Caribou Conservation Actions: What do you think?
The Conservation Strategy for Southern Mountain Caribou in Canada’s National Parks (2011) identifies five threat categories affecting caribou populations in the mountain parks. To support caribou recovery, it is necessary to address all five threats, one of which is predator access. To address this threat to caribou populations in Jasper, Parks Canada is proposing adjustments to backcountry use in important caribou habitat from Nov. 1 – Feb. 28 annually, in the A La Peche, Brazeau and Tonquin caribou ranges. These areas would continue to be accessible after March 1, providing backcountry users the opportunity to enjoy them when days are longer, temperatures are warmer, and snow conditions are usually at their finest.
To learn more about the proposals and to submit your comments, visit the What’s New page of the Jasper National Park website (www.pc.gc.ca/Jasper). Parks Canada anticipates reaching a decision on actions to be implemented for the 2013–14 winter season in May. Comments submitted before April 19 will help inform this decision making process.
In late February, Parks Canada met with regional winter recreational users in Edmonton and Jasper to inventory current and potential winter backcountry opportunities in Jasper. As part of this discussion, they were presented with information regarding proposed adjustments to winter backcountry use in important caribou habitat. A summary of questions, answers and comments from participants of these workshops will be posted at www.pc.gc.ca/caribou.
Wolves and Dogs - What’s happening with the Pyramid Pack?
Last fall, two wolves were collared in the Pyramid Pack. One of the collars uses VHF, which emits a signal biologists can use to locate the animal and determine if it is still alive. The VHF collar has shown that at least a few of the Pyramid pack wolves have travelled across the Athabasca River to the lower slopes of Signal Mountain to hunt – an interesting development, as they may be displacing the smaller Signal Pack. The second collar uses GPS and provides regular stored data points to track the animal over time. Unfortunately, the GPS collar has failed and is not providing any information. With strict animal care protocols, which outline methods and deadlines for capture and even observation, biologists will not be able to exchange this collar before next winter. Before this time, females are pregnant and then rearing their pups.
Help protect wolves, dogs and people by keeping your dog on a leash
While there haven’t been any further interactions between wolves and dogs since last October’s unsuccessful attack, there are still many sightings of the Pyramid Pack, and reports of people approaching the wolves fairly closely. It is as important as always to keep your dog on a leash and be observant. March is mating season for wolves. Single wolves are searching for mates while sub-adult males are looking for potential pack members. At this time, wolves can be more curious and less afraid and may be attracted to dogs. Also, wolf pups will be out and about by early May, hanging around their den sites until approximately early July.
Continued encounters between off-leash dogs and wolves, like those that occurred last summer, could increase wolf habituation putting not only dogs at risk but also people and ultimately the wolf pack itself. Please report any wolf sightings to Jasper Dispatch at 780-852-6155. We very much appreciate your eyes and ears out there.
