The local Prince Rupert RCMP has reported a wolf attack on a medium sized family dog at Butze Rapids trail today, and are encouraging the public to either avoid the area temporarily, or to be prepared for potential wildlife interactions. Thankfully, no injuries were sustained by the family that witnessed the attack or their dog, thanks to support from neighbouring trail visitors who had a bear-banger on hand.
See below for a list of ways that you can keep you, your family and pets, as well as our local wildlife safe. The Province notes in their guidelines that interactions where wolves display aggressive behaviour is rare, however, if they do act in such a way it is recommended to:
- Make yourself look as large as possible - if sitting, stand up.
- Wave your arms and throw objects at the wolf or coyote
- Shout at the wolf or coyote in a loud aggressive voice
- If the wolf or coyote continues to approach, don't run or turn your back. Continue to exaggerate the above gestures and slowly move to safety
- The use of scare devices, such as bear bangers, horns or sirens has shown to be effective, however, wolves and other predators may adapt quickly, therefore it is important to alter how they are deployed.
- Use of chemical repellents have not shown a significant effectiveness in reducing wolf or coyote attacks, however, it may deter their behaviour temporarily
If you see any wildlife acting aggressively please do not hesitate to call 9-1-1 in an emergency, if you wish to report a sighting that you believe is unsafe please call the Prince Rupert RCMP at 250-624-2136 or BC Conservation Officer Services at 1-877-952-7277.
We're very relieved to hear that this family and their pet are all okay, and we encourage everyone to stay safe out there!
The full article from local RCMP is here:
https://bc-cb.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=2136&languageId=1&contentId=80525&detachmentDataId=43881&fbclid=IwAR3ixhI1cCZmsqYD9DO51JnPIDuo8NlErLlCFigr4cH2JtwF_Wjw_RJKaE0
And additional information on preventing human-wildlife conflict is here:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/wildlife/human-wildlife-conflict/staying-safe-around-wildlife/wolves-coyotes