Human Use and Enjoyment
Last Update/Review: May 27, 2002
As a rule, Albertans have not made great efforts to view wolves. Dick Dekker of Edmonton has hiked in Jasper National Park to systematically observe wolves over a 31-year period and has described these observations in several publications, including the books: Wild Hunters and Wolf Story. Other Albertans are increasingly recognizing the wolf as a valuable wilderness species; and today, increasing numbers of people would enjoy seeing a wolf in the wild. Trappers have historically been the major users of wolves in Alberta. Although the first regulated trapping season in the province was not established until 1967, wolves had long been harvested on the remote trap line. Efforts were dependent on fur market demand and prices. In recent years, prices of $70-$90 per pelt have been regarded by most trappers as insufficient to compensate for costs of capture and pelt preparation. Trappers took an annual harvest of fewer than 400 wolves during the 1980s and early 1990s.
P. Paquet photo |
Viewing and photographing wolves, and listening for their howls, are becoming popular recreational pursuits. This photograph was taken in Banff National Park where seeing wolves is a rare but treasured experience to increasing numbers of visitors. |
Hunters have opportunities to shoot wolves during a long season from the opening of big game hunting in fall to the end of the following May. Despite this liberal season, few wolves are taken. Their wary nature provides security in the heavily forested northern and western portions of the province.
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In the open foothill and mountain habitats of the southwest, wolves are more vulnerable to shooting. Here, their numbers are repeatedly reduced by hunters, landowners and cattlemen and by occasional governmental control following depredations of livestock. Total annual kill of wolves by hunters in Alberta is estimated at 100.
