Pyramid wolf pack sightings continue
The Pyramid pack is back.
On Dec. 20, sightings of a member of this wolf pack on Pyramid Bench led to a warning issued for the area. While there have been no adverse encounters involving park wolves this winter, Parks Canada wants to remind trail users to keep dogs on a leash and stay aware while using the area. Since the 20th, wolf sightings have continued and tracks have been heavy along the community fireguard.
In 2011鈥�12, a member of this wolf pack had four negative encounters with dogs on Pyramid Bench, two of them resulting in the death of the dogs. Chasing an off-leash dog at some distance from a person is considered normal wolf behavior, and the first three wolf encounters involved off-leash dogs at long distances from their owners. Evidence suggests that these encounters could likely have been prevented if the dogs were on-leash. Predation on the dogs reinforced undesirable wolf behaviour and led to habituation of this wolf and potentially other members of the Pyramid wolf pack.
Sightings of these beautiful animals are usually uncommon, since the species is generally wary of people and they can have large ranges that cover over 1,000 square kilometres. Despite their fierce reputation, wolves very rarely attack people. They are excellent hunters though and dine locally on deer, elk, moose, sheep, beaver, hare and mice.
Jasper National Park has approximately 80鈥�100 wolves. The Pyramid wolf pack consists of approximately 7鈥�10 wolves.
Help protect wolves, dogs and people in Jasper:
1. KEEP YOUR DOG ON A LEASH
Repeat encounters between wolves and off-leash dogs put not only wolves at risk, but every dog and person who may later run into these same wolves. It鈥檚 not just a good idea鈥攊t鈥檚 the law.
2. TRAVEL SMART - BE PREPARED
Parks Canada recommends to travel in groups of three or more, carry bear spray, closely supervise small children, avoid travelling at dusk or dawn, and to carry cell phones.
3. REPORT ALL WOLF SIGHTINGS
This is key to help ensure your safety and prevent further habituation of Jasper鈥檚 wolves. Report to 780-852-6155 or anonymously to 1-877-852-3100.
For current warnings and closures, check out Important Bulletins on the Jasper National Park website: www.pc.gc.ca/jasper.
