Sooke-based wildlife group Wild Wise is urging people to remain calm following an alleged report of a "pack of wolves" chasing a Metchosin resident and their dog.
According to Wild Wise president Mollie Cameron, the number of wolves involved in the incident on Monday (April 7) conflict from two, three to a whole pack.
The Conservation Officer Service (COS) also confirmed they had received reports of wolves in Metchosin and have investigated an incident involving a dog. "Wolves are territorial animals and during the incident today they exhibited natural territorial behaviour," said a COS spokesperson in a statement.
COS is monitoring the situation in Metchosin and has asked the public to report wolf interactions to its Report All Poachers and Polluters line at 1-877-952-7277.
Wild Wise's Cameron has described the report as "unusual," explaining that wolves residing in the region have typically shown "minimal interest in conflict, typically avoiding human interaction."
"While sightings of wolves can understandably be unsettling, it is important to recognize that such sightings do not necessarily indicate imminent danger," said Cameron in an emailed statement.
"Wolves generally approach dogs not out of aggression, but to provoke a flight response," she continues. "This behaviour is rooted in their natural instinct to chase prey that flees, as this increases their chances of a successful hunt. Wolves are fast, often reaching speeds of 50-60 km/h when chasing prey, which is difficult for any human or dog to outrun. However, it is important to note that wolves are not typically inclined to attack humans or pets unless they feel directly threatened."
The exact location of the April 7 incident has been withheld by Cameron, who also encourages others to do the same.
"We try to encourage people to not post locations online, because you never know what another individual's intentions may be," she says.
To prevent habituation, Wild Wise has stressed the importance of not engaging with or attempting to photograph wolves when they are spotted along the roadside or in other public areas.
"If we want wolves to remain wild, we must ensure that our actions do not interfere with their natural behaviours," says Cameron. "Habituation to human presence can lead to dangerous interactions and we must respect the wildlife by maintaining safe distances."
To minimize the risk of conflict, Wild Wise encourages all residents to take necessary precautions:
- Ensure dogs are kept on a leash at all times when outside.
- Bring free-roaming cats indoors to prevent encounters.
- Secure livestock adequately to avoid attracting or provoking wolves.
- If you encounter a wolf with your leashed dog, remain still and make loud noises to discourage any further approach. Back away slowly while maintaining eye contact when safe to do so.
"We acknowledge that interactions with wolves can be concerning, but we want to emphasize that such occurrences are rare," adds Cameron. "The presence of wolves in our community is an opportunity to witness the vital role they play in keeping our environment balanced.
"As always, we encourage residents to exercise caution, respect wildlife and report any further concerns so we can continue to ensure the safety and well-being of both our community and the local wildlife."
