Off-leash dog killed in wolf encounter near Ucluelet as warnings issued

Residents and visitors in the Ucluelet area are being urged to stay alert following a deadly wolf encounter involving a domestic dog.

The BC Conservation Officer Service says an off-leash dog was lured by wolves in a well-used walking area earlier today and killed.

Officials say the incident highlights a real and immediate risk to pets and raises broader safety concerns for the public.

Conservation officers are now in the area working alongside the District of Ucluelet and RCMP to investigate.

Authorities are reminding the public that wolves are intelligent predators and may use tactics such as luring domestic animals. While they typically avoid urban environments, that behaviour can change, especially when food sources are present.

The BCCOS is urging people to take precautions, including keeping dogs on leash at all times and avoiding walking pets near the proposed Wyndansea Resort area.

Visitors are also advised to stay on well-travelled paths, remain alert, avoid letting pets roam ahead and consider carrying deterrents such as noise makers.

The warning comes months after similar concerns were raised along Vancouver Island’s west coast.

Last October, Parks Canada issued a warning in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve after multiple incidents involving wolves displaying increasingly bold behaviour around people and dogs.

In those cases, wolves approached individuals on popular beaches, with officials noting signs of habituation and concern that dogs were being viewed as prey.

Anyone who witnesses aggressive or concerning wildlife behaviour is asked to report it to the Conservation Officer Service through the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277.