Solutions/Suggestions
Complete solutions, that everyone can agree on, for complex and controversial issues is never easy to accomplish.Throughout our website, we have touched on some recommendations and possible solutions for various individual issues. We don't have all the solutions or answers but we can offer some insight based on successes of other campaigns (around the world) as well as base recommendations on scientific research and testimonials from the experts.
This page, then, will just be a general summary of those things previously mentioned throughout this site.
This page, then, will just be a general summary of those things previously mentioned throughout this site.
Photo by John E. Marriott
Ranching/Livestock:
Support agriculture and wildlife agencies efforts to develop and reward existing successful nonlethal methods in Alberta. Encourage predator/wildlife friendly initiatives and rancher cooperatives (such as the Mountain Livestock Coop of southern Alberta). Provide agency staff with
opportunities to attend or host current science based workshops regarding the wolf ecology and benefits of wolves on the landscape, and how to implement non-lethal techniques (in contrast to workshops on how to kill wolves). Creating an atmosphere that promotes co-existence instead of killing is key. Some methods mentioned for ranchers to be more accountable for their animals and to prevent depredation include: Implementing range riders, use of guard animals such as dogs, llamas and donkeys, keeping areas clear of carcasses and downed animals that would attract predators to the area, increased supervision of livestock animals and use of enclosures especially during birthing season, use of electric fladry fences.
Funding, as well as education must be provided to assist farming and ranching communities with the implementation of nonlethal methods and introducing an incentive program for those that currently use non lethal methods and still suffer some depredation losses. Through partnerships such as the Waterton Biosphere carnivore program, many ranchers in the southern foothills have been Alberta leaders in programs such as secure storage and removal of stock carcasses. Currently, there are no requirements to have these programs, or other predator deterrents in place, to qualify for compensation. These types of programs must be expanded and there must be requirements for risk management and mitigation to be in place in order for any depredation compensation to be allowed.
First management prescription should always be non lethal - Before resorting to lethal methods for wolf depredation on livestock: specialized investigations must be made when lethal management tools are being considered in order to determine the individual predator in question and the lethal method used on that specific animal and only by a Fish and Wildlife official. In addition, discussions must then take place to resolve concerns and determine what can be done differently going forward to prevent/avoid future use of lethal methods. If it is determined that there is no other alternative to resolve conflict other than lethal methods, it is incumbent on the parties using that method, to research as to why, in that instance, lethal means were necessary. Any lethal methods used should be selective, specific to the problem, highly discriminatory, humane and with minimal adverse side effects on the ecosystem.
Support agriculture and wildlife agencies efforts to develop and reward existing successful nonlethal methods in Alberta. Encourage predator/wildlife friendly initiatives and rancher cooperatives (such as the Mountain Livestock Coop of southern Alberta). Provide agency staff with
opportunities to attend or host current science based workshops regarding the wolf ecology and benefits of wolves on the landscape, and how to implement non-lethal techniques (in contrast to workshops on how to kill wolves). Creating an atmosphere that promotes co-existence instead of killing is key. Some methods mentioned for ranchers to be more accountable for their animals and to prevent depredation include: Implementing range riders, use of guard animals such as dogs, llamas and donkeys, keeping areas clear of carcasses and downed animals that would attract predators to the area, increased supervision of livestock animals and use of enclosures especially during birthing season, use of electric fladry fences.
Funding, as well as education must be provided to assist farming and ranching communities with the implementation of nonlethal methods and introducing an incentive program for those that currently use non lethal methods and still suffer some depredation losses. Through partnerships such as the Waterton Biosphere carnivore program, many ranchers in the southern foothills have been Alberta leaders in programs such as secure storage and removal of stock carcasses. Currently, there are no requirements to have these programs, or other predator deterrents in place, to qualify for compensation. These types of programs must be expanded and there must be requirements for risk management and mitigation to be in place in order for any depredation compensation to be allowed.
First management prescription should always be non lethal - Before resorting to lethal methods for wolf depredation on livestock: specialized investigations must be made when lethal management tools are being considered in order to determine the individual predator in question and the lethal method used on that specific animal and only by a Fish and Wildlife official. In addition, discussions must then take place to resolve concerns and determine what can be done differently going forward to prevent/avoid future use of lethal methods. If it is determined that there is no other alternative to resolve conflict other than lethal methods, it is incumbent on the parties using that method, to research as to why, in that instance, lethal means were necessary. Any lethal methods used should be selective, specific to the problem, highly discriminatory, humane and with minimal adverse side effects on the ecosystem.
Caribou and Wolf Culls:
Scientifically based plans for increasing the populations of caribou, or other prey species whose declining numbers are often unreasonably blamed on the wolf. Focusing on habitat restoration and halting any new activity and leasing by industries that put habitat in peril is vital.
Banning the use of strychnine and other poisons that are cruel and can affect non-target species. Poisons are not only indiscriminate but they do not resolve the issue of caribou loss. Furthermore, they are inhumane and are contributing to the very issues that these methods are intended to resolve. Read article: Maintaining Ethical Standards during Conservation Crises
The senseless, cruel, ineffective and smoke-screen of wolf killing must stop immediately. There is no scientific proof that wolf culls are increasing the caribou population. Wolves have been a scapegoat for the Alberta government for years as a way of saying "we are doing something". Wolf culling techniques are cruel, and outdated. Wolf cull will not save threatened Canadian caribou
For the loss of the caribou habitat - the Government must be held accountable for repairing the area, closing off access roads that make it easier for predators to hunt the caribou, cease issuing all new leases to energy companies and substantially reduce the current disruption.
Focus must be on habitat restoration and halting any new activity and leasing by industries that put habitat in peril. Exploration and development of any new industrial operations must be remanded in caribou ranges. Stricter restrictions on timber harvest, and other proposed industrial activity and strict land disturbance limits. Alberta must suspend leasing and other resource extraction leases and permits in caribou habitat until an effective caribou recovery plan is put in place and resource operators commit to caribou recovery.
New regulations must be developed and implemented to ensure current operations do absolute minimal damage to caribou and other wildlife habitat. Linear disturbance in caribou habitat must be minimized. Select access routes must be shared by operators and un-used routes reclaimed as soon as possible.
Further ideas:
1. De-activating roads = replanting native trees, moving boulders, etc. Sponsor industry initiatives to help, recruit volunteers.
2. When building new roads (which should not be permitted!) make them kinked or so they have "zig-zags" - reduces the field of vision but does nothing to address the snow-pack issue
3. Ensure LARGE core areas are protected and that these reserves are CONNECTED (climate change, gene flow, etc) with NO HUNTING, no commercial or motorized recreation, no resource extraction/investigation or development = OFF limits!
4. Maternal penning and captive breeding are options, but useless if there is no habitat to go back to. Captive breeding is a last resort, ALWAYS better to save a species in-situ.
5. Address other threats to small caribou herds such as highway through small southern protected areas, proposed pipelines through larger northern areas, etc.
6. Very large fines for people who violate the no go zones; currently there are snowmobile groups charging to access to riders who use sensitive areas where they have NO AUTHORITY to be...and Fish and Wildlife is doing nothing about this. Also FINE industry with an amount that is substantial. Often resource extraction companies are willing to face the small fine given when they contravene laws because they make more money off the exploitation than what they are fined.
7. Do not allow helicopters or other noise makers in the area which displace sensitive caribou from their limited food supply and protection
Including/Inviting industry initiatives to become a larger part of the plan. Some corporations have taken initiative and started work on their own in regards to restoring habitat. From researching, monitoring and management strategies to undertaking hands-on restoration work in Alberta’s boreal forest, many of these actions would be more efficient if part of a larger plan. Read: Cenovus announces $32 million caribou habitat initiative
Scientifically based plans for increasing the populations of caribou, or other prey species whose declining numbers are often unreasonably blamed on the wolf. Focusing on habitat restoration and halting any new activity and leasing by industries that put habitat in peril is vital.
Banning the use of strychnine and other poisons that are cruel and can affect non-target species. Poisons are not only indiscriminate but they do not resolve the issue of caribou loss. Furthermore, they are inhumane and are contributing to the very issues that these methods are intended to resolve. Read article: Maintaining Ethical Standards during Conservation Crises
The senseless, cruel, ineffective and smoke-screen of wolf killing must stop immediately. There is no scientific proof that wolf culls are increasing the caribou population. Wolves have been a scapegoat for the Alberta government for years as a way of saying "we are doing something". Wolf culling techniques are cruel, and outdated. Wolf cull will not save threatened Canadian caribou
For the loss of the caribou habitat - the Government must be held accountable for repairing the area, closing off access roads that make it easier for predators to hunt the caribou, cease issuing all new leases to energy companies and substantially reduce the current disruption.
Focus must be on habitat restoration and halting any new activity and leasing by industries that put habitat in peril. Exploration and development of any new industrial operations must be remanded in caribou ranges. Stricter restrictions on timber harvest, and other proposed industrial activity and strict land disturbance limits. Alberta must suspend leasing and other resource extraction leases and permits in caribou habitat until an effective caribou recovery plan is put in place and resource operators commit to caribou recovery.
New regulations must be developed and implemented to ensure current operations do absolute minimal damage to caribou and other wildlife habitat. Linear disturbance in caribou habitat must be minimized. Select access routes must be shared by operators and un-used routes reclaimed as soon as possible.
Further ideas:
1. De-activating roads = replanting native trees, moving boulders, etc. Sponsor industry initiatives to help, recruit volunteers.
2. When building new roads (which should not be permitted!) make them kinked or so they have "zig-zags" - reduces the field of vision but does nothing to address the snow-pack issue
3. Ensure LARGE core areas are protected and that these reserves are CONNECTED (climate change, gene flow, etc) with NO HUNTING, no commercial or motorized recreation, no resource extraction/investigation or development = OFF limits!
4. Maternal penning and captive breeding are options, but useless if there is no habitat to go back to. Captive breeding is a last resort, ALWAYS better to save a species in-situ.
5. Address other threats to small caribou herds such as highway through small southern protected areas, proposed pipelines through larger northern areas, etc.
6. Very large fines for people who violate the no go zones; currently there are snowmobile groups charging to access to riders who use sensitive areas where they have NO AUTHORITY to be...and Fish and Wildlife is doing nothing about this. Also FINE industry with an amount that is substantial. Often resource extraction companies are willing to face the small fine given when they contravene laws because they make more money off the exploitation than what they are fined.
7. Do not allow helicopters or other noise makers in the area which displace sensitive caribou from their limited food supply and protection
Including/Inviting industry initiatives to become a larger part of the plan. Some corporations have taken initiative and started work on their own in regards to restoring habitat. From researching, monitoring and management strategies to undertaking hands-on restoration work in Alberta’s boreal forest, many of these actions would be more efficient if part of a larger plan. Read: Cenovus announces $32 million caribou habitat initiative
Photo of wolf pup by Tamara Chik-Barnes
Liberal Hunting/Snaring/Bounties:
Current management practices towards the wolf is denying its vital role of ecological services it provides. The wolf in Alberta is treated as vermin by ranchers, hunters & trappers and the policies of Government of Alberta contribute significantly to this attitude.
Poisons & neck snares are barbaric practices that violate any sense of humane action & need to be curtailed immediately
Wolf bounties are in effective and illegal because the Government of Alberta has not sanctioned them and they need to be curtailed immediately.
Culls and bounties cause reproduction rebound putting even more predators on the land competing for space and food. So, in effect, these lethal methods, meant to reduce predator populations, are in fact contributing to an increase in predator populations and an increase in depredation.
Public response and opinion is increasingly in favour of pubic land being protected for wildlife and in particular predators. The regulations for leasing of Crown Land for grazing must include the use of non lethal methods as a first line of defense to reduce and avoid predation losses.
Current management practices towards the wolf is denying its vital role of ecological services it provides. The wolf in Alberta is treated as vermin by ranchers, hunters & trappers and the policies of Government of Alberta contribute significantly to this attitude.
Poisons & neck snares are barbaric practices that violate any sense of humane action & need to be curtailed immediately
Wolf bounties are in effective and illegal because the Government of Alberta has not sanctioned them and they need to be curtailed immediately.
Culls and bounties cause reproduction rebound putting even more predators on the land competing for space and food. So, in effect, these lethal methods, meant to reduce predator populations, are in fact contributing to an increase in predator populations and an increase in depredation.
Public response and opinion is increasingly in favour of pubic land being protected for wildlife and in particular predators. The regulations for leasing of Crown Land for grazing must include the use of non lethal methods as a first line of defense to reduce and avoid predation losses.
- Wolf control to be based on sound scientific knowledge and public support. Looking at wolves beyond their numbers. Dr.'s Gordon Haber, Chris Darimont, Paul Paquet, John Theberge and Linda Rutledge are among several wolf biologists whom urge that conservation of wolves and ecosystems requires managing the species at the level of the family unit. This will require maintaining not only viable populations, but also naturally-functioning populations where “fitness is likely to be optimized when evolutionary adaptation is driven by natural rather than artificial (i.e. human mediated) selection pressures” (Rutledge et al 2010). Wolf control programs do not work because after the control program is terminated it leaves a vacated area where wolf density is very low and prey abundance increases. This creates perfect conditions for dispersing wolves to colonize this area and raise wolf pups in packs. The seminal study of recolonization is the work Hayes & Harestad did in the Yukon (Hayes & Harestad 2000). Gordon Haber (1977, 1996) spent 43 years in Alaska studying wolves and concluded, after many hours of observation and living with them, that by exploiting wolves it destroys their very complex & complicated pack structure causing wolves to disperse more onto the landscape. This results in more predation on ungulates.
- Banning the use of strychnine and other poisons that are cruel and can affect non-target species.Poisons, like traps and snares, are not species specific. Poisons will impact and have impacted in the past, other species including those such as the endangered caribou, domestic pets and livestock. Furthermore, toxicants leach into ground water and the food chain through infected carcasses. Poisons, which are supposed to be controlled substances, become uncontrolled when left at bait stations.
- Banning the use of snares, which are torture devices. The lack of data on snares makes it difficult accurately to assess their impact on the welfare of target and non-target species. Nevertheless, having searched the scientific literature and summarized the main findings, this review can make the following statements:
• Snares do not operate humanely, either as restraining or as killing traps
• The mortality and morbidity of animals caught in snares is higher than with most other
restraining traps, such as box traps
• Snares are inherently indiscriminate and commonly catch non-target, including
protected, species
• Snares can cause severe injuries, pain, suffering, and death in trapped animals (target
and non-target species)
• Stopping of snares may not prevent injury or death in trapped animals (target and
non-target species)
• The free-running mechanism of a snare is easily disrupted and likely to fail, resulting in
injury, pain, suffering, and death in trapped animals (target and non-target species)
• Animals can legally be left in snares for up to 24 hours, exposing them to the
elements, to thirst, hunger, further injury and attack by predators
• It is difficult to assess the severity of injury in an animal when it is caught in a snare
• Animals that escape, or that are released, may subsequently die from their injuries or
from exertional myopathy over a period of days or weeks
• The monitoring of correct snare use is difficult, if not impossible
• Neck snares are open to abuse because they are cheap and require minimum effort to
set and maintain
• Methods used to kill animals caught in snares are not regulated, and may not be
humane
• The use of neck snares is seen as the least favourable option and the least humane of
all legal trapping methods by the public. - Banning predator killing contests and abolishing private and municipal bounties put on wolves. Municipalities currently contributing to bounty programs and culls can be asked to contribute to the fund that supplies the education and funding of the implementation of nonlethal methods and incentive programs. Bounties operated by municipalities is in violation of Section 7 of Alberta Wildlife Act. The Government of Alberta, by allowing them, is reneging on its legislative duty to manage wildlife. They can not delegate it to a municipality.
- The humane treatment of wolves (At present they have very little, if any protection, compared with other species, making them a vulnerable scapegoat.). Snares, trapping, aerial culling, poisons and indiscriminate hunting, are not only indiscriminate but they do not resolve the issues of livestock depredation, caribou loss and wolf population. Furthermore, they are inhumane and are contributing to the very issues that these methods are intended to resolve.Trapping, hunting and snaring are irrelevant as they relate to management of coyote and wolf populations as the numbers are not significant enough and they contribute to the disintegration of packs which can and do cause increased depredation issues and reproduction rebound. Additionally, these lethal methods of predator control threaten pets and endanger the public.
- Wolf protection on public lands. Ensure that healthy ecosystems are established and maintained through the passage of a provincially legislated public lands policy, providing wildlife the opportunity to be a natural and welcome part of the Alberta landscape. Alberta recognizes that the grey wolf (Canis lupus) is a public trust resource pursuant to the Public Trust Doctrine. This doctrine considers all wildlife to be held as a public trust resource. Wildlife in Alberta is deemed a public resource that should be subject to publicly- developedpolicy with each citizen having a say in their treatment.
- Establishing buffer zones of 50 km around National Parks for no hunting and trapping
Legislative Change:
Legislation is necessary to hold firm any gains made for wildlife. Without legislation, newly set standards are easily disregarded and new practices give way to old habits. Alberta's Wolf Management Policy has not been updated since 1991 and currently contains many outdated methods for predator management as well as outdated science. As suggested in the IUCN Manifesto, legislation should include:
- protecting all wolves on public land and provincial parks from recreational hunting and trapping - including a 50 km buffer zone - wildlife do not understand human made boundaries.
- protecting wolves as a unique species, not soley based on population numbers but recognize them as sentient, social beings with complex family structures
- Provide incentives to livestock producers on private land to minimize the risk of depredation by non-lethal methods and livestock
management.
- Prohibit the use of toxicants like strychnine, compound 1080 and cyanide due to their indiscriminate nature, inhumane nature and suffering it causes the vicitm, and the danger they pose to other animals, humans and the environment.
- Eliminate large-scale and long-term wolf culling. Unethical and disproved management techniques like aerial gunning, snares, traps,
and poison resulting in high mortality rates, which leaves the remaining population unstable. Fragmenting wolf packs by random killing actually increase depredation rates by compromising their hunting ability. There must be increased promotion, education, recognition and respect for the roles that wolves plays in the ecosystem.
- Prohibit special interest groups, municipal governments and individuals from placing bounties on Alberta wildlife or paying subsidies to promote the killing of wolves and other predators. Alberta’s wildlife is a public resource and thus only accountable provincial government agencies should have the authority to manage wildlife giving all Albertans a say in wildlife decisions. Third-party bounties refuse the rights of the public and empower a small segment of society to regulate and promote the killing of predators out of public view and with no accountability.
- Ban the use of snares, which have been proven over and over to be inhumane, and indiscriminate. Many other countries have banned snares and it is time to follow their example.
Legislation is necessary to hold firm any gains made for wildlife. Without legislation, newly set standards are easily disregarded and new practices give way to old habits. Alberta's Wolf Management Policy has not been updated since 1991 and currently contains many outdated methods for predator management as well as outdated science. As suggested in the IUCN Manifesto, legislation should include:
- protecting all wolves on public land and provincial parks from recreational hunting and trapping - including a 50 km buffer zone - wildlife do not understand human made boundaries.
- protecting wolves as a unique species, not soley based on population numbers but recognize them as sentient, social beings with complex family structures
- Provide incentives to livestock producers on private land to minimize the risk of depredation by non-lethal methods and livestock
management.
- Prohibit the use of toxicants like strychnine, compound 1080 and cyanide due to their indiscriminate nature, inhumane nature and suffering it causes the vicitm, and the danger they pose to other animals, humans and the environment.
- Eliminate large-scale and long-term wolf culling. Unethical and disproved management techniques like aerial gunning, snares, traps,
and poison resulting in high mortality rates, which leaves the remaining population unstable. Fragmenting wolf packs by random killing actually increase depredation rates by compromising their hunting ability. There must be increased promotion, education, recognition and respect for the roles that wolves plays in the ecosystem.
- Prohibit special interest groups, municipal governments and individuals from placing bounties on Alberta wildlife or paying subsidies to promote the killing of wolves and other predators. Alberta’s wildlife is a public resource and thus only accountable provincial government agencies should have the authority to manage wildlife giving all Albertans a say in wildlife decisions. Third-party bounties refuse the rights of the public and empower a small segment of society to regulate and promote the killing of predators out of public view and with no accountability.
- Ban the use of snares, which have been proven over and over to be inhumane, and indiscriminate. Many other countries have banned snares and it is time to follow their example.
Keeping Wildlife Wild:
At Your Home:
- Do not feed wolves and other wildlife
- Since garbage can attract wolves and other wildlife, keep garbage in a secure location
- Do not leave any food outside, including scraps, pet food, or livestock feed. When possible, feed animals inside.
- Keep dogs under supervision. Wolves can be highly territorial toward other canids
- Properly dispose of dog and other pet waste
- Do not leave pets outside unattended, especially at night
- Take steps to avoid rodent infestations as they can attract predators
- Clear brush and wood piles to discourage wildlife from taking up residence
- Avoid ornamental fruit trees or pick up fruit immediately if any has fallen - fruit may attract predators to your yard
- Avoid having bird feeders in your yard as these may also be predator attractants
While Camping, Hiking, Outdoors:
- Never feed, approach, or allow wolves to come near, or they may lose their fear of people.
- Do not bury garbage. If you pack it in – pack it out!
- Keep a clean and orderly camp. Cook and store food away from sleeping areas. Suspend food, toiletries, garbage and other loose objects on a rope between trees, or in secured kayak hatches, out of reach of wildlife. Wolves have been reported removing personal and other non-food items from campsites.
- Stay away from fresh wolf kills or other carcasses you may come across, as well as avoid dens, and rendezvous sites.
- Wash dishes in a container and dispose of grey water in an outhouse or toilet, not on the ground or in the forest, or even in your fire pits.
- Near the coast use areas below high tide mark, away from camp, in an area of high tidal exchange for toilets – do not use the upland areas, wolves will feed on human excrement.
- Keep dogs on leash to avoid encounters. If you encounter a wolf, make the dog heel next to you immediately. Standing between the dog and the wolf often ends the encounter, but never try to break up a fight between a wolf and a dog. Properly dispose of dog waste.
- Read a news articles from 2016 regarding wolves becoming conditioned to trash left at campsites: Bow Valley Wolf Pack
*We also advocate for stricter fines and increased enforcement of these
above mentioned interventions in National Parks.
In Your Community:
- Remind your neighbors to never feed wolves and other wildlife.
- Promote the reduction of potential wildlife food sources in and around your community.
- Notify authorities about wolves or other wildlife that seem comfortable around people, seek human food, or frequent human areas. Early intervention can keep a problem from getting worse.
