Wolves preying on dogs in Whitehorse area

Pet owners in the Whitehorse area are being advised to keep their animalssecure after several dogs were killed by wolves.

Conservation officers say they know of at least four dogs that have recentlybeen killed, and several more that have been attackedor gone missing.

The wolves have been seen south of town, in areas around Gentian Lane, the Carcross Road and Robinson subdivision.

Mathieu Devred, who lives on Annie Lake Road, lost one of his KarelianBeardogs last week.

Wolves had been lurking around his property, and Devred figures Boo Boo fell victim when he wandered off on his own.

"It's a big shock for us," Devredsaid. "We know by the tracks that there were two fairly big ones."

Devred and his partner found the spot where Boo Boo had been killed not far from their house.

"To me, that's unusual because[the wolves]seem to be absolutely fearless," Devredsaid.

Easy prey

Conservation officer Dave Bakicasays it's not unusual forwolves toprey on dogsclose to homes.

"Once they figure out that dogs are easy to take, they take 'em," he said.

Bakica said the same thing happened last year, when at least fivedogs went missing in the Judas Creek area, near Marsh Lake.

"A lot of people are used to just simply having their dogs run free," Bakica said. "That comes with some dangers and some consequences.

"Over time, sooner or later, there's going tobe wolves in the area, and they will certainly look towards dogs as prey."

Bakica said there are likely more dogs that have gone missingbut it hasn't been reported because theowners feel responsible.