By Cullen Bird, Today staff
One of three wolves known to be in the area was sighted Thursday morning along Timberline Drive in Thickwood.
However, Brendan Cox, spokesperson for Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, said it is not being treated as a public safety concern.
“This morning our office did get a call about a wolf sighting on Timberline Drive,” said Brendan Cox, spokesperson for the Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement branch. “We can confirm that there are three young wolves in the area. They appear healthy.”
Valerie Dancer, who lives in the area, said she saw the wolf by the treeline around 8:45 a.m., and snapped a picture of it. Dancer said the wolf did not appear to be in any hurry to move on, and lingered at the spot.
Cox said it was not known why the wolves were in the area, but added Fort McMurray is surrounded by boreal forest, and therefore, wolf territory.
Wolf attacks on humans are very rare, Cox said, and usually wolves seek out remote areas far away from humans.
Still, residents walking the Birchwood Trails should hike in groups and make noise as they move to avoid any surprise encounters with wildlife, Cox said. Alberta Fish and Wildlife is hoping the wolves will move on.
The appearance comes a week after a supposed cougar sighting in the Birchwood Trails and near Thickwood Heights School.
“I would advise people to keep a close eye on their pets,” Cox said.