Wolves in danger
TORONTO – Protection is running out for the most popular animal in one of
the country’s oldest and most recognized parks. Algonquin Park is the
largest protected habitat for the Eastern Canadian wolf, which is on the
federal Species at Risk List.
The moratorium on hunting and trapping wolves in 39 townships surrounding
Algonquin Park will automatically expire on June 30 2004, just 30 months
from the day it first went into force. Earthroots says the moratorium is
too short and is demanding permanent protection so that the wolves do not
suffer the same unfortunate fate as their endangered relatives in the
United States.
“Over a decade of research has shown that the Eastern Canadian wolves of
Algonquin Park are in peril,” said Earthroots spokeswoman, Melissa
Tkachyk. “It will take more than the next year to ensure this species’
future is protected.”
The environmental group is not alone in their criticisms of wolf
protection. In his last Annual Report, Environmental Commissioner, Gordon
Miller criticized the MNR’s weak and inadequate protection measures. The
Commissioner recommended extending the length of moratorium and the
monitoring program. The enforcement of the moratorium has been severely
weakened by budget cuts to the MNR, with no additional enforcement
measures to ensure compliance and very little direction to Ministry staff.
There are only 9 conservation officers employed to ensure that wolves are
protected in 39 townships.
There are no limits to how many Algonquin or Gray wolves can be killed
each year in Ontario.