Though the wolf population in northern Canada is
strong, southwestern Alberta – with ranch land bordering on
wilderness – is becoming a killing ground for wolves. Biologists on
both sides of the border fear that if the open shooting season
there continues, the 100 or so wolves that have migrated on their
own into western Montana could eventually be cut off from Canadian
populations. That could drive the wolves in the United States into
biological isolation.
Alberta hunters don’t need
a license to shoot as many wolves as they want for nine months out
of the year, and landowners can kill wolves within five miles of
their property year-round.
Kevin Van Tighem, a
biologist for Waterton National Park just north of the U.S. border,
says that over the last 12 months biologists recorded 44 wolves
killed by humans in southwestern Alberta – almost the entire
estimated population for the region. Provincial wildlife manager
Richard Quinlan says the government wants to maintain 50 wolves in
the area, but he acknowledges that is impossible without placing
limits on hunting.
“We’re either going to have
to change our management or change our goal,” says Quinlan.
However, the province has yet to propose a hunting season or
limit.
The result, says Van Tighem, is clear:
“Wolves try and try to establish themselves but just keep getting
knocked back.” – Ben Long
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Alberta proves deadly for wolves.
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