Snowmobilers Warned About Abnormally Behaved Wolf In Northern Minnesota

A wolf recently came into close contact with a group of snowmobilers. It is not uncommon to see a wolf on a snowmobile in the Northland. I've seen several of them while riding a sled up the North Shore Trail in years past. The issue with this particular incident is that the wolf was behaving strangely.

Voyageurs Wolf Project posted a message on Facebook to warn people who may be outdoors in Northern Minnesota about this wolf. The bizarre thing was the wolf wasn't scared of the people or the loud snowmobiles. It just lingered around them, getting as close as 5 feet from a rider. Usually wolves will bolt off when they hear a snowmobile coming. They're loud and normally spook any animal.

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The wolf came in contact with the snowmobilers south of the Voyageurs National Park in the Ash River area.

Voyageurs Wolf Project says that it displayed "EXTREMELY ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR." They want to spread the message that if this wolf or another wolf is acting like this to leave it alone. Some people may be inclined to approach or pet a wolf. They are a wild animal and are unpredictable. They say even if it appears docile to not approach the animal. Certainly don't try to feed it.

The wolf didn't display any signs of aggression, but the fact that it is a wild animal and it's not afraid of people is alarming. They ask that if anyone comes in contact with this wolf to please call the wildlife office of the Department of Natural Resources at 218-757-3274.

I'm guessing from the looks of it, it happened on one of the State snowmobile trails in the Kabetogama area below:

If you're heading north to Snowmobile and enjoy the nice trails we have this year, keep an eye out for this wolf or others. Be sure to keep your distance.