Officials say a wolf in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve has been killed by Parks Canada staff after two attacks on leashed dogs, including one on Sunday morning.
According to Parks Canada, the wolf was involved in multiple incidents in the Long Beach area of the reserve.
“This action was taken after serious consideration and was a very difficult decision for Parks Canada staff, who work hard to protect these animals. In the end, it was a necessary action to ensure visitor safety,” Parks Canada said in a statement.
The wolf was euthanized on May 28. Prior to the euthanization, staff had tried different measures including increased monitoring, area closures, temporary dog ban and communicating with the public. However, the wolf did not start to show fear around humans and continued to treat dogs as prey.
Parks Canada said this behaviour was caused partly by visitor activities including letting dogs off leash, leaving food and garbage out on beaches, trails, and parking lots, as well as enticing and approaching wolves too closely, usually to get a photo.
Staff will be working on restoring natural wary behaviours among other members of the wolf pack. They will also be continuing to enforce regulations designed to protect wildlife.
Parks Canada is reminding park users to leash pets, secure food and garbage and remain a safe distance from large animals, at least 100 metres. Visitors should also not entice wildlife by offering animals food. All wolf sightings should be reported to Parks Canada at 1-877-852-3100 or 250-726-3604.
Parks Canada will continue to focus on restoring natural wary behaviours among the remaining members of this pack and try to prevent further habituation through the active management of wolves in the Long Beach Unit. Parks Canada is focusing on public education and enforcement of regulations that help keep wildlife wild. We need the support of all our visitors to be successful and to ensure wildlife does not become habituated.
Alexa Huffman
