Posted by Ranger Janet (165.83.6.33) on March 14, 2002 at 16:11:25:
In Reply to: Any at all? posted by Barbie on March 14, 2002 at 12:18:22:
: Are there any wolves at Yellowstone that are friendly? (that won't hurt people?)
Hi Barbie. Thank you for your question. The key to living with wild animals, such as wolves, is to never ever forget that wild animals are wild. Never assume a wild animal will not hurt you, no matter how gentle it may appear to be. It is vitally important that Park Rangers and Park Visitors keep wild animals wild. For the welfare of both people and animals, efforts should not be made to turn wild animals into pets.
I just moved here with my 12 year-old-daughter. For the first time in her life she is experiencing elk. When she noticed that the elk did not run quickly from us, as do deer, she asked if it would be safe to touch the elk. Of course, the answer is NO. Just like wolves, elk are wild and can hurt people. An effort to "pet" a wild animal, may be seen by the animal as an agressive jesture. So remember, enjoy wild animals for a distance!