Wolves Are Not A Threat

The Myth of the Big Bad Wolf

In 1697, The Tales of Mother Goose was published, a collection of eight folktales, including Little Red Riding Hood. The story introduced the world to a cunning wolf that deceives a young girl and devours both her and her Grandmother. The centuries-old tale established the mythical "Big Bad Wolf" as one of the most infamous villains ever written.  

Grandmother, what big eyes you have!
All the better to see with, my child.
Grandmother, what big teeth you have got!
All the better to eat you up with.
And saying these words, this wicked wolf fell upon Little Red Riding Hood, and ate her all up.

—Charles Perrault, 1697

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The Reality Behind the Myth

The "Big Bad Wolf" is fiction yet the irrational fear that wolves are a threat to humans persists. In reality, wild wolves are shy and avoid people whenever possible.

Attacks on humans are exceedingly rare.

Since 1995, millions of people have visited Yellowstone National Park annually without incident. Visitors are far more likely to be injured by bison, bear, elk or moose than wolves.  
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In the past century, there has NEVER been a documented case of a wild wolf killing a human in the continental U.S.

Across all of North America there have been only two fatal wolf attacks have ever been recorded—one in Alaska and one in Canada—which are home to 70,000 wolves.

Why It Matters

From snarling villains in fairy tales to savage beasts in Hollywood films, wolves are rarely afforded the respect or understanding they deserve. These false narratives come with real consequences. Wolves are often seen as threats and, as a result, are feared, hunted, and misunderstood.

It's Time to Rewrite the Wolf's Story

No animal should suffer because of human-crafted stories that distort reality. The wolf has been wrongly villainized for far too long. It’s time to set the record straight and put an end to the Big Bad Wolf. Wolves deserve our respect, protection, and advocacy.

Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.

— Marie Curie

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