On a fateful day in June 1907, a shocking incident unfolded at Olentangy Park in Columbus, Ohio. Tom Dean, a self-proclaimed animal expert, attempted to prove a point that would ultimately lead to his downfall. Dean, who had previously disagreed with Dr. Long, a well-known animal keeper, claimed that wolves would not attack human beings, even upon provocation. With hundreds of onlookers watching, Dean entered the cage of a wolf, taunting the animal as it lay sleeping. But the wolf had other plans. In a stunning display of ferocity, the wolf sprang at Dean, lacerating him severely. He was rushed to a hospital, where he later admitted that maybe he wasn’t a human being after all. This bizarre incident raises questions about Dean’s sanity and his motives for provoking the wolf. Was he seeking attention, or was he genuinely trying to prove a point?
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Violent Crime
- Era: Historical
- Source: Library of Congress — Chronicling America ↗
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