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Wolf sightings in city’s east end

The natural resources ministry has been hearing of wolf sightings in the South Porcupine and Kettle Lakes Park area lately.  So Timmins district management biologist Kevin Kilgour  is issuing precautions to prevent encounters with the animals.

“Yeah, it is unusual,” he states. “They’re typically very wary of people and very shy, but it can happen occasionally.”

A ministry wolf specialist isn’t sure why this is happening now.

Kilgour says although a wolf is shy and wary of humans, it can be a threat.

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“It’s obviously extremely rare that a wolf would be aggressive with humans.  But more commonly, the concern is with pets, dogs specifically.  We’re really reminding people to keep their dogs on leashes when they’re out in the woods and to use some precautions to prevent encounters with wolves.”

ADVICE FROM THE MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES & FORESTRY

If you see a wolf, 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

Follow these tips to prevent attracting wolves to your home and protecting your pet:

  • Do NOT feed wolves (or other wildlife) — either intentionally or unintentionally. It attracts them to your property, makes them less fearful of humans, and makes them accustomed to food provided by humans.
  • Wolves are attracted to products containing meat, milk and eggs. Properly store and maintain garbage containers. Put garbage at curbside the morning of the scheduled pickup rather than the night before.
  • Well-lit yards or the use of motion sensor lighting may make your property less attractive to wolves and other nocturnal wildlife
  • Keep pet food indoors
  • Keep pets inside at night
  • Keep pets on leashes
  • Do not let your pets wonder unsupervised unless confined to a fenced yard
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