Keep the dogs and kids home. Photo: Michael LaRosa//Unsplash
Residents of Tofino, that beautiful little surf town at the end of the road on Canada’s Vancouver Island, have an issue: wolves.
There’s a lot of wildlife in that particular area — and much of Vancouver Island, for that matter — but wolves are generally pretty sneaky. Seeing one is rare. Bears are far more common, but the wolves in Tofino appear to be getting a little too bold for the residents’ liking. Parks Canada is letting visitors and locals alike know that a wolf warning is in effect for the Long Beach area of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Two recent wolf encounters were the motivation behind the warning.
“Two recent interactions between wolves and visitors show an increasing level of habituation and bold behavior from wolves,” said Parks Canada in a press release. “One interaction indicates that the wolves have increased their boldness in an attempt to prey on dogs, including large, leashed dogs.”
According to reports, two wolves charged a tourist who was walking a leashed dog and “pursued them at very close proximity for an extended period.” The second encounter involved a person walking on the beach. Two wolves approached the person, got a little too close for comfort, and eventually the walker felt the need to walk into the ocean in an attempt to escape them.
This isn’t normal behavior for wolves, and Parks Canada is now telling people that they should leave their dogs at home and avoid hiking in remote areas by themselves. The organization is also warning that children should be kept as close as possible as well as encouraging people to carry bear spray with them, as it isn’t only a deterrent for bears.
As a general rule, there are a few basic rules when encountering wolves. Don’t run or crouch down. Pick up small children and back away slowly while maintaining direct eye contact. Waving your arms and looking as big as possible is also important.
“If a wolf approaches you: Throw sticks and stones,” Parks Canada wrote. “If the aggression escalates, use bear spray and fight back,” says Parks Canada.
Anyone who spots a wolf in the area is asked to immediately call Parks Canada Emergency Dispatch at 1-877-852-3100 or 250-726-3604.
