Parks Canada is urging people to leave their dogs at home after two recent incidents of wolves stalking pets in the Long Beach area of Pacific Rim National Park on Vancouver Island.
““Two recent interactions between wolves and visitors show an increasing level of habituation and bold behavior on the part of wolves,” the agency said in a statement. “One interaction indicates that wolves have increased their boldness in attempting to hunt dogs, including large dogs on leashes.”
The release says that in one incident, two wolves charged close to a visitor with a dog on a leash and “pursued him very closely for an extended period.”
In the second incident, Parks Canada said, two wolves “are rapidly approaching[ed] a beach walker very close… pushing the visitor into the water”.
Encounters with wolves are not uncommon in the park this time of year and the area, which is near Tofino, has been closed several times in the past due to the animals.
At the moment, there is a “wolf in the area” warning and visitors are encouraged to walk in groups, keep children close and make noise while remaining on high alert. Dogs should be kept on a leash or left at home if possible, the warning says.
If they see a wolf, visitors are advised to shout, wave their arms, and back away slowly while maintaining eye contact. Running and bending should be avoided.
If a wolf approaches, Parks Canada says people should throw sticks, stones or other objects. If a wolf attacks, the agency says people should use bear spray or other objects to defend themselves.
WildSafeBC says that while wolf attacks on people are rare, wolves habituated and conditioned to food can be a concern, and they have been known to prey on pets.
“YO“If you encounter a wolf, avoid the temptation to stare at it or take a photo and instead focus on scaring the animal away,” the agency says.
“Maintaining a wolf’s wariness toward humans is the safest strategy for everyone.“
