In less than a one week span, Parks Canada euthanized two wolves in Banff National Park.

Wildlife officials with Parks Canada first became aware of a young, emaciated, male wolf on Sunshine Road three weeks ago, after Sunshine Village staff reported several wolf sightings.

Wildlife officials began regular patrols in the area and on July 6 spotted what they describe as bold wolf behaviour. The wolf was seen entering a storage building, approaching people, and was considered to pose a risk to the public.

Investigations suggested that the animal had been seeking human food and available garbage in the area during the previous week. Officials determined that the wolf presented a risk to public safety and Parks Canada members proceeded to capture and collar the wolf to assess its body condition and closely monitor its behaviour.

On July 7, Parks Canada wildlife officials determined the wolf was not a good candidate for rehabilitation and therefore humanely euthanized the wolf to ensure public safety.  

Another wolf was spotted on numerous occasions in residential neighbourhoods of Banff, Canmore and Harvie Heights. After examining the animal, Parks Canada officials determined that it was an older female with injuries indicative of fighting with other wolves. Officials say that her teeth were worn and in poor condition.

They believe that she was either kicked out of her pack or pushed out of her position by a younger female and that she was on her own and unable to take down prey or hunt for herself.

A written statement from Parks Canada, officials say that, "This was a very difficult decision for Parks Canada team members, who work hard to protect these animals and the ecosystems they live in."

The statement goes on to say that, "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."

Officials say that the wolf packs that live in and travel through Banff National Park continue to remain healthy and they, like many animals in Banff National Park, have learned how to exist in proximity of humans. Officials remind the public that residents and visitors share the surrounding habitat with wildlife and need to take necessary precautions to keep themselves and wildlife safe.