The group was utterly shocked when they saw it, and the event changed their lives. While it isn’t easy dealing with wounded animals, this was worse because it wasn’t what they hoped to trap. What did they end up doing with the scary creature they found within the woods?
Facing the Wolf
The day began like all others for John Oens. He went out to inspect his traps, but he had no idea that he might find something else. Instead of a coyote, he saw a huge timber wolf that wanted to get free of its bonds.
Facing The Wolf
Creating a Plan
John realized he couldn’t abandon this wolf. The animal might die of exposure. Still, this trap had no teeth, allowing it to catch small creatures. In a sense, it was like handcuffs, so the wolf couldn’t escape without help, and John was left to figure it all out.
Creating A Plan
The Dangerous Creature
Coyotes and wolfs aren’t hurt by the trap, but they aren’t happy once they get free. Lone wolves rarely attack humans, but a trapped one is often mean. Therefore, if John got it out, he had to be careful because the animal might not realize he was only there to help.
The Dangerous Creature
Illegal to Hurt It
Timberwolves are on the endangered species list, so the federal government doesn’t allow them to be killed in Wisconsin. Therefore, John might see the inside of a jail or pay a fine if the animal was shot and killed. Could it really be a timber wolf, though?!
Illegal To Hurt It
Wolf or Coyote
Sometimes, it’s hard to tell the differences between these animals, though wolves are often bigger. One friend questioned the animal’s identity, wondering if John got it wrong. They all began arguing, but John eventually realized it was a timber wolf because of the markings and size.
Wolf Or Coyote
The Magnificent Timber Wolf
Knowing that this was a timber wolf didn’t make John happy. He still had to decide how to handle the creature. Though his friends wanted him to ignore it and go on with their fun, he just couldn’t!
The Magnificent Timber Wolf
Wolves and Men
Wolves and humans collide often, and things usually go wrong. Wolves kill farm animals, though they don’t attack humans. It only happens when they’re rapid or in danger. In fact, wolves are rarely afraid of humans, trying to avoid them when possible.
Wolves And Men
A Risky Situation
John realized it wasn’t a coyote in his trap, but it only scared him to know it was a wolf. He had to put his life and health on the line to free the creature. That meant being fearless, but his heart was pounding while he prepared!
A Risky Situation
Dad’s Help
John’s father and another friend were with him. When his dad got there, they realized the animal couldn’t be left alone. Therefore, his dad ran to the truck to get a gun (as a precaution) and some plywood. Hopefully, they could figure it out without the gun.
Dad’s Help
Waiting on His Dad
This wolf seemed at ease now, so the friends stayed and talked while John’s dad got their supplies. John wanted a good look at it, stepping forward. However, he knew there could be no mistakes if they wanted to free the wolf fast!
Waiting On His Dad
Think about It
A little time had passed since they found the wolf, but it seemed like an eternity to John. He couldn’t be patient and calm because it wasn’t your average hunting problem. Overall, he knew it wasn’t likely to be easy, which is why the plywood and gun were needed.
Think About It
Activating the Plan
When his dad returned, John put the plan in motion. He picked up the plywood, using it as his shield. While all that happened, his friend filmed everything. His dad was also available to fire the gun if the wolf decided to attack. They were prepared but scared!
Activating The Plan
All on Him
John didn’t feel comfortable that his dad had the rifle because he could still die before the shot rang out. The wolf could flee or attack when freed, and they couldn’t predict what he might do. John inched closer and closer all the while.
All On Him
Plan and Action
His dad was a reassuring sight for him. If the animal jumped, the rifle could stop him. However, there was no time like the present. John looked at his friend for moral support, deciding that now was when the action started.
Plan And Action
Different Sides
The plywood had a notch in it, so they wanted to put that past the wolf’s grasp. From there, they could lower the wood over his paw. Overall, the notch was a perfect fit, but the wolf didn’t like it and started biting at the wood, ready to strike them down.
Different Sides
The Veteran Hunter
John had been on many hunting trips, so he understood wild animals. However, this was a new experience. He wondered if the plywood might hold after the wolf was free. Otherwise, it might jump on him and end his life!
The Veteran Hunter
What He Found
On previous trips, John saw many fascinating creatures. He had witnessed a Canadian Lynx and was shocked at its sheer size. Both the lynx and wolf avoid humans when possible. Therefore, it had probably been caught hunting when John happened by.
What He Found
Lynx and Bobcat
Bobcats and lynxes have many similarities, and John was lucky enough to catch both. Often, bobcats don’t come into contact with humans unless they’re rabid or sick. Therefore, they behave badly and like to eat small animals.
Lynx And Bobcat
Telling Them Apart
Bobcats are considered more common to see than lynxes. However, they are both very shy, and humans confuse the two. Just check the ears to be sure. Lynxes have furry ones with tufts inside, but a bobcat has shorter hair. They each have distinct tails, too!
Telling Them Apart
Hungry Animals
It tends to be easy to move smaller animals, such as coyotes and raccoons. However, large ones are hard, and a timber wolf could weigh up to 150 pounds. That’s the size of an average person, so you can guess how hard they are to move. Plus, they’re quite dangerous!
Hungry Animals
Meeting the Wolf
You can’t assume that wolves are going to flee you and leave. It’s best to stay motionless if you see one so that it has time to go away. You should never look into the animal’s eyes or turn your back. Wave, throw rocks, and yell to scare it away if possible.
Meeting The Wolf
Releasing This Wolf
Now, it was time to release the poor wolf, and John prepared himself. He could live or die, and there was only a flimsy piece of plywood that separated the beast from himself. The wolf actually hated the plywood, biting at it. John set up the trap and tried to be careful!
Releasing This Wolf
Finally Free
Finally, John freed the wolf’s paw from the trap. It took one moment for it to spin and fly away. The three men were happy because the wolf was free, but John was still safe. They were congratulating each other when they remembered the video recording.
Finally Free
A Last Look
His friend had taped the entire event, so they viewed the video to see it all unfold once again. The wolf looked at John for a brief moment before running back to the woods. Was it his way of showing appreciation? Regardless, John made the best choice!
A Last Look
True Feelings
John let the poor wolf out of the trap, showing his feelings for creatures. While they fed off wild animals and livestock and could be obnoxious, they do it to feed and frighten predators away. John knew that wolves sometimes attacked domestics, but he was also in the wolf’s territory right now.
True Feelings
Very Smart
Why do people find it hard to keep wolves away from their farms? Fences aren’t enough because the creatures can dig and jump. Plus, there is too much open space to fence it all in. In fact, wolves are very smart and can jump up to 6 feet in the air.
Very Smart
Trapping Animals
John was a trapper and used baited animal traps to attract creatures. Urine and food are excellent for coyotes, with meat and dog food being the most popular. However, wolves also get attracted to such bait, smelling it for many miles.
Trapping Animals
Other Animals
John had been trying to catch coyotes so that they couldn’t harm pets and farms nearby. However, he sometimes caught other creatures than what he meant to. For example, he once caught a red fox, using plywood to free that animal, too.
Other Animals
Badgers Come Too
You can probably bet that John’s caught almost every animal in the wild. Sometimes, smaller creatures are the most aggressive. One time, he caught an American badger, and they can fight black bears. John was very cautious that day because they’re fearless and dangerous.
Badgers Come Too
A True Pest
Badgers kill pets, cause harm to other animals, and destroy farms. They tend to have a bad odor about them, claws, and sharp teeth. However, they were common in Wisconsin, and John realized their meanness. Trappers use special traps to keep the badger populations controlled.
A True Pest
Trapping Tips
Do you ever think about animal trapping yourself? You need a hunting license to do it, even if you’re protecting your property from destruction or doing it for fun. Plus, you must be cautious so that your hand or foot doesn’t get caught in your trap.
Trapping Tips
Fur Trading Industry
Fake fur is highly popular now, so you may wonder why there is still the trapping industry. Such animals get hunted for other things than their fur. People can use the entire body, with the carcass being compost or bait!
Fur Trading Industry
Trapping History
Fur trapping and trading have occurred since the 1700s. Trappers ultimately went East to make money by selling their wares. Plus, everyone wants something different and unique. Because the West had been overrun by creatures, it was a huge deal.
Trapping History
A Double Whammy
Most trappers have found strange things in the traps. John wasn’t the only one to find an unusual animal. Once, a trapper found two baby pigs, so it was a double whammy. They had been destroying crops and gardens and needed to be stopped.
A Double Whammy
Bear Trapping
Though small animals can be aggravating, large animals are very bad. Somehow, one enraged and violent bear got stuck in a coyote trap set by trappers. They had to free this enormous animal, and they had a similar experience as John.
Bear Trapping
Smelly Traps
You probably already know that skunks stink, emitting a nasty odor when they’re trapped or scared. Trappers often know they caught one before they reach the trap’s location. In fact, people and animals can detect the spray’s smell from many miles away! These creatures also have sharp teeth/claws.
Smelly Traps
Something Odd
Once, someone caught a bald eagle in their coyote trap. A hiker found the big bird in the Alaskan woods. She snapped some photos and then released the poor bird. However, she still got in trouble because she tampered with someone’s trap, getting a $500 fine. Still, she wasn’t required to pay it because of her heroics.
Something Odd
The Poor Deer
Eagles are dangerous, and one of them surprised a beautiful sika deer. In fact, the deer was helpless, so the eagle won the day. Though a deer weighs more, it’s all about being cunning. The trap’s owner found the dead deer after a few hours.
The Poor Deer
Hog and Raccoon
Some landowners like to use night-vision goggles to see what’s happening on their properties. One person noticed that his bird feeder was always empty, wondering what got inside. Finally, he learned that a hog and raccoon were eating the corn!
Hog And Raccoon
Deer and Squirrel
One time, a deer was walking in the woods and got attacked by a flying squirrel. No one knows what that squirrel was doing, but the deer was ambushed successfully!
Deer And Squirrel
