Today we have a very special Tripawd Tuesday feature. It stars three-legged wolves from News Mexico and Southern Ontario, Canada. They want to remind us humans about something. Never doubt the resiliency of Mother Nature.
Yes, three legged wolves can survive in the wild
Last week, an endangered Mexican gray wolf became a Tripawd. He was found with a gunshot wound to his leg. Veterinarians decided amputation was necessary.
SILVER CITY, N.M. — An endangered Mexican gray wolf that drew media attention late last year after it appeared to spend five days pacing along the border fence separating New Mexico from Mexico has been found with a serious gunshot wound.
The Center for Biological Diversity announced Friday evening that the male wolf that was released into the wild in Arizona in 2020 had been found with a gunshot to one of his legs. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service used a helicopter to track the injured wolf and used a tranquilizer dart to sedate him.
The animal called “Mr. Goodbar” was then taken to the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo and veterinarians planned to amputate part or all of the injured leg, according to Michael Robinson, of the Center for Biological Diversity. READ MORE
Meanwhile in Canada, a Three Legged Wolf Goes for a Walk
Ironically we received an awe-inspiring email during the same week that vets amputated the New Mexico wolf’s leg. A friend of Tripawds sent this night cam footage. It was taken on a friend’s property in Southern Ontario, Canada.
Yes, even a wild three-legged wolf can survive in nature. That’s if they are allowed to live.
More Three-Legged Wolves
This isn’t the first time that three legged wolves have made headlines. In 2012, Tripawd Mexican gray wolves led the Middle Fork Pack in New Mexico’s Gila National Forest.
US Fish and Wildlife Services allowed this pair of Tripawd pair of breeding wolves to live. Despite preying on five cows, authorities let them go. Current ranching practices are said to incite conflict between wolves and cattle.
Today, one YouTube search shows that Tripawd wolves are about as ordinary as three legged dogs and cat family members!
For example, in Lake Superior, this three-legged wolf is missing a front leg. She doesn’t skip a beat while hoping around the forest.
And at the Shy Wolf Sanctuary in Florida, a playful front-legged Tripawd wolf loves to play like any other canine pup.
Apparently, wild three-legged animals aren’t so unusual in nature. Wild creatures are amazingly resilient, tough, and unstoppable. They’re just like our three-legged dog and cat heroes at home.
Just check out Resilient the Tripawd Coyote’s story for another great example.
Never doubt the power of animal instinct. Three legged, four or otherwise, they are so much stronger than humans imagine.
Send Your Three Legged Love Story
Did you enjoy today’s Tripawd story? Each Tuesday we celebrate amputee pets from around the world. Reach out to us for a chance to be “Tripawd of the Week.” Just share your story in a few words and you’re in!
Whether you are a bonafide registered Tripawds member, and/or part of our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram communities, we want to tell the world about your three-legged cat or dog.
Send Your Tripawd Love Story in 3 easy steps:
- In a short paragraph or two (or longer if you’d like!), describe your three-legged hero’s story. Share a photo, video or both.
- Got a Tripawds Forum topic and/or Tripawds blog that you started? Be sure to include that link too! Of course let us know any social media handles that feature your Tripawd.
- Then send your story to us via email, Facebook Messenger, or direct message us on Twitter or Instagram @TripawdsCommunity.
We try to publish a new Tripawd story each week. It’s time for yours to get featured!