Bold wolf prompts tent camping ban in Banff National Park
Failing to keep campsites clean can result in $25,000 fine
Update Aug. 4, 2016: The wolf has been killed by Parks Canada officials.
More than 200 campers staying in tents had to be relocated from Two Jack Main and Lakeside campgrounds in Banff National Park due to the bold behaviour of a wolf.
A female yearling wolf from the Bow Valley pack has been entering campgrounds looking for food over the last several days and nights, said Greg Danchuk, manager of visitor experience for Banff National Park.
"She's moving from campsite to campsite, sniffing at and pawing at fire pits, under tables, anything that she can come to," he said.
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"Even Rubbermaid bins people might have something in, which could be food that is not supposed to be left out. When our wildlife experts are trying to adversely condition her, she doesn't seem to be very fazed by that, chalk balls and noise and these kinds of things."
Danchuk said officials will continue to monitor the wolf's behaviour.
Campgrounds full
With most campgrounds full during the summer season, finding places to put people was difficult, said Danchuk.
"We've put people onto the ring road at Tunnel Mountain Campground, there's the group camping at Johnston Creek Canyon and other locations," he said.
"We've filled every available site we possibly could within the park."
Failing to keep a campsite clean can result in a fine of up to $25,000.
The Banff area is currently full for camping and officials are asking walk-up campers to go to Lake Louise, Yoho or Kootenay National Parks.
All wolf sightings should be reported to Banff Dispatch at 403-762-1470.