Al Kettelkamp of Grand Marais enjoys running with his dog a few times a week on the Pincushion Mountain Trails. On Tuesday, October 7, 2014, his routine was disrupted by a startling encounter with a wolf.
Kettelkamp was finishing his run, heading toward the cleared arena area and warming house, when he came to the spot where the trail forks right and left. His approximately 30-pound terrier was on a retractable leash, which Kettelkamp had attached around his waist. His dog reacted to something on the left and Kettelkamp looked that way to find a wolf standing on the trail, approximately 30 feet away. Kettelkamp said he couldn’t be “100 percent” sure how close the wolf was, but added, “It was closer than I wanted it to be.”
Kettelkamp, who has a permit to carry, had a .22 handgun with him and he got it ready to fire if needed. The wolf left the trail and Kettelkamp shortened his dog’s retractable leash to bring her closer and continued toward the warming house. He said the dog alerted again, pulling toward something to the right of the trail. He pulled her closer. When he entered the clearing, the terrier again alerted and Kettelkamp saw a wolf again, standing about 40 feet away. He said it was a large, healthy-looking wolf.
Kettelkamp said he didn’t want to turn his back to the animal, so he stood looking at it. “I was thinking, ‘what is this wolf up to?’—and then it charged at us, directly at us.”
Kettelkamp fired at the wolf and it “made a U-turn” and headed across the arena area into the woods. He said he didn’t think he hit the wolf, but it was frightened off.
Kettelkamp, a retired pilot, said he has had some very frightening experiences, but nothing like this. He said he wanted to make sure people were aware of the possibility of encountering a wolf while hiking at the popular recreation area.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Daren Fagerman said people should pay attention to the forest around them. He said at this time of year he is more concerned about meeting a moose in rut.
Fagerman recommended that pets be kept close on a leash. If a hiker happens upon a wolf, CO Fagerman suggested making noise to scare them off. If someone is carrying a weapon, they can shoot to frighten the animal away. Another option is a boat air horn.
If someone has an encounter with a wolf, they should contact a local conservation officer.
Mostly though, Fagerman said, “Don’t be afraid to go out in the woods. Be alert, but not scared.”
Contact local DNR Conservation Officers to report wolf concerns or to ask questions:
Thomas Wahlstrom
218-370-0244
Darin Fagerman
218-387-9751
Mary Manning
218-475-0121
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