The Alaskan City That Didn’t Cry Wolf

There’s a big difference between animals that have been domesticated and those that have not. Cats and dogs, for example, are significantly different than bears and wolves. But with that being said, that doesn’t mean that we all can’t peacefully coexist and learn something from the wild animals that are found in nature. A case-in-point example is a six-year situation that took place in Juneau, Alaska, not too long ago. It was a situation that could have been met with fear. Instead, it was met with tolerance and understanding – and what took place between 2003 and 2009 is still something that sticks with the Alaska community and continues to shape it. What you’re about to read is the ultimate story of how much you can learn from a beautiful creature that’s normally feared and misunderstood. We understand if it seems like a work of fiction, but we assure you that it is not. What you’re about to read is 100 percent true. On that note, we present you the story of Romeo – and how he brought a community much closer together.

Porching It

Flashback to 2003 – Juneau, Alaska. Wildlife photographer Nick Jans was sitting on his back porch enjoying the scenery with his dog, Dakotah. Suddenly, something emerged out of the forest.

 The Wolf

What emerged was a wild black wolf, a predator with the potential to cause great harm to humans… and their pets. So as you may imagine, there was a high level of concern when Jans’ dog ran out to meet the wolf. Jans watched anxiously as Dakotah and the wolf checked each other out.

 Wolf Behavior

Wolves usually feed on other animals, and a dog certainly wouldn’t be considered off limits. Regardless, wolves are wild animals, so their behavior can be unpredictable around humans and pets. Generally, it’s recommended that they’re left alone.

 Play Date

Wolfs are predators, so there was almost the expectation that it was going to attack Dakotah upon meeting. But it didn’t. Instead, it started to play with the curious dog. Jans was even able to put his wildlife photography skills to work, snapping several photos of the two animals together. This certainly wouldn’t be the last time that Jans would take pictures of the wolf interacting with other animals… and humans too.