Female forestry worker escapes pack of wolves
By Nelson Daily Staff
A forestry worker near Merritt narrowly escaped a pack of wolves prompting the British Columbia forest safety council to issue an unusual safety alert.
The employee of Lawes Forest Management had just started a road traverse and was approximately 100 metres from the truck when a pack of aggressive wolves (believed to number at least five) approached within three metres.
The incident happened two weeks ago.
The female employee called the dogs and reached for bear spray. One of her dogs stayed with her while the other barked and started fighting with the wolves.
She went to the truck with the one dog and called for help on the local radio channel on her handheld radio.
When she got to the truck she called the dog that had been defending her and it came. It had sustained major injuries and had to be put down.
The worker was not physically injured.
The warning said when encountering wolves to raise your arms and wave them in the air to make yourself appear large, use a loud firm voice and try to convince the animals you are a threat; back away slowly and do not turn your back on the wolves; and use your bear mace if they approach close enough.
