Wolves forced B.C. beachgoer into ocean, Parks Canada warning says

A Vancouver Island coastal wolf photographed by wildlife photographer and cinematographer Ryan Tidman. (Courtesy: Ryan Tidman)

Parks Canada says two recent wolf encounters on Vancouver Island, including one where a beachgoer was forced into the ocean by the animals, suggest wolves are becoming increasingly aggressive and habituated to human activity.

The agency on Tuesday issued a renewed warning to visitors at a national park reserve near Tofino, saying wolf interactions are on the rise in the Long Beach area of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

In a statement, Parks Canada says one of the interactions indicates wolves “have increased their boldness in (an) attempt to prey on dogs, including large, leashed dogs.”

Describing the encounter, the agency said a pair of wolves “charged near a visitor with a leashed dog and pursued them at very close proximity for an extended period.”

The second incident again involved two wolves, according to the Parks Canada statement. In that encounter, the animals quickly approached someone walking along the beach, coming very close to them and then “pushing the visitor into the water,” according to the statement.

‘Dogs are an attractant to wolves’

Parks Canada did not say when the incidents were recorded, or whether the same two animals may have been involved in both cases.

Last month the agency issued a warning about increased wolf sightings in the Long Beach area, south of Tofino.

The warning urged visitors to keep children close while in the park, and keep dogs on leashes or leave them at home.

In its updated advisory on Tuesday, however, the agency said beachgoers should not bring their pets to the beach at all.

“Leave your dog at home. Dogs are an attractant to wolves,” the statement said. “Keep children close. Carry bear spray, ensure it is accessible, and know how to use it.”

Hikers in the area are advised not to hike alone, and to watch for signs of wolf activity, such as tracks and droppings.

“Protecting wildlife is a shared responsibility, and visitors and locals have an important role to play,” Parks Canada said.

Maintain eye contact, fight back

The native population of coastal wolves on Vancouver Island has been growing since the 1990s, when they began to recolonize the island’s western shores, according to data collected by the federal government.

While smaller than most inland species, the coastal wolves, or sea wolves, will weigh approximately 45 kilograms when fully grown and can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h when running over short distances.

Anyone who encounters a wolf in the area is urged not to run away and not to crouch down low to the ground.

“Create space by backing away slowly while maintaining eye contact with the animal,” the warning said. “Pick up small children and keep the group together. Yell, wave your arms and look large. If you have one, use an air horn.”

If a wolf approaches, visitors are advised to throw sticks or stones at the animal. If the wolf becomes aggressive, visitors are urged to use bear spray or any other means available to fight off an attack.

National park visitors who encounter a wolf are asked to report the sighting to Parks Canada emergency dispatchers as soon as possible.