LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - Wildlife officials in Fort Simpson are suggesting dog owners keep their pets penned up or bring them inside at night following two wolf attacks.

On Dec. 14 a large grey and white wolf attacked a dog tied to its doghouse in Wild Rose.

The owner managed to scare the wolf away but the dog was injured in the attack, said Doug Villeneuve, the

manager of wildlife and environment with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Deh Cho.

A second dog was tied up was attacked and killed on the same night in Four Mile, one of the village's other sub-divisions.

The dog's owner, who found some of the animal's remains, confirmed the incident, Villeneuve said.

There have been further sightings of a grey and white wolf near the turn-off to Wrigley.

Wolf attacks on dogs are not a common occurrence in Fort Simpson.

The last reported incident happened approximately five years ago and resulted in three to four wolves being snared by wildlife officers, said Villeneuve.

Wolf tracks are often seen at the village's landfill but the animals don't usually come into the community, he said.

"It's probably very hungry," said Villeneuve.

"If there's an opportunity for them to take any pets they will."

The department is working with local trappers to try and catch the wolf responsible for the incidents.

Snares are being set so dog owners should make sure their pets aren't running at large so they aren't inadvertently caught, Villeneuve said.

Snares were chosen instead of other options like leg-hold traps because they're less dangerous for people.

Villeneuve suggests that until the wolf is caught or the attacks stop dog owners should keep their pets penned up or inside at night. Anyone who encounters the animal should call the wildlife emergency line.

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