The Department of Environment and Climate Change in N.W.T. is urging residents to be cautious with their pets following the sighting of three wolves in and around Fort McPherson, N.W.T. One wolf, which had been present in the area since early October, was recently shot and killed by a local resident. Lila Voudrach, the wildlife and environment manager for the Beaufort Delta region, mentioned that this particular wolf was frequently seen interacting with loose dogs and feeding from their bowls within the community.
According to Diana Koe, president of the Tetłit Gwich’in Council and a Fort McPherson resident, the wolf displayed an unusual lack of fear towards dogs and humans in the area, often being seen strolling along main roads and socializing with other dogs. Following the elimination of the first wolf, two more have appeared and are lingering in the vicinity.
Although the wolves have not exhibited aggressive behavior towards humans, there is a heightened risk to dogs, which could potentially transmit diseases to people. Voudrach emphasized that wolves have previously attacked and killed dogs in the region. To prevent further wolf encounters, Voudrach is advising pet owners to leash their dogs and refrain from allowing them to wander freely. Additionally, she stressed the importance of vaccinating dogs against rabies as a preventive measure against potential diseases.
Residents of Fort McPherson have been advised not to feed the wolves or leave food outside, including bird feed. Traps have been installed by the community’s renewable resource officer in an effort to capture the remaining two wolves.
