Make sure you dispose of any animal remains right away to keep wolves far from your home.
If the above methods still don’t keep wolves away, you may have to seek the guidance of a professional. Wildlife removal costs can add up, but it’s worth it if you’re risking more expensive damage to your home, livestock, or land. It’s especially important to call a pro if there is a risk that wolves or any other wildlife can spread disease to other animals.
Keep in mind that there are many strict laws around how wolf populations are managed, and they differ state-by-state. This native animal was nearly wiped out from the continental United States by 1960, so scientists and local governments have closely observed and regulated their reintroduction. Check your state’s wildlife laws to see what’s required in your region. If you’re legally cleared and see this as your only next step, reach out to local wildlife control professionals rather than attempting anything further on your own.
The cost of wildlife removal can range from $190 to $610, with the average person paying around $400. The costs range depending on how long the animal has lived there and how much damage they’ve caused from being on your property. It’s always important to consult a wildlife control professional to ensure that you remove the animal safely and humanely.
Yes, wolves are generally afraid of humans, as well as most large carnivores, such as bears. The risk of a wolf attacking a human or killing them is very low. Biologists hypothesize that this fear was instilled over centuries of humans hunting wolves and the fact that humans have an upright posture like bears that wolves are also afraid of. Like all wildlife, it’s best not to feed wolves and keep them at a distance from yourself and your home.
Yes, you can get rid of wolves naturally using nonlethal deterrents, like motion-activated lighting or loud music. You can also get rid of wolves with the same methods that apply to keeping other wildlife away—strong and tall fencing, a guard dog, and a clean property free from potential food sources.
If you come face-to-face with a wolf in your yard, chances are it will be afraid of you as a human. Make eye contact and get big—waving your arms to increase your size. Use noisemakers or air horns if you have them, or throw a few rocks around to discourage them from approaching you. If all else fails and the wolf does not retreat, back away slowly while maintaining eye contact and find safe ground, whether indoors or up a tree.
