Growing anecdotal reports of wolf sightings in Port Hardy have not become a concern for the authorities yet.

Officials say only three reports so far have been filed and itB次元官网网址檚 hard to say if there is a public safety issue emerging until more evidence is gathered.

Brad Adams, a conservation officer stationed in Port McNeill, said itB次元官网网址檚 challenging for COB次元官网网址檚 to pinpoint whatB次元官网网址檚 causing the wolves to wander into town, noting that while the North Island is a remote rural area with an abundance of wildlife, the main driving factor could potentially be the feral pet population.

Once COB次元官网网址檚 receive reports of wolves being seen in town, Adams said they actively look at where the wolf has been, and itB次元官网网址檚 behaviour while in the area.

B次元官网网址淥ur process would be to collect as much information from community members as possible, so we can decide whether the wolf is habituated to the area or to a food source B次元官网网址� until we get that info itB次元官网网址檚 hard to make a decision.B次元官网网址�

He noted residents should keep their pets indoors, keep them close when going out to use the bathroom at night, and if you happen to see a wolf, disengage from the area B次元官网网址渢o avoid a bad situation.B次元官网网址�

As for the tough subject of euthanization, Adams said itB次元官网网址檚 not as simple a decision whether to euthanize or not.

B次元官网网址淥nce we are able to get the information on the animals thereB次元官网网址檚 a lot of different factors,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 not about collecting information to euthanize, itB次元官网网址檚 about getting information to help mitigate the situation.B次元官网网址�

He added if you see a wild animal in town, please call the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.

B次元官网网址淐onservation officers donB次元官网网址檛 monitor Facebook, we need people to contact us and let us know what youB次元官网网址檝e seen.B次元官网网址�

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