Dez Loreen
Northern News Services

Norman Wells (Oct 28/05) - The dump in Norman Wells sees frequent visits from local wildlife.

Most recently, a pack of wolves stopped by to check it out, said Mary Grandjambe.

Wolves have been spotted near the Norman Wells dump. They are common to the area but residents are being reminded to stay away from them and to never feed wild animals. - photo courtesy of Mary Grandjambe

"I was out at the dump and saw some wolves, so I took some photos of them," said Grandjambe.

Seeing a wolf in the Norman Wells area is all too common, according to Renewable Resources officer Keith Hickling.

"Every year around this time we get calls about wolves," said Hickling.

"Most of them are just sightings, but there are cases of wolf interaction."

It is common to have a dog get killed, or attacked by nearby wolves, said Hickling.

"People would be running their dogs on the highway, and then a wolf would jump out and attack the dog,"said Hickling.

Hickling wants to ensure that people are as safe as possible in regards to wildlife safety.

"I advise people to get their dogs inoculated for rabies," said Hickling.

"And please be aware that there are animals out there, so don't get too close."

Wolves aren't the only animal that frequent the dump.

Hickling also remembers a barren ground grizzly bear that is often seen near the dump.

The bear was first spotted over a decade ago, by Hickling.

While Hickling admits that is a long time for a bear to live, he is sure that it's the same one that is near the dump this year.

"I haven't seen him this year, but I have seen his tracks. He's around," said Hickling.

The dump has been a target for grizzly bears in the region, so an electric fence was posted around the perimeter of the landfill.

"The fence stops the bears, but the wolves crawl under the swinging gate," explained Hickling.

As for Grandjambe, she's happy that she finally spotted a wolf.

"I had heard about them being there, but this was my first time seeing one myself," said Grandjambe.