Both Prince Rupert and our neighbours in Port Edward have received an uptick in wolf reports over the past few months, so we are taking some time out to provide some reminders to residents about how to reduce conflict with wolves. These instructions are taken directly from @WildSafeBC and additional information can be found on their website, here: https://wildsafebc.com/species/wolf/
Please note that wildlife management is outside of the City's jurisdiction. To report a conflict with wildlife that threatens public safety call the Conservation Office at 1-877-952-7277.
To report an environmental violation or poaching call 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP) or use this online form to file a report: https://forms.gov.bc.ca/environment/rapp/
Wolves are more likely to avoid densely populated areas. However, wolves and their signs have been seen in many communities in BC where there is sufficient cover and travel corridors. To keep us and the wolves safe, the best option is always for us to do our best to reduce or avoid potential conflicts with wildlife.
๐๐๐ผ๐ถ๐ฑ ๐ช๐ผ๐น๐ณ ๐๐ป๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐
- Become informed of areas where wolf sightings and encounters are occurring and take precautions.
- Be aware of your surroundings, do not wear earbuds to listen to music when in nature as this blocks one of your key senses.
- Make noise and let bears, cougars and wolves know you are in the area. Most wild animals want to avoid people.
- Carry bear spray in case you encounter a bear, cougar or wolf that may be a threat to your safety or that of your pet.
- Keep pets on a leash and do not let them approach or chase wildlife. Small pets should be kept close, even on a leash in wildlife country. Wolves are territorial and may view your pet as a potential threat or prey.
- Never try to feed a wolf either directly or indirectly.
- Keep your pets indoors, especially at night, to avoid attracting wolves and other predators. Keep your pet close and on a leash in areas with wolf and other predator activity.
- Feed your pets indoors. If your pets are fed outside, clean up all food afterwards and store bowls indoors. Store your pet food indoors or in a bear-resistant bin.
- If you have a bird feeder, clean up any accumulated seed under it which can also attract rodents. Remember to take feeders down when bears are active.
- NEVER feed deer or prey species as they can attract large predators such as wolves. Urban deer present their own set of problems for your neighbourhood.
๐ช๐ผ๐น๐ณ ๐๐ป๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ (if they happen)
- If you see a wolf, do not let it approach. Avoid the temptation to capture a photograph and do not let wolves become comfortable around people. Keeping them wild and wary is safer for everyone.
- If you encounter a wolf or wolves on a kill, they may become defensive or territorial. Slowly back out of the area without running or turning your back. Have your bear spray handy and ready to deploy.
- If a wolf approaches and shows signs of aggression, DO NOT RUN. Be assertive with the animal by throwing rocks, yelling, making yourself appear large and threatening. It is important that you NEVER play dead with a wolf. Keep slowly backing away and out of the area until you can get to safety.
- Use bear spray as a deterrent much as you would with a bear or cougar.
๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฎ๐น ๐ก๐ผ๐๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐:
When recreating and camping in BC, always be sure to have a โbare campsiteโ. In some coastal BC parks, wolves have learned to open the hatches of sea kayaks. Always visit a parkโs website before leaving home to check for wildlife alerts and recommendations on conflict reduction. Many parks do not allow dogs, on leash or otherwise, as a result of the potential conflict with wildlife.