A wildlife incident this morning on the Butze Rapids Trail has the Prince Rupert RCMP encouraging residents to take a pass on the popular recreation trail for the time being.
The details towards the incident were released in a statement from the Detachment over the noon hour.
Earlier today the Prince Rupert RCMP received a call from a family that was spending time at the beach off of the Butze Rapids walking trail when a wolf approached their group, which included a medium sized dog.
Thankfully there was a second family nearby that had bear-bangers and began to deploy them in an attempt to scare away the wolf.
Despite the use of bear-bangers the wolf attacked the medium sized dog. The dog escaped with no injuries.
"We are encouraging those who regularly walk Butze Rapids walking trail to either avoid the area for the time being, or come prepared for interactions with wild-life. Although situations like this are rare, sightings and interactions with wildlife in and around Prince Rupert are not, it is unusual to have a wolf not be afraid of humans despite the families making lots of noise and scare devices." --Prince Rupert RCMP Media Relations Cst. Brody Hemrich
The Prince Rupert RCMP is also encouraging people to review the BC government's recommendations for staying safe around wolves and coyotes.
According to the site interactions where wolves display aggressive behaviour is rare, however, if they do act in such a way it is recommended to:
Make yourself look as large as possible - if sitting, stand up.
Wave your arms and throw objects at the wolf or coyote
Shout at the wolf or coyote in a loud aggressive voice
If the wolf or coyote continues to approach, don't run or turn your back.
Continue to exaggerate the above gestures and slowly move to safety
The use of scare devices, such as bear bangers, horns or sirens has shown to be effective, however, wolves and other predators may adapt quickly, therefore it is important to alter how they are deployed.
Use of chemical repellents have not shown a significant effectiveness in reducing wolf or coyote attacks, however, it may deter their behaviour temporarily
More on those measures can be reviewed here.
The RCMP also advise that if you see any wildlife acting aggressively please do not hesitate to call 9-1-1 in an emergency, if you wish to report a sighting that you believe is unsafe please call the Prince Rupert RCMP at 250-624-2136 or BC Conservation Officer Services at 1-877-952-7277.
More notes related to the work of Emergency Responders can be explored here.
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