Wolf, Dog, Human (I)

Who is more dangerous?

This question must be asked after the sensationalist media reports about the danger posed to humans by wolves.

It is astonishing that real experts rarely speak up or are not even given the opportunity to give a technically correct opinion.

In my opinion, the wolf is a fascinating animal that I would like everyone to meet.

I met the wolf a few years ago, but I didn't recognize him at the time.

I've always been out in nature. I've spent hours wandering through forests, enjoying their unique atmosphere. Time in the woods never seemed too long for me. And there he was. I was about to turn from a wide forest path to a winding trail, and there he was, standing less than 10 meters away from me.

At first, I thought it was a German Shepherd and looked for its owner. But there was no one around except the two of us.

Calm and at peace with himself, he looked at me unblinkingly.

At that time, I also treated dogs - I initially thought he was a dog - with due respect.

The animal was fascinating, there was an inexplicable tension in the air.

I turned back to the winding path I had decided to follow on my tour. After a few steps, I turned around for one last look at the animal. The wolf was gone.

Only after years did I realize that nature had given me the gift of an encounter with a wolf.

Ever since I started studying wolves, I have always pictured him welcoming me into his world, a majestic, self-assured, peaceful animal.

I am all the more amazed by the stories that surround wolves.

As soon as an animal is capable of harming humans, people develop absurd fantasies about their dangerousness.

Wild animals tend to avoid humans, including wolves.

Wild wolves also tend to approach humans cautiously if they have had good experiences with humans.

Experts report that the social structures in which wolves live are similar to those of humans. They display caring qualities toward members of their pack.

They suffer when they lose their partners, whether through illness, accident or violence by intolerant hunters, farmers or others who have not recognized or do not want to recognize the importance of the wolf to the ecosystem.

Reports from countries where the wolf is knowingly tolerated show how important this animal is for the balance in nature.

And yes, wolves are predators; they need food to survive. But unlike hunters, who indiscriminately shoot game during drives, not to mention the numerous missed shots, wolves seek out sick, injured, and weak animals.

This may sound cruel, but their hunting behavior is of inestimable value to nature.

Wolves should be treated with respect and caution. Only then can we coexist.

And a little more knowledge of the characteristics and lifestyle of this wonderful animal would be of invaluable benefit to coexistence.