A terrifying pack of wolves has left a town in fear after causing the deaths of over 30 horses in just four days.
A staggering four hundred wolves have been sighted roaming the outskirts of Verkhoyansk in Russia, attacking livestock at their discretion.
In response, twenty-four hunting teams have been organized to eliminate the wolves, with officials offering a reward of $500 for every wolf skin retrieved.
Stepan Rozhin, an official from the Verkhoyansk administration, stated, ‘To safeguard the town, we are forming 24 teams of armed hunters who will patrol the area on snowmobiles and set traps for the wolves.’
‘We are in need of more personnel. As daylight hours increase, the hunters will begin targeting predators from helicopters.’
A gathering of wolves of this magnitude is unprecedented, as these animals typically hunt in smaller groups, consisting of only six or seven.
This large assembly is thought to be a compilation of numerous packs, and it has puzzled animal experts.
Dr. Valerius Geist, an expert in wildlife behavior, remarked that the brutal Siberian winter, where temperatures can drop to minus 49C, has decimated the wolves’ usual prey.
He noted, ‘It is not typical for wolves to gather in such large numbers to hunt sizable animals like horses.’
‘Nevertheless, their typical prey, rabbits, has decreased this year due to limited food sources, forcing the wolves to alter their behavior.’
‘Wolves are quite selective in choosing the most nourishing and accessible food source without risking danger, which, in this instance, happens to be horses.’
‘They will begin to hunt riskier prey only after exhausting their non-threatening options.’
Villagers have already succeeded in capturing several of the wolves, but given the size of the pack, it will likely take time to manage the situation.
With only 1,300 residents, Verkhoyansk is among the coldest and most isolated locations in the northern hemisphere, situated in an area infamously known as Stalin’s Death Ring, after the former dictator sent political prisoners there due to the harsh conditions.
by Sasha Dubronitz
