Foreword
Last Update/Review: May 27, 2002
An immobilized wolf is prepared for transport to holding facilities in William A. Switzer Provincial Park. Wolves were held for one to two weeks while veterinarians and wildlife personnel certified their health, prior to shipment to the USA.
|
In 1995, Alberta wolves were captured for transport and release within wilderness habitats in the western United States to re-establish populations there. Attitudes toward wolves are controversial, so it should not be surprising that this wildlife management program received intense media coverage and elicited a wide range of public opinions, both negative as well as positive.
In its broadest sense, wildlife management is aimed at sustaining or restoring animal populations for their own sake and for human benefit. In the example above, where wolves were removed from Alberta to establish a population elsewhere, the decision to participate included consideration for the provincial wolf population, care for the captured wolves, as well as support for wolf recovery in the USA.
Wolf management needs to be based on a thorough knowledge of wolves, their habits and ecological relationships. Over the years, Alberta has conducted several field studies of wolves. This web site describes these studies and the provincial wolf population, and it outlines strategies to ensure the wise use and enjoyment of wolves in Alberta for the years to come.
John R. Gunson
Wildlife Management Biologist
1995
M. Sloan photo
