Philippe Morin
Northern News Services
Published Monday, November 5, 2007

SACHS HARBOUR - Some curious wolves and bears have recently surprised residents of Sachs Harbour.

On Oct. 22, Beverly Amos said two wolves had been shot within a week.

"They are coming right into the community," she said. "One of them came right next door."

Sachs Harbour currently does not have a wildlife officer and residents have been shooting wolves themselves.

Mayor Robert Eldridge said the hamlet has also offered to take care of wolves through its bylaw enforcement staff, who usually take care of stray dogs.

Environment and Natural Resources' superintendent for the region, Ron Morrison, said it is legal to shoot wolves.

He explained Inuvialuit people have the exclusive right to hunt fur-bearing animals in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, and added the animals are not protected by ENR.

"A couple wolves in a week is not unusual. Typically they go wherever the muskoxen or caribou happen to be," he said.

In recent weeks, Sachs Harbour's mayor Robert Eldridge has also warned residents of bears approaching the community.

Sachs Harbour is located on Banks Island, which sees similar activity almost every year. The presence of bears and wolves could be explained by their desire to fatten up before winter.