See This Brave Wisconsin Woman Free a Gigantic Wolf

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Written by Sharon Parry

Updated: November 10, 2023

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grey wolf
© AB Photographie/Shutterstock.com

This Wisconsin woman has caught a male wolf in her trap and now has the dilemma of freeing it. The video notes explain that the trap was set to catch a gray fox – it is described as a #2 Bridger foothold.

They also state that the trap had been modified so there was a gap in between the jaws that ensured that the animal’s foot was not damaged when it was caught. There is also an energy-absorbing in-line shock spring on the chain that reduces the risk of muscle and joint injuries.

You are only allowed to hunt foxes during certain months in Wisconsin – and this was filmed during that season. However, it was not the time of year when you are allowed to hunt wolves so this one needed to be released.

In theory, that is not a problem because the wolf is not badly injured. The issue is that the woman needs to get very close to the animal to free it and that is going to make it nervous and make it struggle. It also puts her at risk.

Releasing the Wolf From the Trap

Animals That Can See Infrared wolf

Gray wolves can weigh up to 180 pounds and can be dangerous to humans.

©iStock.com/slowmotiongli

It is going to take skill and some clever equipment to release this wolf without it or the woman getting injured. She estimates that the wolf is about a year old and weighs between 60 and 65 pounds.

The state of Wisconsin actively manages and protects its wolf population. As a result, both the number of packs and the number of wolves have increased over the last 20 years.

In the video, we see the woman cleverly use a specially designed guard to shield herself whilst she releases the wolf from the trap. It immediately runs off into the forest.

Gray Wolves in Wisconsin

Wolf pack interacting

Wolves are pack animals and mate for life

©AB Photographie/Shutterstock.com

The wolf in this video is a gray wolf (Canis lupus) but they are also called timber wolves and they are the largest wild members of the dog family.

It is comparatively small, they can grow up to 100 pounds or even more. Despite their name, they are not always gray! The coat can be a mixture of buff, tan, black, and white.

Wolves are one of the few species that mate for life, they are social animals who live and hunt in packs. Apparently, there was another wolf close by as this one was being released so hopefully, they were reunited!


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About the Author

Dr Sharon Parry is a writer at A-Z animals where her primary focus is on dogs, animal behavior, and research. Sharon holds a PhD from Leeds University, UK which she earned in 1998 and has been working as a science writer for the last 15 years. A resident of Wales, UK, Sharon loves taking care of her spaniel named Dexter and hiking around coastlines and mountains.

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