In some such cases, a cautious wolf may launch "investigative" or "exploratory" attacks to test the victim for suitability as prey. As with defensive attacks, such attacks are not always pressed, as the animal may break off the attack or be convinced to look elsewhere for its next meal.
On occasion, a wary wolf will launch probing or scouting raids to evaluate whether a potential victim is suitable for consumption. Like defensive strikes, such attacks are often abandoned if the wolf decides to disengage or find an alternative source of food.