The wolves are getting really aggressive!!! Wow

[Dand]

http://www.ktva.com/topstory/ci_7773269   

Wolves become increasingly violent towards humans, pets
By Andrea Gusty, CBS 11 News Reporter
Article Last Updated: 12/20/2007 07:35:29 PM AKST

One dog is killed and one dog in the hospital-- all because of two wolf attacks in Eagle River, only a few hours apart. Fish and Game officials say the same pack of wolves may be responsible for both attacks.
The first attack came Thursday morning when a dog was killed while on a chain in its very own backyard. The second attack came less than a mile away upon three women and their dogs who were running on a well-used stretch of road.
It was quick, so quick the three friends didn't know what was happening until it was too late.
"They were so quiet; they just came right up on us; they were quick. The dogs had no clue. They didn't smell them or hear them--nothing," said Eagle River resident, Alycia Beiergrohslein.

A pack of at least seven wolves surrounded the three women and their dogs as they jogged just on Artillery Road. The lead wolves came within feet, circling the women as they tried to get away.
"I was rainbowing my pepper spray, and they fell back a little bit. But as soon as we would turn our backs to try to go, they would run up on us, and we would turn around and start screaming again, and I would spray my pepper spray," said Eagle River resident, Camas Barkemeyer.
"We just kept pulling, and they were so big. And they started howling; and they were circling us. And it got us really panicked, and we kept screaming," said Beiergrohslein.
Beiergrohslein, Barkemeyer and their friend were more than a mile and a half away from their cars. All of their dogs were leashed because they had read the warnings about the other wolf attacks. The trio were careful not to run; the women walked backwards, screaming to keep the animals away, and trying to keep everyone safe.
"I love my dog with all my heart, but I can't jeopardize my friends. And if that's what they wanted, I didn't know whether (crying) to leave him," said Beiergrohslein.
The women held tight to the leashes, and were able to keep the wolves at bay, but not before the pack attacked

Barkemeyer's American bulldog, Buddy.
"My dog was attacked by the wolves, three wolves. He fought his way out as I was pulling," said Barkemeyer.
The women weren't physically hurt. Buddy had to have surgery to fix his gashes and bites left behind by the wolves. But Barkemeyer worries the pack could attack again--next time, only worse.
"They were not afraid of us. And I'm afraid that if I was out here by myself, they would attack me. They were not afraid," said Barkemeyer.
Wildlife experts say wolves are smart animals and that they learn quickly. This means the pack will likely get worse before it gets better.
"If they figure out that dogs are easy to kill, and good food for them, then they can just come to the conclusion that there is a lot more dogs than moose, and 'let's just start eating the dogs for now.' I'm not sure they have quite reached that point, but they are working on that concept right now," said Rick Sinnott of the Alaska Department Of Fish and Game.
Sinnott tells CBS 11 News these attacks happened 13 years ago with the very same pack. The wolves were only stopped when some key pack members were trapped legally and killed. Fish and Game is now encouraging the military to scare the wolves from the area with rubber bullets to pepper balls. In the meantime, they say keep out of the area and keep dogs inside whenever possible

[Graybeard]

When are these folks gonna wake up to the fact that when you are in the territory of a large predator you must come prepared to defend yourself against them. GUNS not pepper spray is the defense needed. Yuppies afraid of guns really need to stay in the cities and near police protection and not go out in the wild where predators are at the top of the food chain. Maybe some day the animal rights freaks and bama lovers will get the message that humans and apex predators are not a good mix.

[Dand]

Amazingly, compared to where I live those folks ARE in the big city. They are only a few miles from the center of Anchorage and on the outskirts of a fairly populated suburb of Anchorage!   I have never heard of wolves being this brazen. I wonder if they have been habituated in some way - stealing the dog as well as the dog food or being fed by some folks. I'd sure be armed with a gun but those ladies were probably carrying spray for the 2 legged varmints known to prowl Anchorage way too often these days.

Come to think of it we need more predator control on both the 4 legged and 2 legged kind - both are far too abundant in that area this winter.

[deltecs]

When are these folks gonna wake up to the fact that when you are in the territory of a large predator you must come prepared to defend yourself against them. GUNS not pepper spray is the defense needed. Yuppies afraid of guns really need to stay in the cities and near police protection and not go out in the wild where predators are at the top of the food chain. Maybe some day the animal rights freaks and bama lovers will get the message that humans and apex predators are not a good mix.

I've lived in Alaska for almost 40 years with substantial time in the exact area noted in the article.  Even then, wolves were noticed in the area.  There has been a wolf population in and around the Fort Richardson area ever since I can remember.  There were occasional encounters with them before snow machines were outlawed in this area.  I agree with Graybeard that only a fool goes into areas of Alaska or anywhere else without some protection, either from predators or criminals.  It does not matter how close to a metropolitan area or in the bush, go armed.  There have been people killed by moose, bear, and dogs, while walking the trails and streets of Anchorage.  Why take the chance when one can have an equalizer. 

[Thebear_78]

The military shouldn't bother with the rubber bullets.  Don't they have helicopters with guns mounted to them?? some good practice gunning.

[Daveinthebush]

I read in another post that the black female leader is dead.

These people should know that they have the legal right in Alaska to carry a handgun for defensive purposes while engaged in outdoor activities.

[akpls]

I read in another post that the black female leader is dead.

These people should know that they have the legal right in Alaska to carry a handgun for defensive purposes while engaged in outdoor activities.

I'm not sure that applies to Army lands though.

[Sourdough]

Those wolves are on the military land, and I do believe they are protected on Fort Rich land. 

That said, personally I still would have a gun with me while using that trail.

When I lived in Eagle River, back in the early 90s, I lived up on Skyline Drive.  We had wolves run down the street frequently.  It was not uncommon, also bears, both Blacks and Browns.  That is when my wife started carrying concealed.

[deltecs]

The news tonight just related that Fort Richardson has prohibited this area to civilians.  It is true that military bases restrict use of firearms on base but like others, I'd still carry a CCW at the least.  These wolves are not just on military property.  This pack has traveled way outside the base property lines and attacked animals on private property from Eagle River to Knik Arm flats.  Thats over 10 miles from the base mostly on private property.  Who knows just where and when this pack may be encountered.

[williamlayton]

I died legally or I lived illegally--is the question.
Blessings