Wolf attacks on dogs have seemingly been at an all-time high, with several dogs being killed in yards or attacked while being walked by their owners on wooded trails.
Still, it came as something of a shock when a Cook County News-Herald reader said her dog was bitten by a wolf on the very popular Pincushion Mountain trails overlooking the city of Grand Marais. It was the second time in two days that a wolf acted aggressively to a dog at Pincushion, but it’s impossible to say if it was the same wolf that tried to make a family dog its meal.
Karen Neal of Grand Marais was grouse hunting with her English setter Pippa last Thursday, October 9, hoping to scare up a few birds in the morning, generally a quiet time on the trails. Pippa was out ahead of her, sniffing for scent when she yelped in pain.
“As soon as I heard her scream I shot my gun into the air and she came running. She has several puncture wounds and is very sore in the back end.”
Neal said she got a good look at a black wolf as it took off.
“I’m not sure if the gun shot or her dexterity and speed saved her, but I’m sure feeling lucky at the moment. We [Karen and her husband, Pat] lost a dog to a wolf about 20 years ago and have tried to be cautious…. and still let hunting dogs hunt. It’s tricky,” said Neal.
A trip to the veterinarian revealed four puncture wounds and heavy bruising. “She was a mess yesterday but is much improved today,” Neal said. “She seems to be moving better and has a bit of her silly spirit back.”
Following her ordeal, Neal has some sound advice for others heading into the woods, “Lots of people and dogs hike Pincushion. I’d say either carry a gun, a loud horn, a whistle or something noisy in case you too have an unfortunate encounter.”
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
Leave a Reply