THUNDER BAY – A wolf has been sighted near Lakehead University. LU reports, “There has been a wolf sighting in the area between the Balmoral Street, Avila Centre and residence buildings. Please be advised this is a wild animal and must not be approached”.

Anyone who spots a wolf should phone Lakehead University Security at 343-8569 or Thunder Bay Police.

Wolf Sightings

Wolf sightings in the city of Thunder Bay are not that uncommon. In the city there is a growing population of deer. In the area near Residence and Balmoral Street there are frequent sighting of white tail deer. 

Deer are a food source for wolves.

The Ministry of Natural Resources has these tips for the public;

• If you encounter a wolf
• Do not approach it to get a better look, entice it to come closer, or harass it.
• Do not feed it.
• Leave room for it to escape.

  If a wolf approaches you or acts aggressively (growls or snarls) 

• Raise your arms and wave them in the air to make yourself look larger.
• Back away slowly while remaining calm; do not turn your back on, or run from, a wolf or any other wild animal.
• Make noise and throw objects at the wolf.
• Use whistles, personal alarm devices or commercially available pepper spray (effective only at short ranges) to frighten an approaching or threatening animal.
• Keep pets safe

Cats and small dogs may be seen as prey by wolves, while larger dogs may be seen as competitors.

To avoid these situations consider the following suggestions: 

• Feed pets indoors
• Do not allow pets to roam. Wolves may try to kill a dog or a cat when given the opportunity
• Walk your dog on a leash at all times.
• Do not leave pets unattended outside unless they are in a kennel with a secure top; wolves can jump into fenced yards, and dogs confined by chains are vulnerable to attack.
• Spay or neuter your dogs. Wolves are attracted to, and can mate with, domestic dogs that have not been spayed or neutered.