[pct-l] Gray Wolf in California

[Diarmaid Harmon]

I have hiked in eastern Oregon with wolves around. I would suggest as with all wildlife good camping habits such as cooking away from a sleeping area and hanging food bags is always a good way to keep critters away from your food. I never bring anything with a scent into my tent including lip balm, toothpaste or deodorant as strange scents are what attract critters big and small.  Making noise as you hike also reduces the chances of a surprise encounter on the trail. I have spotted all manner of wildlife and most of them go out of their way to avoid you wolves included. Unless a wolf is sick or starving they normally will depart an area you are in. As with all wildlife be aware of offspring and prey kills as most animals will defend these. If you feel the need to carry a weapon of any type make sure you are proficient in its use. 

Sent from my iPhone

On Jan 7, 2012, at 9:46 AM, aslive at charter.net wrote:

> 
> I just saw where a gray wolf has traveled from northeastern Oregon to 
> northern California near MT Shasta.  He is being tracked via a GPS 
> collar.  Should he wonder on to the PCT, or if any of us are in his 
> area, How should we deal with him?
> 
> If we are out of bear canister country, I guess hanging food would be 
> wise as would be making sure that your tent is food free.  Pepper spray 
> might be helpful as might a larger knife although I hope it doesn't come 
> to that.
> 
> Would moth balls be helpful?
> 
> I just would not want to wake up in the middle of the night, bound in my 
> mummy bag with a wolf licking my face!
> 
> Anyone have any experience with wolf encounters.  I believe that they 
> have a right to exist and all, I just want to be educated and prepared.
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