Yellowknife (Feb 04/04) - Next time you hit the trails at the Yellowknife Ski Club don't be too surprised if you run into a wolverine.

Mammal biologist Dean Cluff with Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development points to a spot on the ski trail where a fox was likely digging up a mouse. - Mike W. Bryant/NNSL photo

"The wolverine tracks are very commonly seen on the trails," said John Stephenson, co-ordinator of trails for the ski club.

He said a wolverine was last seen on the trails in December, but its calling card -- a five-toed print -- was seen close to the lodge just recently.

Mammal biologist Dean Cluff said in all his many years of experience, he knows of only one wolverine that actually attacked anybody -- a Nunavut resident who was trying to hunt them.

"It jumped him while he was on his Ski-Doo," said Cluff. "He had to use a club on it."

More or less the same can be said about other predators commonly seen on the ski trails in winter, like wolves and coyotes. There are documented cases of attacks but they're rare.

Cluff was at the ski club Friday night, giving a talk on what to do and look for when confronted by a predator on the trail. He said in this Canada's North, the chance of attack is low. Seeing a bear on the ski trail, for example, is unlikely because they den up for the winter.

"Most wolf attacks occur in India where there's a high population density," he said. "Most coyote attacks happened in California for the same reason."

Coyotes, too

Coyotes, a relatively new addition to the North and rarely weighing more than a medium-sized dog, are usually more interested in a what snacks someone might have in their backpack than what's filling their boots.

"When they opened up the stomach of one coyote in California they found a steak," said Cluff. "One side was grilled while the other side was still raw."

Cluff said the most important thing to remember if confronted by an animal is to remain calm and assess the situation.

Usually, the animal will simply slip back into the bush. If an animal does attack, even a wolf, most adults should be able to fend it off.

"You can overpower these things," said Cluff. "If you're skiing, your ski pole might work to defend yourself."