Myth
Wolves are deadly to humans.
Fact
In the last century there have only been 2 fatalities attributed to wolves and one was North America while the other was in Canada. It is well documented that wolves are terrified of humans and will run before encountering them. Like any wild animal it is best not to feed wolves and to keep them at a distance.
Myth
We have too many wolves already.
Fact
Likely there are fewer than 7,000 gray wolves left. Their very existence faces enormous peril. They have barely come back from being endangered, and are still absent from most areas where they normally habit. Wolves now live in only 10% of their historic range in the continental 48 states.
Myth
Wolves are predatory and only kill for sport.
Fact
Wolves kill only for survival and food. It is important to remember that wolves often kill animals larger than themselves so they are at great risk of death trying to survive. They often leave parts of the animal behind to come back and feed or for other wildlife to feed on securing their survival as well.
Myth
Killing wolves will save livestock and keep cattle safe.
Fact
Wolves will only turn to livestock as a food source if their other food sources are not available. In fact fatal wolf attacks on cattle are only responsible for only 0.02% of deaths, with the leading cause being disease. Another fact is that ranchers are often paid by their own state government for loss attributed to wolf attacks.
Myth
Wolves howl only at the moon.
Fact
Wolves are known to howl constantly whether it is day or night. It is how they communicate with each other.
Myth
Wolves can be pets.
Fact
Absolutely false. This is why we have a rescue. Wolves cannot live in a home. They are wild animals that cannot be domesticated. Unfortunately there are people that will buy one at exotic animal auctions only to turn them over to a shelter for them to be killed as they are deemed unadoptable.
Myth
Wolfdogs kill people.
Fact
True wolf content can only be known by a DNA test. Claiming your dog is part wolf is misrepresentation and a large reason wolfdogs are killed automatically at shelters. Husky and German Shepherd crosses are constantly misrepresented as wolfdogs but they are not. Depending on whose graph you study the most dangerous breeds are pit bulls, shepherds, rottweilers, bulldogs, mastiffs, huskies, and presa canarios.