Animal rescue organizations are established to save all kinds of neglected animals that desperately need help. Surprisingly, some of them also specialized in saving wild animals.
However, I haven’t seen a group like this one
Apex Protection Project, according to their website, is “a Los Angeles based 501(c)3 non-profit organization, was created in 2015 to save the wolf species through education, rescue, and advocacy.”
They added, “Since its conception, Apex has helped rescue over 400 captive-born wolfdogs, reached thousands of people through educational programming, and continues to advocate for wolves in the wild.”
Although wild wolves generally avoid interactions with humans, they can still pose a danger to us. This is particularly when they feel threatened or if they perceive humans as their potential prey.
Story of a runaway wolf
According to their story, Riggs escaped from his owner and traveled 50 miles to Oklahoma where he ended up dumpster diving just to survive. Although some people might say he could just go back into the wild and make his life easier, however, that wasn’t the case.
Riggs wasn’t taught how to be a wild animal and he can’t just be let go into where his kind usually habitats.
So, for three months, Riggs dumpster dived, wandered into people’s backyards, and ate dog food to get by.
Soon, he entered a backyard in an illegal county and there, he was held captive by animal control. He was only given 48 hours before his scheduled euthanization and every tick of the clock mattered at that point.
Thankfully, they received a call about Riggs, so they immediately rushed and took a 19-hour drive to his aide to him and save his life.
Black Phase Wolf
Turns out, Riggs is what most Biologists called a Black Phase Wolf.
A black-phase wolf, also known as a melanistic wolf, is a variation of the gray wolf (Canis lupus) characterized by predominantly black fur. These wolves have a genetic trait that causes darker pigmentation in their coat. While not a separate subspecies or breed, black-phase wolves display a distinct color phase within the species.
The black coloration can provide advantages in certain habitats, offering better camouflage. However, the prevalence of black-phase wolves varies among wolf populations and regions.
Technically, Riggs doesn’t know how to be a full wolf
As described by his human best friend, Steve, he is “wily and skittish.” Riggs also doesn’t give a bat being surrounded by people. It’s almost safe to say that he doesn’t know that he is actually a full wolf.
Steve and Riggs usually hang out together. They play hide and seek, do some agility tests, and mostly, they shower each other with lots of hugs and kisses.
Eventually, the two formed an unbreakable bond that almost looked like nothing and nobody can possibly come between them.
They are more than just best friends, they are more like a father and son to each other.
Interesting, because while wolves are often depicted as dangerous predators, Riggs has proven to everyone that isn’t true. Riggs, despite being a full wolf, is a living testament that a wild animal isn’t always described by its name, but by the people around them instead.
Watch the video below to know more about this incredible story of friendship between a man and a wolf.
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