Wolves preying on dogs in Whitehorse area

Pet owners in the Whitehorse area are being advised to keep their animals secure after several dogs were killed by wolves.

Conservation officers say they know of at least four dogs that have recently been killed, and several more that have been attacked or gone missing. 

The wolves have been seen south of town, in areas around Gentian Lane, the Carcross Road and Robinson subdivision.

Mathieu Devred, who lives on Annie Lake Road, lost one of his Karelian Bear dogs last week.

Wolves had been lurking around his property, and Devred figures Boo Boo fell victim when he wandered off on his own.

"It's a big shock for us," Devred said. "We know by the tracks that there were two fairly big ones."

Devred and his partner found the spot where Boo Boo had been killed not far from their house.

"To me, that's unusual because [the wolves] seem to be absolutely fearless," Devred said.

Easy prey

Conservation officer Dave Bakica says it's not unusual for wolves to prey on dogs close to homes. 

"Once they figure out that dogs are easy to take, they take 'em," he said. 

Bakica said the same thing happened last year, when at least five dogs went missing in the Judas Creek area, near Marsh Lake.

"A lot of people are used to just simply having their dogs run free," Bakica said. "That comes with some dangers and some consequences.

"Over time, sooner or later, there's going to be wolves in the area, and they will certainly look towards dogs as prey."

Bakica said there are likely more dogs that have gone missing but it hasn't been reported because the owners feel responsible.