NEWS RELEASES
Lone Wolf Triggers Warning In Banff National Park
Editor's Note: This news item was retrieved and first published through The Calgary Herald's website.
The Calgary Herald reports that Parks Canada has issued a warning to visitors traveling along the Bow Valley Parkway which runs between Banff and Lake Louise after a lone wolf entered the Castle Mountain campground on the night of Aug. 27. The warning applies to all campgrounds and day use areas along the Parkway from the Fireside day-use area to Castle Junction, but the facilities remain open, after a brief closure.
The female wolf which was wearing a tracking collar showed “bold behavior,” according to Jesse Whittington, a Parks Canada ecologist. “She searched through several occupied campsites for food and she approached campers to within one metre, and then left the campground,” Whittington told the Herald. Banff National Park is noted for its wildlife viewing opportunities, including bear, elk and bison.
Visitors are advised to never approach, entice or feed wildlife and to be sure all food, garbage, and pet food is stored inside a building or vehicle. Children should be closely supervised and pets kept and on a leash at all times. Park rangers say if you are approached by a wolf, act aggressively to discourage it from approaching, and suggest carrying bear spray. All carnivore sightings should be reported to Banff Dispatch at 403-762-1470.
For additional details on the warning, visit the Banff National Park website.