Wolf activity spurs closings, warnings in Banff region

“Bold” wolf behaviour in Banff National Park has promoted closures and warnings across the region.

On Tuesday, Parks Canada issued a warning for the entire Banff townsite after wolves were seen “approaching vehicles and seeking human food rewards” in the park, the statement read.

The warning covers the town of Banff, Tunnel Mountain, Fairmont Banff Springs golf course, Minnewanka Loop, Johnson Lake Reservoir and Cascade Ponds.

Justin Brisbane with Parks Canada said they first became aware of a “young, emaciated male wolf on Sunshine Road three weeks ago” after Sunshine Village staff reported multiple sightings. Parks staff located the wolf entering a storage building and captured him to assess his condition. Due to the wolf ’s “excessive level of habituation and human food conditioning,” the decision was made to euthanize the animal.

“Parks Canada team members work hard to prevent unfortunate situations such as this by using a wide range of tools including educating park visitors and residents, providing bear-proof food garbage bins and food storage facilities, researching and monitoring of wildlife, and increasing compliance and enforcement efforts,” Brisbane said.

In a separate incident, reports came in from the Egypt Lake Campground that a wolf had entered two tents prompting Parks Canada to extended the warning and issue the closure of Pharaoh Creek Campground, Healy Creak Campground and Egypt Lake Campground.

In a third incident, a wolf was spotted on the Trans-canada Highway east of Banff. It was later seen in the day near the Two Jack Canal on the Minnewanka Loop Road and the next day on Banff Avenue.