Parks Canada is urging people to leave their dogs at home after two recent incidents of wolves stalking the 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 from wolves,” the agency said in a release. “One interaction indicates that the wolves have increased their boldness in attempt to prey on dogs, including large, leashed dogs.”
The release said that in one incident, two wolves charged near a visitor with a leashed dog and “pursued them at very close proximity for an extended period.”
In the second incident, Parks Canada said, two wolves “quickly approach[ed] a beach walker at a very close proximity … pushing the visitor into the water.”
Wolf encounters are not uncommon in the park at 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, a “wolf in area” warning is in place and visitors are encouraged to hike in groups, keep children close and make noise while remaining on high alert. Dogs should be kept on leash or left at home if possible, the warning says.
If a wolf is seen, visitors are advised to yell, wave their arms and slowly back away while maintaining eye contact. Running and crouching 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 fight back.
WildSafeBC says while wolf attacks on people are rare, food-conditioned and habituated wolves can be a concern, and they are known to prey on pets.
“If you encounter a wolf, avoid the temptation to stare or take a photo and instead, focus on scaring the animal away,” the agency says.
“Maintaining a wolf’s wariness of humans is the safest strategy for all.“
