Wolves Likely Suspects in Teacher’s Death

Thu, March 11, 2010
Posted in Alaska News, Top Stories

An autopsy has concluded that a rural teacher was killed by animals and the head of the Alaska State Troopers says wolves are the likely suspect. However, Col. Audie Holloway says the autopsy could not say for sure what animals are to blame.

The Associated Press

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Comments

Alyeska

For gosh sakes, we live in Alaska! While it's absolutely tragic, animals are just doing what animals do to survive. When one is in the wilds of Alaska, one needs to use precaution or bring protection.
kennethbowne

Being a native from a long line of chiefs and shamans, I can tell you that any natives that say don't kill those particular wolfs are wrong, dead wrong! That pack or group took a person and now probably got over any hang-ups they had about hunting humans. If it was a dog it would have been dealt with. It pains me but if it was a native from the village then I bet the village would be combing the hills right now.
Debbie Cardwell

It may have been a wolf-hybrid or dog. Wolf paws are close to dogs,for they have the same DNA. Wolves do attack from behind. When people slaughter the wild wolves for greed, it upsets the balance of the eco-system and this is what happens. F & G play God in Alaska. I do not blame animals. They are innocent as we invade their territory. If it was a wolf, that is sad. GOD SPEED for that lady. Carry a pistol if on a remote trail or pepper spray. Bless her family.
N.J.N

wolves are afraid of humans! I lived in wolf country (talkeetna mountains) for years,wolves all around and never once did a wolf come remotely close. they ran at the sight and smell of humans. I believe this poor lady was either killed by someone...or something...else.perhaps she perished from exposure. of course a hungry pack of wolves would attempt to consume whatever they can. everyone blames wolves for depletion of caribou and moose. I think perhaps we should look at those hunters with guns and airplanes as the reason for that! I feel sorry for the family of this poor woman....but in my 63 years on this earth,with most of it spent in the wild....I know this tragic matter should be CAREFULLY looked into before more wolves are slaughteted.
AkCougar

They just came out with on the KTOO news in Anchorage that the woman attacked had an IPOD on. My heart goes out to her family, truly. However, its not any different than snomachining or quad riding...OR YOUR CAR. Especially in the winter (and in a remote area like Chignik) that a gun is on your side, or some sort of animal pepper spray if you don't wanna shoot. Never run from a wolf or other predator.....think of a dog...they chase things for a living.....This is a sort of warning to not be so lazy when your in the wilderness. Its your responsibility to be safe and keep yourself safe. Unfortunately for the young woman she didn't have a chance. Had she not had her IPOD in, she may have heard them coming.......that what was making the decision of her death so hard. Until they found the ear buds in her ears.... :( Sad and unfortunate)
dale

Wolves kill aguy in canada a few years ago. coyotes kill a woman in new foundland last year . a wolf tries to drag a young boy off about 10 years ago and his dad saves him. and they don't know what animal killed tis poor girl ?
Bob

Gentle men start your engines. Jump on your sleds and get busy.
Your kids could be the next.
Diana

What was she doing out there by here self? Didn't anyone tell her about the dangers here in Alaska?
Mad beaver

What is it with this political correctness abouit wolves?Just come out and say she was killed by wolves. If her body was surrounded by wolf tracks what do you think killed her, vampire bats? Anyway this way when the next person is gutted by wolves they can say " there hasn't been a documented human wolf kill in Alaska in 50 years".Then the lower 48 can just keep on believing that wolves are just big playful dogs.