The Tragic, Yet Amazing Story of a Wolf’s Impact on an Alaskan Community

For centuries, wolves have remained mysterious and often feared creatures of the wilderness that are better avoided than engaged. That all changed for one small suburban Alaskan community though in 2003 when a lone jet black wolf walked out of the woods to investigate a man and his dog. 

This is the story of Romeo, a wolf that made a lasting impact on everyone who met him.

Nick Jans wasn’t looking for a wolf, but a wolf found him.

Nick Jans had lived in Alaska for decades and was familiar with the Alaskan landscape and knew that wolves came with the territory. Encounters with them weren’t commonplace, however, which made one snowy afternoon with his dog Dakotah unlike any other. 

Nick was sitting on his porch with Dakotah when out of nowhere a black wolf emerged from the woods.

Dakotah bolted over to the wolf.

Before Nick had a chance to grab Dakotah by the collar, she was off the porch like a lightning bolt and running towards the wolf. The dog either wanted to greet the newcomer for a round of play or was ready to defend her master from an intruder. Either way, Nick was instantly concerned for Dakotah’s safety. 

What happened next he never saw coming.