Municipality urges residents to be cautious after wolf spotted

Jesse Bonello - Staff Writer

The Municipality of Sioux Lookout advised residents of a large wolf spotted in town through their social media pages on March 13.

The advisory reads, “The Municipality wishes to advise residents that a large wolf was seen along the snowmobile trail in the area of Cedar Bay and the Golf Course. Residents are urged to use caution when enjoying the outdoors, and to be mindful of your surroundings at all times.”

According to www.ontario.ca, residents can prevent and manage conflicts with wolves, coyotes and foxes.

The website shares that if you see a coyote, wolf or fox, keep your distance and the animal will most likely avoid you. If you encounter an aggressive animal:

• never approach or touch a wild animal
• do not turn your back or run from a wild animal
• back away from the animal while remaining calm
• stand tall, wave your hands, and make lots of noise
• carry a flashlight at night
• if a wild animal poses an immediate threat or danger to public safety — call 911

You can make your property unwelcoming to these animals by:

• using flashing lights, motion sensors and noise makers
• putting up two-metre high fence that extends at least 20 centimetres underground
• installing a roller system to the top of your fence so animals can’t gain a foothold

You can prevent conflicts with your dogs by:

• keeping dogs inside at night
• cleaning up after your dog — coyotes are attracted to dog feces
• spaying and neutering your dogs — coyotes are attracted to, and can mate with, domestic dogs that have not been spayed or neutered

For more information, visit www.ontario.ca/page/wildlife-and-nature.