Parks Canada wildlife officials estimated that on a recent count the Bow Valley pack “consists of at least seven wolves, including the breeding pair.”
Two Bow Valley wolf pack wolves were killed on the road in 2019. This included a female yearling collared wolf from the Bow Valley wolf pack who was struck and killed by a vehicle along the Trans-Canada Highway this year on August 10.
Earlier in 2019, the brother of this female yearling was also struck and killed on the Trans-Canada Highway between the Mount Norquay turnoff and Forty Mile Creek on March 11.
“Although the Trans Canada Highway through Banff National Park is one of the most successfully mitigated highways in the world, with fencing to prevent most wildlife from getting onto the highway and crossing structures to maintain wildlife movements, occasionally wildlife still get onto the highway,” stated a Parks Canada press release after the events.
Another male wolf had to be shot by Parks Canada on August 9 after he attacked a camper at night in their tent at Rampart Creek Campground.
“Although the unexpected loss of a pack member is unfortunate and may be felt by the pack, the breeding pair are the corner stone of the pack and they remain alive and healthy,” wrote Parks Canada Press Office Justin Brisbane in a statement.
There have been few reported public sightings since the fall of the Bow Valley wolf pack that roams between Canmore and Lake Louise.
“While the Bow Valley wolf pack is in good health, it is important we continue to educate the public about protecting wildlife and staying safe. Additionally, there has been no known food conditioning behavior over the past several months,” stated a recent Parks Canada press release.
Parks Canada said they encourage visitors and residents to report all wolf sightings immediately to Banff Emergency Dispatch at 403-762-1470.
Source: https://www.thecragandcanyon.ca/news/local-news/bow-valley-wolf-pack-counts-seven-wolves