Updated

Updated · Fox News · Aug 27

Yellowstone Tourist Uses Spray to Repel Wolf as Rangers Close Area After Viral Encounter

Updated

Updated · Fox News · Aug 27

Yellowstone Tourist Uses Spray to Repel Wolf as Rangers Close Area After Viral Encounter

Q: Why did a collared Yellowstone wolf stalk a calm tourist for 12 minutes, and what finally stopped the chilling pursuit?

The wolf appears to have stalked the tourist out of curiosity, not because it was launching a confirmed attack. Yellowstone officials and witness accounts indicate it was likely a collared sub-adult or adolescent wolf, the kind biologists say can behave like a “teenager” and become unusually bold or habituated around people in Lamar Valley. The animal reportedly had already been running after or approaching other visitors, suggesting it had grown too comfortable near humans. The tourist, identified in reports as Ignazio Zanin, helped keep the situation from escalating by staying calm, continuing to walk, and not running. Witnesses said the wolf never growled or snarled, and Zanin later said it did not show obvious signs of an imminent attack, even as it followed him for roughly 10 to 12 minutes and at times came within a few feet. What finally broke the pursuit was bear spray. Zanin used short bursts as the wolf closed in; the first appeared to push it back temporarily, though it kept trailing him at a distance. After another burst, the wolf backed off farther, and rangers later said the aversive use of bear spray was appropriate. According to Zanin, park staff later told him the wolf ultimately left the area and rejoined other wolves. The episode underscored Yellowstone’s standing guidance: keep at least 100 yards from wolves, do not run if one approaches, stand your ground, make yourself look big, and use bear spray if necessary.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 27

A Yellowstone tourist used spray to drive off a wolf that followed him on a trail in the Lamar River Valley, according to video posted on Instagram.
Witness Deric Smith said the wolf had been running after people before zeroing in on the hiker, who stayed calm, did not run and used the deterrent effectively.
Several park rangers responded, took video from the witness and were expected to close the area for a time while the incident was reviewed.
The footage quickly went viral, adding to renewed attention on wildlife safety in Yellowstone, where visitors are regularly urged to keep their distance from animals.