Wolf Sanctuary Educator Explains 'Mouthing' Behavior as Normal, Not Aggression

A Pennsylvania wolf sanctuary says recent incident reflects typical investigative conduct, not violence, and highlights misunderstandings about the animals.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:49pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, impressionistic photograph of a wolf's face partially obscured by a wire fence, with the animal's eyes and muzzle visible through a hazy, softly lit composition.A wolf sanctuary's efforts to educate the public about the shy, investigative nature of these misunderstood animals.Lancaster Today

At a Lancaster County wolf sanctuary, an education coordinator said 'mouthing' is a normal investigative behavior for wolves, not aggression. Michelle Vandernewt of the Wolf Sanctuary of PA said wolves are shy, elusive animals that generally avoid people, and 'mouthing' is a way for them to investigate unfamiliar objects or people that enter their territory. The sanctuary houses 52 wolves and aims to help people understand the true nature of the animals.

Why it matters

Wolves are often misunderstood and portrayed inaccurately, with myths and mysticism surrounding their behavior. This incident at the Pennsylvania wolf sanctuary provides an opportunity to educate the public about the true nature of wolves as shy, social pack animals that are wary of human interaction.

The details

The recent incident at the Wolf Sanctuary of PA involved a 17-month-old boy who snuck through an exterior fence and stuck his hand into a wolf enclosure, where the wolf 'mouthed' the child's hand. The sanctuary's education coordinator, Michelle Vandernewt, explained that 'mouthing' is an investigative behavior, not aggression, and is similar to how wolf pups 'kiss up' to their mothers to get food. Wolves use their mouths gently with other pack members and may nibble or lick as part of that behavior.

  • The recent incident at the Wolf Sanctuary of PA occurred on April 4, 2026.

The players

Michelle Vandernewt

An education coordinator at the Wolf Sanctuary of PA who explained the normal 'mouthing' behavior of wolves.

Wolf Sanctuary of PA

A wolf sanctuary in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania that houses 52 wolves, including North American gray wolves that are rescues from shuttered zoos, unexpected births or households.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“They really don't want to be around people. That's typical in the wild. It's also typical in captivity. If you came in and tried to pet them, they wouldn't come over. They don't know you.”

— Michelle Vandernewt, Education Coordinator, Wolf Sanctuary of PA

“Mouthing can be that. It can also be a playful behavior. Mouthing is not biting. Biting is different.”

— Michelle Vandernewt, Education Coordinator, Wolf Sanctuary of PA

What’s next

The Wolf Sanctuary of PA plans to continue educating visitors about the true nature of wolves and dispelling myths about their behavior.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need to better understand wolves and their behavior, which is often misrepresented. The Wolf Sanctuary of PA is working to provide accurate information and help the public appreciate the shy, social nature of these animals.