Most of the time, encountering a wolf in the wild would be a terrifying experience, and justifiably so. They’re unpredictable and can become aggressive if threatened, hungry, or protecting their young. On the other hand, many trained professionals work with wild animals nationwide. These professionals specialize in various tactics to rehabilitate the animals or just give them unconditional love for the remainder of their lives. For example, in 2016, a sweet and heartwarming story caught the internet’s attention when a timber wolf developed a close friendship with one of his caretakers.
A Loving Timber Wolf
In 2016, a staff member at the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center and a Timber wolf named Kekoa, captured the hearts of people everywhere as the pair showcased their bond with one another. It turns out that Kekoa isn’t just close to Danielle, the woman in the video. The timber wolf has a reputation for being somewhat of a ladies’ man. As he often showers as many women as possible with love. Michelle Smith, a staffer at the wildlife center, disclosed that Kekoa is actually very shy, “especially around men,” she said. Smith also explained that Kekoa “loves his ladies.”
The video was uploaded by the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center and has since racked up more than 7 million views, comments, shares, and reactions. The video was uploaded to Facebook. While the post has since been taken down, it didn’t take long for the beloved timber wolf to capture the hearts of millions.
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A True Ladies’ Man
As it turns out, Kekoa, meaning brave in Hawaiian, is actually quite the opposite of more than just his shyness around men. It seems the timber wolf is also shy in public, which means the staff at the Wildlife Center won’t be able to make him an ambassador. The term they use when referring to animals that can be taken into schools or other public settings to help educate others on wildlife conservation.
However, the timber wolf makes up for it with his cuddles and kisses. Kekoa came to Colorado with his sister Sakara from the Seacrest Wolf Preserve in Florida. According to his biography, “Kekoa is a handsome young male with a sweet personality, which is good because he loves to greet visitors with wolf kisses.”
Amazingly, the sweet-hearted timber wolf weighs more than 100 pounds and, when standing up on his back paws, stands at about 7 feet tall. Despite his large size, Danielle doesn’t worry for her safety regarding this sweet timber wolf. “I have always had a passion for nature and animals. These wolves have my heart, and I am honored to have been accepted into their pack,” she lovingly explained.
Safety Warning for the Public
The wildlife center points out a warning to the general public regarding these magnificent creatures. Regardless of how friendly Kekoa may be, he’s still a wild animal, and in nearly every case in which people may encounter a wolf in the wild, it’s important to remember that they likely won’t take to humans the way this sweet timber wolf did. Actually, he’s been interacting with humans for practically all his life.
“Since he was raised by people and bottle fed from the time he was born, he is very well socialized, meaning he enjoys the company of people,” Smith said. “This is not the same as domesticated or tame. He is still a ‘wild’ animal, and he does tend to show it when he is around is sister. A wolf in the wild would not act this way,” shared the staff at Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center. They also mentioned that wolves tend to avoid people unless they’re injured or have a health problem. They also shared that if encountering a wolf in the wild, stay calm, don’t run or turn your back, and stand tall, slowly backing away but maintaining eye contact.
Differences Between a Timber Wolf and Others
There are three species of wolf and almost 40 subspecies, so is there a difference between a timber wolf and a wolf? Not exactly. Essentially, a timber wolf is just a wolf from a forested area. Whereas, a tundra wolf lives, as its name suggests, on the tundra. Interestingly, another common name for the timber wolf is the grey wolf. Which also happens to be the most common species of wolf. However, the other species vary in and are categorized by size.
They’re found worldwide in Europe, North America, Asia, and even parts of Northern Africa. With the exception of red wolves, who prefer to live in swamps, prairies, or forests, most wolves, timber and otherwise, live in remote wilderness areas. Sadly, they were once hunted so severely that they were an endangered animal. However, thanks to conservation efforts, the population is on the rise. Furthermore, Colorado itself has begun reintegrating wolves into the wild all throughout the state, with plans for bigger and better contributions in the coming months and years.
Wolves are known for their pack animal way of life, which includes helping each other and staying together. Actually, wolves are generally found in packs of 6-10, helping each other hunt and raise their pups. Timber wolves are undeniably majestic beings who’re the ancestors of some of the human beings’ most cherished companions. Moreover, their sense of community is one from which most people could learn something if not a few things.
Keep Reading: Thanks To Rapid Evolution, Foxes Are Domesticating Themselves More Like Dogs
Sources
- “Types of Wolves.” International Wolf Center
- “Loyal Wolf Can’t Stop Kissing His Favorite Person.” The Dodo. Zainab Akande. February 16, 2016.
- “Wolf Facts: Gray Wolves, Timber Wolves & Red Wolves.” Live Science. Alina Bradford. July 10, 2017.
- “She’s not afraid of the big bad wolf! The heartwarming moment Kekoa the giant timber wolf plays with wildlife worker and even licks her face.” Daily Mail. Harriet Mallinson. February 11, 2016.
