Running With Wolves in Poland.

A sled ride through the forest with a pack of semi-wild wolves.
Just prior to filming, Mark had fallen off the back of the sled, hence the banter between Mark, Simon and myself. Chris was at the front advising when to hold on!
Vid has abrupt ending.....I wasn't holding on :-0 Great memories though.
These young wolves were part of a re-introduction scheme and have since been released into the wild, the conservation director was familiar to them and they seemed happy to follow the sled through the forest as long as he was present.

[@AntoniaVassila]

Heartbreaking, meeting animals you have rescued and then given back to the wild, they never forget and I find this awesome, majestic. By rescuing a wolf you rescue yourself at the same time, they are precious but people do not WANT to understand this!

[@piotrpiotrowski4681]

They are clearly in a relaxed, playful mood, demonstrated by their tails and ears. It's pretty obvious they have had some experience with humans in the past, and do not even consider horses as prey. My thinking is, they were born and raised in captivity,

[@judithcampbell5196]

my thoughts are that they were hand raised and kept as pets. it's clear they do this all the time along with the bells ringing. pretty to see them. I appreciate th video thanks

[@piotrpiotrowski4681]

+Judith Campbell I don't really think that they were kept as pets, strictly speaking. It is illegal in Poland and I'm pretty sure the officials would take keen interest in someone keeping wolves as pets. However, it's probable that they were raised in some refuge (possibly after losing their parents), and then released into the wild.

[@judithcampbell5196]

Piotr Piotrowski an entire pack? Was that you that made the video? It's clear they have no fear following that sleigh. And I know that wolves won't attack a human. I've been doing extensive research on wolves for the past six years now. I've never been to Poland but I'm aware of wolves there. I hope for their survival as they are needed for a balanced and healthy echo system. The wolves in your video looked healthy and happy to have some company on their daily run. Thanks for the video I appreciate it. I admire wolves very much. Take care and keep me posted on this pack. Thanks friend

[@piotrpiotrowski4681]

+Judith Campbell Nah, I didn't make this video, just stumbled upon it accidentally :) The reason I believe these particular pack was probably raised in a refuge, is that in Poland, wolf preservation had become somewhat of a major issue; for something like 15-20 years, the population was thought to be slightly endangered and unable to increase in numbers. Much effort was put into saving each and every wolf in existence, as the species itself was thought to be unable to maintain its numbers. Currently, in Poland, the wolf population is estimated at about 900, but it is fortunately growing. Extensive deforestation has stopped, also there were a couple of environmental programs aimed at preserving the ecosystem. Currently, we have a real issue with boars, does, beavers and mooses - the animals tend to venture even into major cities - and I hope the increase in wolf population will be a major factor in restoring balance. Interestingly enough, the packs that appeared recently, seem to be migrating north from the Southern Poland, which was once a wolf sanctuary of sorts. Seems like wolves are getting bolder, and that's a good thing. I'm really hoping that we can also restore some of the lynx and bear population, I strongly believe that apex predators are crucial to preserving a healthy environment. The biggest threat to major predators in Poland are the hunters; unfortunately, their lobby is quite strong and they are trying very hard to take the wolf out of protected species list; to no avail such far. There is also the problem of poaching, however it is not as prevalent (the poachers tend to choose deer as their game). Best regards!

[@judithcampbell5196]

Piotr Piotrowski it's nice to speak to someone who knows about the need of apex predators. I belong to the international wolf center as a member. The granddaddy of all wolf research opened it up and I follow his research, and the pack of ambassador wolves they have at the center. I watch weekly live videos of their pack. You might like to check it out. It's www.Wolf.Org. they have one female wolf her name is Luna and what a character she is. Stealing food, and not afraid to stand up to the dominant male in the pack. I'm going to obtain a photo of her sitting on the head of one of the males in the pack. I have watched documentary's of the wild boar problems even in the USA. Hunters have an unlimited amount they can kill of them and they are not afraid of humans! Poaching will go on forever I'm afraid. I hope you succeed with your efforts to restore the lynx and Bear populations. And hopefully the wolves will help with the moose situation. Thanks so much for answering my questions about the issues you face. Please keep me updated on your progress and programs. Your friend.... Judith Campbell

[@Cryton12345]

That shake in the end was that man getting pulled from behind by the lead wolf and getting mauled to death by licks!

[@Animal-Watch]

beautiful!!!

[@cherylcook788]

The spirit of the wolf is amazing and one of my favorite animals

[@plamenvelkov9647]

They just want new friends!👍😁

[@44krysia]

I fell off a cart in Zakopane once. LOL. Luckily the horse wasn't going fast!

[@Niabi1994]

People also need to learn how to read descriptions. they are not following the sled because it is plowing the snow or because there is something wrong with them, they are following because the one who released them and took care of them is in one of the sleds. They are following their previous alpha.

[@fatallyfatcat5274]

They look well-feed. 10/10 chance they are being feed by tourists, that's why they are so calm and follow them. They want a snack.

[@littleblackwolf3]

the wolves are like, ooh an easy to walk trail thanks big thing for making us trails. what beautiful animals. good thing the horse didn't spook and the wolves didn't find the horse and people on the sleigh as prey. I bet it was amazing riding with them.

[@marktsheppard]

...it's interesting on how all-of those wolves... are steping-off of the beaten-path... and are purposly choosing to plow-through-the-snow... where it's not-easy to run-through deep-snow that's up-to your ears... hmmm...

[@MsNox013]

najpiękniejsze wilczki oczywiście w Polsce ;)

[@wildberberwoman]

@wall2rockclimber THANK YOU FOR THE WILD UNTOUCHED BEAUTY....KEEP IT UP!!!!

[@artfulxpressions]

Wonderful video, could tell the wolves were having fun. Where in Poland?

[@milutave]

Micki Harper in Białowieża National Park. If you want to visit go to Bialystok city or the website of Białowieża.

[@murielbeatty262]

beautiful

[@wilczunia77]

hmmm... i love wolves... I am from Poland... great :-D

[@just.observer4648]

Stop posting stupid comments, and stop being so deluded! If they are hungry, or they see you, as a thread, they will attack you! Wild animals deserve some respect!

[@volka2199]

Exactly they are beautiful creatures but must be treated with a high degree of respect and caution.

[@lindajones9220]

Absolutely awesome!

[@abbeysonic]

This is amazing and funny at the same time.Awesome vid

[@ObiTrev]

Wolves that are not afraid of humans are dangerous.

[@qpae123]

+ObiTrev they are not wild wolves, were raise in captivity and release by these guys in the forest. That is why they are happy to see him, they are like his pets. orcourse if they were real wild wolves they would have eat the dude and the horse :)))

[@aylazelanagrebiel3210]

Wolves: Hello friends! Slow down we want loves!! So....tired....so..warm....ugh....why no love?

[@KajDalfall]

Great vid !!! Thank you.

[@raven556]

beautiful European wolves! they probably would have scattered if one of you fell off

[@Maverick47100]

@whirv Thanks for your comment. I'm unable to provide an exact location but it was filmed in North-East Poland near the border with Belarus.

[@andrzejz1000]

te wilczki mocno oswojone jakieś...nawet konie dziwnie spokojne przy nich... dziwne!!! , ale filmik super !

[@TheSandy10003]

i love wolves so much (:

[@wheelbarrowingforever]

They're Wolf Pups. They're nicer than the adults, right? Very cute.

[@wielkapol9469]

they are adult wolves you can see by the colour of the fure and i wouldnt expect an english boy to know anyway

[@OrbitekFrit]

I leave in Poland and I never seen wild wolves, you had very lucky.

[@Sanchara]

they're sooooo cuteeeeeee!!!

[@PhoenixPrime]

Cool!

[@Niabi1994]

Not unless the horse freaked and started running, acting like prey, but just casually riding along, not usually. Not unless they were really hungry, but even in this situation, because they are following the sleds, I don't think they see the sleds, people, or horses as food; just as part of the pack, because they are very comfortable following them.

[@AdamSzczepanski91]

nice! never seen something like this in our mountains.

[@93kanal]

Great shots :) Where was it precisely?

[@breadandcircus1]

I'd be scared seeing a pack of wolves following my carriage, easy to grab one of those people and make him a meal, haha. I love wolves: extraordinary animals

[@flashandsoarcreations8770]

I’d be scared for the horses more so than the people. They don’t see us as prey, but they do horses.

[@richthecat]

awesome video where was this

[@vyacheslavsensor1607]

these wolves don't afraid the human? it's not good

[@wiktorakomy2768]

Jak ja widziałem wilki nie były takie spokojne

[@domainofthesun4400]

What was the idea behind releasing habituated wolves into the wild?

[@samhans8868]

👍👍👍

[@92000]

where it was precisely?

[@sims3passions]

Wouldn't they try to attack the horse?

[@MagdalenaOrgana]

Ja widziałam, nawet całe stado, niestety nie były tak przyjazne jak te i wraz ze znajomymi trzeba było szybko biec :)..... a one za nami...Pamiętam to był rok, a raczej zima kiedy wilki schodziły do wiosek i zabijały psy,owce,próbowały nawet cielaki.... i rzucały sie na ludzi w lasach. Podchodziły pod domy, pod mój także (od 13 lat mieszkam na Podhalu)

[@Murphekk]

Kawaii Brunette Zapewne Wścieklizne miały. Tak naprawdę powinny bać się ludzi

[@adrianczesc5723]

@@Murphekk wilki jak pies jak uciekasz gonią ciebie to jest w ich naturze aby przepędzić intruza który wkroczył na teren a jak ucieka to trzeba go odgonić jak najdalej

[@mendozafraza257]

😨👍

[@kittensruleforever]

Samething to me im too much of an animal lover i get caught up in how beautiful they look then just stick my hand on there pelt or something then sometimes they might bite me i haven't lost any limbs yet!

[@wildberberwoman]

@Maverick47100 I WANT TO GO THERE...I WANT TO GO THERE AND SING WITH THE WOLVES...;)

[@harleywilders876]

I would so want to scratch the dogs ears!!!!!!!

[@Guerrillera]

this is so scary

[@Tereferedutki]

Przypuszczam,że są dokarmiane na tej trasie przez turystów

[@Ronzert]

i love animals but most ppl need to realize why we have hunting seasons.

[@LisaCarso]

+vycon88 …Why?

[@tiktak9827]

wyglądają na jakoś dziwnie oswojone

[@robertsdr-un4th]

Wilki są po prostu ciekawskimi zwierzętami. Być może miały wcześniej kontakt z człowiekiem, niekoniecznie są oswojone.

[@Micha-fe1pn]

Fejk

[@wielkapol9469]

😂whats fake u weirdo

[@tuny8090]

i think this is just dogs

[@LegendKingY2j]

they just dogs that can tear your skin and bones apart

[@wielkapol9469]

🤦‍♂️

[@tuny8090]

@@wielkapol9469 bro it was 2 years ago🤦

[@wielkapol9469]

@@tuny8090 ok and the video is from 10 years ago and what

[@tuny8090]

@@wielkapol9469 nothing i just said that i commented 2 years ago i did not know at that time and so what

[@flashandsoarcreations8770]

I’m surprised that they didn’t spook the horses! Docile or not, I’d expect the horses to be scared of a pack of potential predators. They must be well-trained!

[@rocky99949]

Aren't they magnificent. :)

[@cts6540]

SEE YA LATER! IM GOIN TO POLAND!

[@jadebuohler5871]

Wow! Everything about this video is absolutly beautiful! I extremely love wolves and if I was able to see them like that I would just die! :D And the scenary is amazing! GREAT VIDEO!

[@1judegirl]

I still come here(Since 2010) Every Winter (and some other times too!) to See these GORGEOUS Young Wolves in this Beautiful video!! 💕❤️✨... Anyone else a long time Fan in 2022?

[@sparkspl]

lately wolf was killed by a car much farther west compared to their usual Białowieża "map", east of Ostrów Mazowiecka. they are expanding:).

[@MegaWolfsBlood]

omg they are so pretty!!! they are acting like regular dogs all happy and wagging their tails!!!! YOU ARE SOOOO LUCKY!!! i love wolves!!!! and did you pet one??

[@kikitab]

Well, they were semiwild wolves, so weren't dangerous probably, unless hungry. I used to live in Poland but I never went to the forests were they live so to see them must've been amazing. I like wolves a lot. You were very lucky!

[@electricink3908]

He he Just moved to western Poland a month ago, to a little village only an hours drive from Berlin and ten minutes away from Frankfurt (Oder). Run into three wolves parading like nothing through the main street of the village . They ignored me and my wife but when we made eye contact they took off.

[@TheZone0]

There is no evidence in Poland that wolves attack a people..do not be affraid

[@tallen8670]

The ice cream truck for wolves.

[@kam1l0]

chciałbym kiedyś tak na żywo wilka zobaczyć : ) piękne zwierzęta...

[@rubbiisgems5820]

I need to do this

[@92000]

Moje wilki kochane :)

[@BreakfastIsMyName]

That has got to be the coolest thing ever.

[@AtlasBlizzard]

This is awesome. Thanks for taping this and sharing with us.

[@stephenness9357]

Why do people think that wolves will eat people?!?!

[@nail928]

Stephen Ness because if they feel fear in people most of them will. These wolves looks more comfortable with humans. Weird really

[@Murphekk]

nail affaneh In post communist Poland Wolf Like you

[@Storyseeker4]

Because of bad media coverage and nobody telling the right story. Because people don't understand that not all animals can be pets and that domestication takes 100s of generations. Because people don't educate themselves, because people are afraid of what they don't know. The same reason people think Romani are inherently bad people. Because man is afraid to admit that he is wrong. Because we are to full of ourselves to share the earth. Because if you're not with us you're against us. It's gonna take an accurate honest media portrayal to change this view. And I don't mean some dumped down kids movie with little to no research or some poorly animated youtube video with a bloody backstory. The media needs a simultaneously honest, empowering, and family friendly wolf story that will teach us to protect them and respect them. Out of white fang, Balto, the Journey of Natty Gann, the call of the wild, Alpha and omega, twilight, beauty and the beast, storks, all of the recent wolf portrayals the only one that approached wolves properly, as animals that should be respected but not feared...probably fantastic mr.fox. And that isn't even a big part of the movie. Don't get me wrong Balto and some of the others are great but they promote ways to much human interaction with animals that need to stay wild. Also many of them do half hearted job of promoting wolves in a positive light. Human writers in the media are so focused on showing all forms of humanity in a positive light. Let's empower women, let's empower lower class people, lets make sure no person is stereotyped. But wolves...yea lets keep them villains! Unacceptable! We should be ashamed!

[@jakep1979]

Because there is documented history that they did. Obviously when Wolves develop a taste for men then they will continue to hunt people as opposed to Wolves who never encountered them. Most attacks of Wolves on people happen in the winter. My guess is they become bolder when they see how the cold and snow slows down people and thus the instincts to take down an easy meal becomes more attractive.

[@flashandsoarcreations8770]

Idk-most wolf attacks that I know of are defensive. They don’t see us as prey, they see us as predators.

[@akryszcz]

Film about Białowieża National Park: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q56TdJdrhtWpY5Y

[@MrKubzol]

Dziękuję za wstawienie tego, bardzo dumnie wyglądają dorosłe, wolne wilki :)

[@sahiel5]

horse did not get scared - weird

[@Tacticalsheep123456]

these guys seem pretty friendly

[@wall2rockclimber]

Hi mav, great video mate, what i sight to see in a wild wood. great stuff mike

[@wolvesoftheworld1]

thats kool!!!!

[@szponiasty]

This is most likely north-east part of Poland. Seeing such sights many times / year (and not only wolves) :)

[@07Blackbeard]

I can't understand why the hell were they so friendly? :D

[@aheronbobaj-konsulentijuaj2408]

WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL, THANKS FOR SHARING WHAT N NICE GESTURE...THANK YOU ....

[@MCRxfan20]

What do you mean by "semi-wild?" That must have been amazing by the way. :D

[@Maverick47100]

@wall2rockclimber Cheers Mike :-)

[@curtiseagleeyemullin]

Those wolves do NOT look hungry!

[@osirys]

Where exactly can you do such a ride?

[@NikolaBevanda]

thank you for this amazing video

[@Ov3rTheTop]

why are they so damn adorable, AWWWWW

[@karolinaka7013]

I just love this video :D

[@ameerbaloch7762]

Wow!!

[@sherryankeny2161]

If animals have never seen humans they have no reason to fear!

[@etacoffus]

This is amazing!!

[@wilczunia77]

oh! so sweet :-)

[@waldemarvelker6821]

WALDEMAR 😘 😎

[@breadandcircus1]

Wolves just wanted to eat one of those folks riding that thing

[@Rubatose]

Beautiful! Amazing that wild animals can be so comfortable around humans.

[@bartenderzzz]

If these guys were calm and happy was because they had ammo.

[@volka2199]

While gun ownership in Poland is legal it is very rare compared to even most western European countries, I find it surprising myself since it also seems to be less restrictive than some other European countries from what I've read. It's still a somewhat annoying process to get the license/permit and I don't think it is possible for foreigners to obtain it since living in Poland for a certain period of time is one of the criteria that must be met in order to be approved for it. Due to this I find it highly unlikely they are armed.