A second wolf from the Bow Valley wolf pack was struck and killed by a vehicle along the Trans-Canada Highway this year. RCMP reported the dead wolf on the eastbound shoulder of the Trans-Canada Highway on August 10 at 6:45 a.m.
Parks Canada said a team member responded and came across a female yearling collared wolf that was struck by a vehicle west of Vermilion Lakes, and confirmed that the wolf died of its injuries.
The most recent population estimates that the Bow Valley pack consists of three adult wolves including the breeding pair and their pups.
Christie Thomson, a communications officer with Parks Canada, said it is unknown how many pups were born in this spring’s litter.
“We rely on the public or our cameras to find out how many pups were born, and we have had no confirmed sightings yet,” said Thomson.
Earlier this year, 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.
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.
In addition to the pups born this year, the Bow Valley pack also has one remaining yearling, and they have all been active around Banff in 2019. Parks Canada has radio collared the breeding male and breeding female of the pack for monitoring.
The public are encouraged to report any wildlife on the highway by calling the Banff dispatch at 403-762-1470.
Source: https://www.thecragandcanyon.ca/news/local-news/second-wolf-killed-on-highway-this-year