A Banff resident was charged for illegally leaving out “unsecured garbage” in a backyard last week that resulted in a wolf being able to feed on it.
The un-collared grey wolf was seen feeding on the waste at a residence on Cougar Street in the morning of Aug. 9.
Town of Banff bylaw officers and Parks Canada wardens conducted an investigation into the incident.
Bylaw officers laid down a $150 charge to the resident for leaving waste accessible for wildlife.
Under the Town of Banff Waste Bylaw, a first offence fine is $150, wrote Tony Clark, supervisor for bylaw services, in an email.
Parks Canada wardens did not fine the resident, however, Greg Danchuk, Parks Canada visitor experience manager, said everyone has to work at this together to keep the Bow Valley’s wildlife wild.
“Visitors, town residents, we all carry the same responsibility to clean up and keep wildlife safe,” Danchuk said.
Banff National Park wolves living in the eastern portion of the park have had a rough 2016 so far.
Two Bow Valley wolf pack members were shot and killed by Parks wildlife managers in the past few months because they had become food-conditioned.
Parks made the difficult decisions to ensure visitor and public safety.
In many incidents, the result to destroy the bold wolves – an adult female and yearling female - came because they were approaching people and entering campsites searching for food rewards.
Parks Canada would like to remind Banff residents and visitors to ensure all garbage is sealed and properly disposed of in wildlife-proof garbage bins.
