HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, NL – Some unwelcomed visitors have been showing up more in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay area of late, according to the Department of Fisheries and Land Resources.
Wolves have been spotted in the town over the past few months, mostly in the east end of the community, a news release yesterday, Jan. 10, indicated.
“Residents are reminded that unsecured food and dumping of garbage are typically the root cause of wildlife conflicts in human populated areas. There are also existing prohibitions on the dumping of garbage in all areas outside of designated municipal waste disposal facilities,” the release stated.
The department cautions wolves can sometimes pose a risk to pets, and pet owners should take steps to keep their animals safe.
If a person encounters a wolf they should remain calm, avoid eye contact, give the animal space and avoid restricting its options to get away. You should never run from a wolf and back away slowly.
It’s also advised that anyone observing a wolf demonstrating fearlessness towards people or other forms of aggressive or abnormal behavior should call the 24-hour emergency line at 709-897-7116.