Dogs are being welcomed back to the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve after a four-day ban.
The temporary ban was put in place on March 23, after a wolf attacked a leashed dog near a parking lot at Wick Beach.
“Parks Canada would like to thank the hundreds of visitors who visited Pacific Rim National Park Reserve over the weekend and did their part to reduce conflict between visitors and wolves,” read a statement released by the Park on Monday. “By respecting the dog ban and ensuring traces of food and garbage were not left on the beach, wolves were not given added incentive to approach people.”
A Wolf Advisory remains in place throughout the Park.
“Visitors are encouraged to leave their dogs at home, since at least one wolf in the area has begun to identify and target dogs as prey,” the statement reads.
“Wolves are native to Vancouver Island and, as predators, are vital to a healthy coastal ecosystem. Wolves may be encountered anywhere in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, however if these animals become accustomed to people, they are in danger of losing their wildness.”
The Park urges all visitors to keep their dogs leashed at all times, never approach wolves and store all food and attractants securely.
“If approached by a wolf, pick up small children, stand up tall and look large, make noise and back away slowly, maintaining eye contact as you leave,” the statement reads. “If the animal continues to approach, yell, throw stones or sticks. If the aggression escalates, fight back and do not run.”
Anyone who spots a wolf within the Park is encouraged to report their sighting at 1-877-852-3100.