The experts have spoken, and no, Arian Foster likely wouldn't win a one-on-one battle against a wolf.
The former NFL running back went on a lengthy Twitter rant Sunday, claiming he could take down a wolf because they don't have thumbs and weigh less than him. However, the International Wolf Center sent out a press release Monday disputing those claims.
"Weighing in at 230 lbs., Arian certainly would have the wolf beat in size. But that may not be to his advantage," the IWC explained, per CBS Sports. "North American grey wolves typically weigh a lot less (65-130 pounds), and it is common that they are significantly smaller than their prey. That said, an experienced wolf can kill a half-ton bison or musk ox all by itself, although in the wild wolves more typically hunt as pack."
Foster's thumb argument doesn't hold much weight either.
"To Arian's point, wolves do not have thumbs, nor do they need them. Wolves use incredible upper body features and strength to take down their prey. Their bite is intense and crippling; they crack the bones of their prey and have powerful muscles in their neck to take down and disable animals that can be five to ten times their size or more. This is where Arian's theory of being able to go after them by the neck would likely not work."
The wolf center noted that, ideally, there would be never be any contact between Foster and a wolf because they're "strong, intelligent predators that should be respected and left alone in the wild."
