After Finding a Wolf in His Coyote Trap, Man Does This

Published on September 23, 2021
John Oens enjoys being in the woods and is an avid hunter. One day in November, he went out with friends into the Wisconsin wilderness, and something unbelievable happened when checking his traps. As he was inspecting the coyote traps, he noticed he caught something much bigger than he had imagined.

The group was shocked when they saw this, and the event actually changed their lives forever. Though it’s never easy to deal with a wounded animal, this was even worse because it wasn’t a small coyote. What did they do with this scary creature they discovered in the woods?

Facing This Wolf

The day started like any other for John Oens. However, when he inspected his trap, he had no clue what he was about to find. Instead of a coyote, he discovered a big timber wolf that was trying to free itself.

Facing This Wolf

Facing This Wolf

Drawing Up a Plan

John knew he was in a bad situation and couldn’t abandon the wolf. The animal could die from exposure and more. His trap didn’t have teeth, so it could catch small animals. In a sense, it was similar to handcuffs, so this wolf couldn’t easily escape without help, and John had to figure it out!

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Drawing Up A Plan

Drawing Up A Plan

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This Dangerous Creature

Wolves and coyotes might not be hurt by the trap, but they’re not happy when they get out. Typically, lone wolves don’t attack humans, but a trapped one could act mean. If John got the timber wolf out, he must remember to be very careful. The animal might not be grateful for the assistance.

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This Dangerous Creature

This Dangerous Creature

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Illegal to Hurt the Animal

Timber wolves are listed on the endangered species list by the federal government. Wisconsin also prohibits the killing of timber wolves. Therefore, John could get jail time or have to pay a fine if he shot and killed the animal. Was John certain this was a timber wolf, though?

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Illegal To Hurt The Animal

Illegal To Hurt The Animal

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Wolf or Coyote

It’s hard to tell the difference between a coyote and a wolf, though wolves are bigger. One of his friends told John that, and he wondered if he misidentified the animal. Everyone started arguing, but John eventually determined it was a timber wolf because of the size and markings.

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Wolf Or Coyote

Wolf Or Coyote

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Magnificent Timber Wolf

Knowing that it was a timber wolf did little to make John happy. He still had to figure out what to do with the creature. His friends wanted to ignore it and go on about their day, but he couldn’t do that.

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Magnificent Timber Wolf

Magnificent Timber Wolf

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Wolves and Men

Humans and wolves often collide, and things go wrong. Wolves can kill farm animals, but they rarely attack humans. This only happens when they’re in danger or become rabid. In fact, wolves are usually afraid of humans and try to avoid them.

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Wolves And Men

Wolves And Men

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The Risky Situation

John finally realized this wasn’t a coyote, but he was scared because it was a wolf. To free the creature, he must put his life on the line. He knew he had to be fearless, but his heart pounded while he prepared himself!

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The Risky Situation

The Risky Situation

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Dad’s Help

John had his father and a friend with him. Once his father joined the fray, they both knew they couldn’t leave this poor animal. His dad went to the truck for some plywood and a gun, but this was just a precaution. Hopefully, they didn’t need it.

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Dad's Help

Dad’s Help

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Waiting for His Dad

The wolf seemed to be at ease now, so the two friends stayed while the dad got supplies. John stepped forward to get a look at it. They couldn’t afford any mistakes now and had to free the wolf quickly, or they might all perish!

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Waiting For His Dad

Waiting For His Dad

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Think It Through

It hadn’t been long since they saw the wolf, but John felt like an eternity went by. He couldn’t stay calm and patient because it wasn’t a typical hunting problem. Ultimately, he knew it wasn’t going to be easy, and this is where the plywood and rifle come into play.

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Think It Through

Think It Through

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The Plan in Motion

Once his dad got back, John put everything in motion. He grabbed the plywood and used it as a shield. Meanwhile, his friend filmed the event. Plus, his dad was there to fire on the wolf if it attacked. They were prepared, but they didn’t know what might happen!

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The Plan In Motion

The Plan In Motion

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All Up to Him

John wasn’t comforted that his dad had the rifle and knew he could be dead before the shot rang. Once the wolf was free, it could flee or attack. They didn’t know what might happen and couldn’t predict it, but they were ready. John just kept moving forward.

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All Up To Him

All Up To Him

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Plan Into Action

His dad tried to reassure him. If the animal leaped, the rifle was the only thing in its way. There was no time; John turned to his friend, who offered moral support. Now was the time to put their plan into action!

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3, 2, 1...

Plan Into Action

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Different Sides

There was a notch on the plywood, and the goal was to put that past the grasp of the wolf. Then, the plywood could be lowered over the paw. That notch fit perfectly. However, the wolf was biting the wood and was ready to strike…

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Different Sides

Different Sides

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A Veteran Hunter

John had gone on many hunting trips and was used to wild animals, but this was new. Knowing the plywood offered some protection, he wondered if it might only hold while this wolf was imprisoned. Once free, it could jump at him.

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A Veteran Hunter

A Veteran Hunter

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What He Then Found

During previous trips, John encountered many fascinating creatures, even in Wisconsin. He’d seen a Canadian Lynx once and was taken aback by its size. Both the wolf and lynx stay away from humans, though it probably got caught when hunting and drew John’s attention.

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What He Then Found

What He Then Found

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Lynx and Bobcat

These two animals have many similarities, and John had caught both. Usually, when bobcats come into contact with humans, it’s because they’re sick or rabid. This means they start behaving poorly. With that, they often eat small animals.

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Lynx And Bobcat

Lynx And Bobcat

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To Tell Them Apart

Bobcats are more common in the wild than lynxes. They’re both shy, and many people confuse them. Examine the ears. A lynx has furry ones with long tufts, while the bobcat has short hair. Plus, they have distinct tails.

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To Tell Them Apart

To Tell Them Apart

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Hungry Animals

It’s often easy to move small animals like raccoons and coyotes, but the larger ones are hard. Timber wolves can go to 150 pounds! How could they move it since they’re the most dangerous creatures in the Wisconsin woods?

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Hungry Animals

Hungry Animals

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Meeting the Wolf

Don’t assume that a wolf is likely to flee and leave you. Stay motionless if you see one and wait for it to go away. Make sure that you don’t look it in its eyes or turn your back on it. Wave, yell, and throw rocks to try to scare it!

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Meeting The Wolf

Meeting The Wolf

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Releasing This Wolf

Now was the time to release the timber wolf, and John was ready. He was about to determine if he lived or died with only a piece of plywood separating him and the beast. The wolf didn’t like the plywood and bit. John set up his trap and found it hard to do it carefully.

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Releasing This Wolf

Releasing This Wolf

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Finally Free

John was finally successful and freed the wolf’s paw. It took a moment to spin then flew away. All three men were happy that the wolf was free and John was safe. They congratulated each other, but what did the video show?

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Finally Free

Finally Free

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The Last Look

His friend was taping the entire thing, so they watched the video to see what the wolf did. Before running to the woods, it looked at John for a moment. Was this its way of showing thanks? John knew he made the right choice.

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The Last Look

The Last Look

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True Feelings

John let this wolf out of the trap, revealing his feelings for all creatures. Though they are obnoxious and feed off livestock and wild animals, they do it to frighten and feed. John had heard that wolves attack domestics, but he respected that he was in the wolf’s territory.

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True Feelings

True Feelings

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Very Smart

Why is it hard to keep these creatures away from farms? A fence isn’t enough because they can jump and dig. With that, there’s too much space for the fence. Since wolves can jump 6 feet in the air, they’re quite smart.

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Very Smart

Very Smart

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Trapping Animals

As a trapper, John uses animal traps with bait to attract them. Food and urine work well for coyotes, with dog food or meat being popular. However, wolves are also attracted to the bait and can smell it for several miles.

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Trapping Animals

Trapping Animals

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Other Animals

John was trying to capture the coyotes to prevent them from harming farms and pets. However, he also catches other animals than his intended prey. Once, he caught a red fox and also used plywood to free it.

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Other Animals

Other Animals

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Badgers Come Too

It’s reasonable to think that John has caught just about any animal. Sometimes, the smaller ones are more aggressive. Once, he caught an American badger, which can fight black bears. John had to be very cautious because they’re so dangerous and fearless.

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Badgers Come Too

Badgers Come Too

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The True Pest

Badgers can kill pets, destroy farms, and cause other animals harm. These pests have sharp teeth and claws and a bad odor! They’re common for Wisconsin, and John knew how mean they were. Trappers use special badger traps to keep the population under control.

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The True Pest

The True Pest

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Trapping Tips

Do you plan to go animal trapping? Whether you do it for fun or to rid your property of destructive pests, you require a hunting license. Then, you need to be very cautious. Otherwise, your foot or hand could get caught in that trap.

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Trapping Tips

Trapping Tips

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The Fur Trading Industry

Fake fur is more popular now, so why is there still a trapping industry? These animals are hunted for more than their fur. Their entire bodies can be used. Even the carcass is bait or compost!

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The Fur Trading Industry

The Fur Trading Industry

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Trapping History

Fur trading and trapping have been done since the 1700s. Trappers went to the East to sell wares and make money. Plus, there was a demand for different furs, and the West was overrun with annoying animals!

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Trapping History

Trapping History

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The Double Whammy

Most trappers see strange things in their set traps. John wasn’t the only person to see something unusual. Once, a trapper saw two baby pigs, making it a double whammy. Those animals had destroyed the gardens and crops and had to be stopped!

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The Double Whammy

The Double Whammy

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Bear Trapping

While small animals are aggravating, large animals are downright bad. Somehow, a violent and enraged bear was found in a coyote trap by the trappers. They had to free the big animal, and the situation was similar to what John’s group experienced.

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Bear Trapping

Bear Trapping

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Smelly Traps

You probably know that skunks can stink because they emit a bad odor when scared or trapped. Trappers usually get a heads up before they get to the location. In fact, the spray’s smell can be detected miles away. However, skunks also have sharp claws and teeth!

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Smelly Traps

Smelly Traps

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Something Odd

Once, a bald eagle became caught in someone’s coyote trap. A hiker found this large bird in the Alaska woods. She took pictures and then later released it. However, she got in trouble for tampering with the trap and got a $500 fine. Still, the judge let her off for her heroics.

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Something Odd

Something Odd

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A Poor Deer

Eagles can be dangerous, and this one surprised a sika deer. In the end, it triumphed because the deer was helpless. Though the deer weighed more, that matters little in the wild. The owner of the trap discovered the dead deer after many hours.

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A Poor Deer

A Poor Deer

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Raccoon and Hog

Night-vision cameras can be your best friend. A landowner wanted to see what emptied his feeder, but he had no idea what he was about to get into. He found that a wild hog ate the corn, but it was accompanied by a raccoon!

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Raccoon And Hog

Raccoon And Hog

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Deer and Squirrel

Once, a deer was out walking in the woods, but it never expected to get attacked by a flying squirrel! Though you wonder what the squirrel was up to, it’s hard to say. The deer didn’t know what was happening, so the ambush was a success!

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Deer And Squirrel

Deer And Squirrel

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