Dog dies in wolf attack

On Monday, Nov. 14, a wolf killed a medium-sized dog on the Pyramid Trail between the junction of trail 2a and 2b. The event occurred at a time of day (dusk) that is an active hunting period for all predators and the dog was off-leash, several metres behind its owner. Resource conservation staff investigated the scene and determined that the wolf had focused all its attention on the dog and did not exhibit any awareness of or aggression toward the dog’s owner nearby. The wolf was accompanied by four or five other wolves that are believed to make up the Pyramid pack. The members of this pack are all grey in colour and currently include the Pyramid Bench area as part of their home range. 

While wolf attacks like this one are very rare in this park (only one other case has been recorded over the past 30 years), it is not unusual behavior for a wolf to attack a domestic dog, especially if the dog is separated from people. Wolves are very territorial and are known to attack (and occasionally consume) dogs, coyotes and other wolves that are not part of their pack. It is likely that the dog in the most recent incident poked its nose in the wrong place at the wrong time and triggered a territorial response. It is important to note, however, that if wolves are given repeated access to unsupervised dogs, they can become conditioned to view pets as an easy prey source. Wolves that regularly target dogs as prey appear to be more likely to develop aggressive behaviour towards people.

This incident has prompted Jasper residents to ask questions about human safety in wolf country. Wolf aggression towards people is extremely rare and the park has never recorded an unprovoked wolf attack on a person. In fact, in the handful of serious wolf attacks that have occurred in North America since 1970, almost all involved habituated wolves that exhibited fearless behaviour toward people, had been frequenting the attack area for a considerable length of time prior to the incident, and showed signs of being conditioned to a food source associated with people.

Tips for safety when around wolves

Should I be worried about being up on the bench with my child or dog? 

All wild animals, including cougars, bears, coyotes and wolves are unpredictable. This means it is always advisable to keep children close and keep your pet on a leash at all times when you’re out enjoying the park.

What should I do if I encounter a wolf?

• Immediately pick up small children.

• Give the wolf an escape route.

• Stay calm, face the animal and retreat slowly. 

   Do not run or play dead.

If you are approached by a wolf:

• Stand your ground.

• Prepare to use your bear spray (remember to keep it from freezing).

• Act aggressively – stomp your feet, yell, wave a stick, throw rocks.

• Make yourself look larger using your jacket, pack, or hiking poles.

• If a wolf attacks, use your bear spray or fight back using anything available to deter the attack.

Have a question about wolves that isn’t answered here? We invite you to contact the JNP Human-Wildlife Conflict Team at 780-852-6155.

Don’t be on thin ice

It may feel like winter but are the lakes safe for skating? Before you step on it, take time to find out about the ice conditions and whether the ice can hold your weight. Generally thicker, clear ice is the strongest and ice 10 centimetres thick is considered safe for skating. It’s up to YOU to assess the thickness and quality of the ice.

The thickness of natural ice varies from place to place. Ice forms over shallow, still water first and is thinner over areas where the water is flowing. Ice thickness can vary from place to place on any pond or lake. Be especially cautious around inflow and outflow areas.

What happens if you do fall in? The best way to help a person is to extend a long pole or throw them a line. Carry a hockey stick, a piece of rope, or, even better, an emergency throw bag with you. 

If you fall into cold water you have one minute to gain control of your breathing. If you hyperventilate or gasp, and your head goes under the water, you will take in water and drown long before hypothermia sets in. Gaining control of your breathing and remaining calm is critical to survival.

You will only have strength, muscle control and co-ordination to self rescue for a maximum of 10 minutes when immersed in cold water. If you are unable to get yourself out within that 10-minute window, you will not be able to self-rescue, and your only chance of survival is to keep your head above the water and hope for rescue.

Death by hypothermia will not happen for at least one hour, and possibly up to two hours. If you are unable to get yourself out of the water, it is critical to make sure your head stays above water, even if you lose consciousness. In a falling through the ice scenario, you can put your wet arms on the ice surface and hope they freeze onto the ice before you go unconscious, and that someone comes along to rescue you. Of course, a life jacket is the preferred method of keeping your head above the water.

If you are not sure if the ice is thick enough, stay off it. Never skate alone. Don’t skate in the dark.

Contest for Grade 8 students

Parks Canada’s exciting new “Coolest School Trip Contest” was launched on Nov. 10. It is part of the My Parks Pass program that helps build strong connections between young Canadians and our natural and cultural heritage.

Collaborating with Nature Canada, the Historica-Dominion Institute, Brewster Travel Canada, and Banff Lake Louise Tourism, Parks Canada is offering an all-expenses paid trip to Banff National Park for the winning Grade 8 class. To win, the class must submit a video that re-creates a significant Canadian moment related to a national park, national marine conservation area, or national historic site administered by Parks Canada.

The public will have a chance to vote for their favourite video Jan. 9-31, 2012. A panel of judges will then select the winning entry from the top 10 class videos that received the most votes on Feb. 8, 2012.

The contest is open to all Grade 8 classes in Canada. For additional information and for the full contest rules and conditions, please see www.myparkspass.ca. Contest entries will be accepted online at the contest website until Jan. 8, 2012. The winning class will be announced in February 2012.