The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations today released the province's draft wolf management plan, inviting public comment on its contents until Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012.

The plan proposes a balanced approach to wolf management in B.C., which ensures a self-sustaining population where wolves can fulfil their ecological role, and meet the cultural, recreational, and economic needs of society.

The B.C. government is committed to ensuring sustainable wildlife populations and healthy predator-prey relationships throughout the province. The government is also committed to helping stakeholders, ranchers and First Nations manage the impacts of wolves on livestock and protecting endangered species.

The plan indicates wolf populations are likely stable or increasing across the province and are not considered an 'at-risk' species. The current wolf population estimate is approximately 8,500 which is similar to an earlier estimate of 8,100 in 1991.

The draft plan will be open to public comment until Dec. 5 at http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/public-consultation/grey-wolf/. After public comment has been reviewed, the wolf management plan will be finalized.

Species management plans, such as the wolf management plan, summarize the best available science-based information on the biology and threats to the species and inform the development of a management framework. They set goals and objectives, and recommend approaches appropriate for species or ecosystem conservation.

Quick Facts:

• The wolf is a highly adaptive, intelligent carnivore that inhabits most of British Columbia. Most wolves weigh between 30 and 50 kg with coloration varying from nearly pure white to a mixture of grey, brown, black and white.
• Wolves feed primarily on large ungulates, supplementing their diet with smaller prey.
• Wolf populations in the Thompson, Kootenay and Okanagan regions appear to be increasing. Populations in the Cariboo, Skeena, Omineca and Peace appear to be stable.

Contact:

Brennan Clarke
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261