The Cincinnati Enquirer

DILLSBORO, Ind. - The owner of a nature center in western Dearborn County is trying to corral six wolves that broke out of their 3-acre pen earlier this week.

The white-colored animals range in age from 2 to 4 years and weigh up to 90 pounds, said Paul Strasser, owner of Red Wolf Sanctuary, 3 miles west of Dillsboro on Indiana 62.

Strasser said he has spent two years replacing wire around the pen at his non-profit center with vinyl-coated chain-link fence - a task he and volunteers just completed. The new 8-foot fence was supposed to be stronger than the older, rusting wire.

Five of the 15 wolves in the pen worked their way through the fence Monday. Two were caught, but 10 were able got out Tuesday, Strasser said.

One of the wolves was struck by a vehicle and is awaiting surgery. Another one - a weaker female - was attacked by other wolves and killed Tuesday when it was returned to the pen, Strasser said. Six wolves remained at large Thursday night.

A dispatcher at the Dearborn County Sheriff's Office said Thursday night the department had heard no complaints.

Strasser and volunteers have been working to repair the pen and track the wolves. Some wolves returned on their own. Strasser said he used tranquilizer darts on others.

Darts aren't always effective, he said, because the drug takes 10 minutes to take effect, and "a wolf can cover an awful lot of distance in 10 minutes."

Strasser said the wolves were bottle fed and raised at the sanctuary from 13 weeks of age for educational purposes. Students tour the center to learn about the animals and their environment.

Strasser said he realizes the wolves being on the loose could cause fear among area residents, but said the animals likely would run if approached.

"The bottom line is, realistically, these animals don't pose any threat," he said.

Strasser said he next plans to install an electric fence around the pen to keep the wolves in.