Wolf Viciously Mauls 72-Year-Old Man After Jumping Out Of Bushes

In a rare encounter, an elderly man was attacked by a wolf outside a home in Port Edward in British Columbia, Canada, on Friday night (May 29).

The victim, identified as 72-year-old Stanley Russ, was walking home late night after visiting his friends when he was mauled by a wolf that was hiding in the bushes. Russ screamed for help after which, the residents in the area, including his family, heard his cries and his rushed to his rescue.

His son, identified as Frank, attempted to defend his father from the attack by throwing stones and sticks at the wolf. However, the wolf refused to leave and reportedly circled around for another attack.

“I just ran over there and just … got between the wolf and my dad,” Frank said.

The predator finally ran away from the scene after a car alarm was intentionally set off by one of the neighbors.

Russ suffered deep bite marks and puncture wounds on both his legs and one arm during the encounter. The neighbors provided him first aid, following which Russ was rushed to a nearby hospital and received emergency surgery for his wounds. He was later transported to Vancouver General Hospital on Sunday. His injuries were said to be non-life threatening and his condition was stable.

The residents were unable to identify the age, sex, or size of the wolf as it was too dark.

According to authorities, wolf attacks on humans are extremely rare. The attack was reportedly the third wolf attack on a person in British Columbia that was documented in the past 20 years. They said the attack was unprovoked.

"He didn't do anything to provoke the attack. It just happened," said inspector Cam Schley.

There were several recent reports of wolf attacks on cats and dogs in Prince Rupert, which was close to Port Edward. However, according to officials from British Columbia's Conservation Officer Service, the attacks were not related.

“We believe the wolf that attacked on Friday night is a different wolf than the wolves causing havoc in Prince Rupert,” they said.

Conservation officers were searching for the wolf that attacked Russ. Once the animal was found, it will be put down and tested for rabies. Residents were advised to walk in groups and dog owners were asked not to let their pets run loose.

The cause of the attack was unknown as of now. No further details were available at the time.