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General News · 21st January 2024
Sabina Leader Mense/ CCWP
Human-wildlife conflict specialists, within the Cortes Community Wolf Project’s (CCWP) extended community of provincial expertise, are advising that wolves breed in January & February and may, therefore, show heightened aggression towards dogs.
Dogs represent canine, territorial threats to wolves at all times but especially during their breeding season... that’s now.

Be responsible...
***Leash your dog. The power of the leash is that wolves recognize the dog as belonging to you; this dramatically reduces the risk of conflict between wolves and dogs. Dogs off leash are viewed as prey by wolves.

Be proactive...
Avoid walking your dog in areas frequented by wolves; the Cortes wolf pack is presently a prominent part of the landscape in the southern reaches of the island - Hague Lake south to Sutil Point. Choose other areas with trails or beaches that give you good sight lines, i.e. you can see some distance to either side of where you are walking your dog, no blind spots.
Carry an airhorn.

Be alert...
Remember that dogs act like a magnet for wolves; be actively checking your surroundings while walking your dog. If you encounter wolves, leave the area by the most direct route back to your vehicle or home. Do not stop to gawk or take photos. Maintain your personal space; use your airhorn to assert yourself; keep the wolves wary of you.
Expect the wolves to escort you and your dog out of their territory; the wolves need to ensure the threat to them/ their pack/ their pups, is removed.

Wildlife coexistence is working together to give the wolves the space they need during their breeding season. If you see someone walking their dog off leash, please share this information, as they may not know the risk of walking their dog off leash.

Our 5 point primer, Learning to Live with Wolves on Cortes Island, is attached below for your reference.

At all times, keep the wolves... wild, wary & alive!