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Bold wolf seeking food in Banff National Park prompts warning

“A wolf has been displaying bold behaviour at backcountry campsites and seeking human food rewards."
Warning_Map

BANFF – A bold wolf seeking human food in Banff National Park has prompted a warning from Parks Canada.

It is unknown at this time if the wolf is a lone animal or a member of the Bow Valley pack.

A Parks Canada spokesperson was not immediately available for comment, but a bulletin indicated that special caution is recommended when travelling in the Sunshine, Healy Creek and Redearth Creek area due to a bold wolf in the vicinity.

“A wolf has been displaying bold behaviour at backcountry campsites and seeking human food rewards,” according to the Parks Canada bulletin issued Tuesday afternoon (July 7).

The warning is in place for the Sunshine Road, and all trails between Redearth Creek and Healy Creek, including Ball Pass Junction and Egypt Lake.

Meanwhile, there have been several reports posted on social media of wolf sightings inside the Banff townsite, including a woman who indicated a wolf walked right past her, only a few metres away, and another of a wolf on Banff Avenue at 7 a.m. Monday (July 6).

In 2016, Parks Canada was forced to kill two female wolves in the Bow Valley pack after they got into human food and were boldly approaching people. One of those was the former alpha female. 

The current breeding female of the pack, who was young when her mother was killed, is the only surviving member of that former pack. The alpha male of the existing pack was hit and killed on the Trans-Canada Highway in May.

Parks Canada provides the following advice to safely coexist with wildlife in the national park: 

• Never approach, entice or feed wildlife. 

• Ensure all food, garbage, and pet food are stored inside a building or vehicle. 

• Supervise children and keep pets on a leash at all times. 

• If you are approached by a wolf, act aggressively to discourage it from approaching. 

• Carry bear spray and know how to use it. 

• Report all wolf sightings immediately to Banff dispatch at 403-762-1470.


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