Close X
Sunday, November 24, 2024
ADVT 
National

Warning Issued In Banff National Park After Female Wolf Approaches Campers

The Canadian Press, 04 Sep, 2018 11:36 PM
  • Warning Issued In Banff National Park After Female Wolf Approaches Campers
BANFF, Alta. — A warning is in effect in Banff National Park after a wolf approached campers in a busy campground.
 
 
Parks Canada ecologist Jesse Whittington said the warning on the Bow Valley Parkway, which runs between Banff and Lake Louise, was issued this week because a collared wolf entered the Castle Mountain campground at night on Aug. 27.
 
 
"She searched through several occupied campsites for food and she approached campers to within one metre and then left the campground," Whittington said in an interview Tuesday.
 
 
"She did not receive any food rewards, which is great, but her persistent behaviour while people were watching and following her was concerning.
 
 
"Once wolves and wildlife become conditioned to human food, it's so hard to change their behaviour."
 
 
The wolf, which found a mate and had at least four pups this spring, was one of the members in the Bow Valley pack that was fitted with a tracking collar in 2016.
 
 
"She was a yearling in 2016 when the Bow Valley Pack became food conditioned," said Whittington. "She and her father were always the most wary wolves.
 
 
"Throughout the summer, she has been roaming throughout the Bow Valley and has always been skittish around people and has not entered into campgrounds, so we were concerned when we received this report of her entering the campground and clearly looking for food."
 
 
Two of the other members of the pack were shot and killed by wildlife officials in the summer of 2016 when they became aggressive with campers.
 
 
Both wolves had gotten into food and garbage left at campsites.
 
 
Whittington said parks staff have been monitoring the wolf and she hasn't returned to the campground.
 
 
But he reminded campers to follow park rules, which include keeping food and garbage secure and not feeding wildlife and giving animals space.
 
 
"It's imperative that she's not presented with any opportunities to get into any human food," said Whittington.

MORE National ARTICLES

'I Came To The Realization That I Was A Missing Person:' Man Who Disappeared On Ski Trip

'I Came To The Realization That I Was A Missing Person:' Man Who Disappeared On Ski Trip
His annual ski trip to Lake Placid, N.Y., with colleagues from Toronto Fire Services was drawing to a close when he realized he'd forgotten to bring a camera to the lodge where he was unwinding with friends about half-way up Whiteface Mountain.

'I Came To The Realization That I Was A Missing Person:' Man Who Disappeared On Ski Trip

Athletes, Pro Video Game Players Not So Different: Esport Insiders

Athletes, Pro Video Game Players Not So Different: Esport Insiders
From horse riding to weight lifting and soccer to sailing, what is defined as "sports" includes a broad variety of activities. But whether professional video gaming falls under that wide umbrella remains up for debate.

Athletes, Pro Video Game Players Not So Different: Esport Insiders

Millions On The Line At Professional Video Game Competition In Vancouver

Millions On The Line At Professional Video Game Competition In Vancouver
When thousands of fans pack Vancouver's Rogers Arena this weekend, it won't be a hockey player or a musical superstar they're screaming to see.

Millions On The Line At Professional Video Game Competition In Vancouver

'He Kind Of Ripped Off The Band-Aid:' Some Tories Relieved After Maxime Bernier Quits

HALIFAX — After a bombshell day for the Conservative party, many members attending the annual Tory convention in Halifax expressed quiet relief on Thursday that the long-expected divorce of maverick MP Maxime Bernier from the party was finally out of the way.

'He Kind Of Ripped Off The Band-Aid:' Some Tories Relieved After Maxime Bernier Quits

Maxime Bernier Contacted 'Key People' Before Announcing New Party, Source Says

Maxime Bernier Contacted 'Key People' Before Announcing New Party, Source Says
Quebec MP Maxime Bernierhad already hit the ground running before Thursday's bombshell announcement that he would quit the Conservatives and launch his own party, a source close to the controversial MP says.  

Maxime Bernier Contacted 'Key People' Before Announcing New Party, Source Says

Hamilton Cop Being Investigated In 'Good Samaritan' Death, Watchdog Agency Says

Hamilton Cop Being Investigated In 'Good Samaritan' Death, Watchdog Agency Says
MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Ontario's police watchdog says it's investigating a Hamilton police officer in relation to the fatal shooting last year of a young man hailed as a Good Samaritan.

Hamilton Cop Being Investigated In 'Good Samaritan' Death, Watchdog Agency Says