Did you ever want to know what it would feel like to run with the wolves?
If you find yourself in eastern Indiana, you can stop by Brookvilleโs Wolf Creek Habitat for the day and interact with their wolf pack.
The non-profit organization houses wolves that have spent their lives being raised by humans and can not be released into the wild.
And while these majestic creatures are used to humans, there are still some strict rules for interacting with them, since theyโre instincts are still intact.
For example, guests are discouraged from wearing red and prohibited from carrying anything on them except their phones. Visitors are told to dress for safety (no open-toed shoes or shorts), and banned from wearing cologne or perfume.
Visitors are warned that the wolves do jump and scratch if you get close enough, so following the rules of the guides is of paramount importance. That includes making sure the wolves can look in your eyes (so no sunglasses!).
You also have to be willing to get dirty from all the snuggles and kisses, so bringing a change of clothes is a smart move.
Entrance is free if youโd like to view the wolves from a platform, but guests who want to interact with the wolves are encouraged to make a $50 donation to the rescue organization. Everyone is rewarded with the experience of a lifetime.
Last year, the organization got a large litter of cubs, so the wolves range in age from about 1-year old well into their teen years.
Because the main goal of Wolf Creek Habitat is education, children over 5 feet tall are welcome, but their parents must sign a waiver. Children have been scratched in the past (though the wolves just think theyโre playing) and crying or shouting only creates a more intense and potentially dangerous situation for everyone.
Thereโs even a special photographer you can hire if you want your own photo shoot at the habitat. The cost is $350 for as long as you need to get the perfect shot.
The habitat is located on private property, so guests are only allowed on the weekends and itโs important to call ahead during severe weather to make sure they are open.
Those who want to spend the weekend are offered accommodations on the property including cabins and teepees starting at $100 a night. Of course, small children and pets are prohibited on the property.
For those who canโt make it out to the facility, Wolf Creek Habitat allows you to sponsor a wolf or one of their resident foxes for $300 a year.
Itโs important to remember that while these wolves are familiar with humans, they are not capable of being fully domesticated. While most wolves are shy around humans, these ones will run up for a snuggle or pet but are still wild carnivores at heart. They can grow over 6ft tall (standing) and weigh up to 175lbs, so itโs important to know what youโre in for if you think itโs going to be like playing with a dog.
Nonetheless, spending time around these creatures can give us great insight into their beauty and value to the ecosystem. Wolves were once endangered in the U.S., but their populations increased after they were added to the Endangered Species Act in 1974 and they have been upgraded from โendangeredโ to โthreatened.โ
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