Screenshot from YouTube

Dog Narrowly Escapes Hungry Wolves as They Close In

When a dog finds himself in the middle of a wolf pack attack, he quickly discovers he needs to run for his life. 

This video features dramatic footage of a wolf pack attack on a domesticated dog. The dog seems to be exploring just beyond a property fence when a pack of three wolves appears. The wolves waste no time in approaching the dog, surrounding him, and moving in on the attack.

The footage is alarming, especially when you consider what could have happened. A single dog is facing a wolf pack of three, and the wolves aren't only larger than the dog - they're also faster. Most dogs aren't capable of defending themselves against a wolf attack, especially when there's a pack doing the attacking.

Dog Escapes Wolf Pack Attack

Luckily in this case, the dog managed to slip through a hole in the fence and the pack didn't seem particularly determined to follow. The dog was certainly lucky, since the situation could have had a very different ending.

Wolves may attack dogs for any number of different reasons. If they're pressed for food, they may attack the dog as prey. Wolf packs sometimes gang up and attack due to pack mentality. Wolves may also attack a dog that is weak or wounded, and if a dog wanders into a wolf's territory, the wolf may attack to keep the dog away and to defend its territory.

If you live in an area where wolves are present, it's important to keep a close eye on your dogs. Putting up a perimeter fence can help to keep your property safer, but keep in mind that wolves can jump significant heights, too. Don't allow your dog to go outside alone after dark, illuminate your yard well, and remove anything that might draw wolves to your property, like garbage or cat food.

Thankfully, the dog in this video was quick-thinking and knew to head right home to safety. It's not a situation that you'd ever want to face with your own dog, though.

Do you have wolves living in your area? Tell us how you protect your pets at our Wide Open Pets Facebook

This article was originally published November 12, 2019.

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