Residents
and tourists in Tofino and Ucluelet are being warned to keep a close
eye on their children and pets after two dogs were killed during the
night, possibly by wolves.
Photograph by: Supplied photo by Steve Williamson, timescolonist.com
Residents
and tourists in Tofino and Ucluelet are being warned to keep a close
eye on their children and pets after two dogs were killed during the
night, possibly by wolves.
On Tuesday, Parks Canada and the B.C. Conservation Service warned people to keep their dogs on leashes and under supervision at all times.
On Saturday night, a chihuahua had been let out into a Tofino backyard when it was snatched by a predator. No carcass was found, said conservation officer Brittany Mueller, so the predator can't be positively identified.
The chihuahua's owner was contacted but declined to comment on the incident.
But then, early on Monday morning, a pit bull terrier died after it was mauled by a wolf. The dog was out at night unsupervised and may have been tied up in a yard, Mueller said.
There have not been wolf attacks like this in recent memory, Mueller said.
"It's that time of year when we have to be aware the predators are out, and the bears will be waking up soon," said Mueller.
"We want to educate the public on wolf safety and steps to take to avoid conflict."
A lone wolf was recently sighted at the lighthouse near Ucluelet and another near an undeveloped golf course. A wolf was also seen in a Ucluelet parking lot.
"It is not yet known whether the increase in wolf activity in nearby communities will correspond with higher than normal wolf activity inside the park reserve," said parks spokeswoman Renee Wissink in a statement.
Long-time Tofino resident Ken Gibson said the predation by wolves and cougars this year is "quite serious."
Wolves used to be spotted far from town, but today, wolves are routinely spotted in developed areas.
"They're a totally different animal than a cougar," Gibson said Tuesday.
"A cougar is a real coward, but these wolves in a pack are a different thing. They're a bunch of bullies."
Wolves used to be hunted and as a result their numbers dwindled. As their numbers increase, so does the potential for run-ins with people and pets.
Gibson said he understands people don't like to see wolves killed "but it won't be very good when some kid is [killed by a wolf]."
Decades ago, a cougar methodically hunted dogs in Tofino "and did away with every one except two," Gibson said.
Parks Canada reminds the public never to approach a wolf or cougar. If an animal approaches, back away slowly while maintaining eye contact and making noise. Wave arms to appear larger.
People are urged to carry pepper spray and an air horn to scare away wolves and cougars.
Anyone spotting a wolf or cougar is asked to call 1-877-852-3100 toll free and report the location and time of sighting.
On Aug. 29, 2011, a Ucluelet toddler was attacked by a cougar in Pacific Rim National Park. He suffered head injuries but survived.
In another incident, a female jogger running on a country road was circled for 10 minutes by a cougar before a car came and scared it away.
source
On Tuesday, Parks Canada and the B.C. Conservation Service warned people to keep their dogs on leashes and under supervision at all times.
On Saturday night, a chihuahua had been let out into a Tofino backyard when it was snatched by a predator. No carcass was found, said conservation officer Brittany Mueller, so the predator can't be positively identified.
The chihuahua's owner was contacted but declined to comment on the incident.
But then, early on Monday morning, a pit bull terrier died after it was mauled by a wolf. The dog was out at night unsupervised and may have been tied up in a yard, Mueller said.
There have not been wolf attacks like this in recent memory, Mueller said.
"It's that time of year when we have to be aware the predators are out, and the bears will be waking up soon," said Mueller.
"We want to educate the public on wolf safety and steps to take to avoid conflict."
A lone wolf was recently sighted at the lighthouse near Ucluelet and another near an undeveloped golf course. A wolf was also seen in a Ucluelet parking lot.
"It is not yet known whether the increase in wolf activity in nearby communities will correspond with higher than normal wolf activity inside the park reserve," said parks spokeswoman Renee Wissink in a statement.
Long-time Tofino resident Ken Gibson said the predation by wolves and cougars this year is "quite serious."
Wolves used to be spotted far from town, but today, wolves are routinely spotted in developed areas.
"They're a totally different animal than a cougar," Gibson said Tuesday.
"A cougar is a real coward, but these wolves in a pack are a different thing. They're a bunch of bullies."
Wolves used to be hunted and as a result their numbers dwindled. As their numbers increase, so does the potential for run-ins with people and pets.
Gibson said he understands people don't like to see wolves killed "but it won't be very good when some kid is [killed by a wolf]."
Decades ago, a cougar methodically hunted dogs in Tofino "and did away with every one except two," Gibson said.
Parks Canada reminds the public never to approach a wolf or cougar. If an animal approaches, back away slowly while maintaining eye contact and making noise. Wave arms to appear larger.
People are urged to carry pepper spray and an air horn to scare away wolves and cougars.
Anyone spotting a wolf or cougar is asked to call 1-877-852-3100 toll free and report the location and time of sighting.
On Aug. 29, 2011, a Ucluelet toddler was attacked by a cougar in Pacific Rim National Park. He suffered head injuries but survived.
In another incident, a female jogger running on a country road was circled for 10 minutes by a cougar before a car came and scared it away.
source
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