Cortes Island is truly fortunate to be home to wild creatures, wolves, cougar and the occasional bear. Wild spaces and wildlife corridors are vital to their existence. It is important we keep wildlife wild and everyone safe.

Increased wolf sightings are being observed (and noted by FOCI) in the Whaletown Commons area. This may well pass as the wolves move elsewhere. People are not at risk from wolves. It is our dogs that upset the wolves. It is well known that wolves view all dogs as a territorial threat, especially when off-leash.

For now, FOCI recommends that people find spaces other than the Whaletown Commons to walk their dogs. We also ask you to read and follow the recommendations in our wolf primer attached to keep you and your pets safe.

It would be very helpful to FOCI if people contact the FOCI office directly with any wolf sightings. FOCI is positioned to work with the conservation officers when necessary, and are monitoring wolf activity on the island. We can be contacted on friendsofcortesgmail.com and 250 935 0087. Your help is much appreciated.

We want to make sure we can safely coexist with wildlife and reduce human-wildlife conflict. Consistency in our behaviour is important. You can find out more about Wildlife Coexistence on our website HERE