Jasper’s recent warm weather and lack of snow might be hindering local wolf packs, according to Parks Canada officials.

Wolves typically have an advantage when hunting this time of year. Surface snow often crusts over, especially in the morning, allowing them to run on the top of the snow at higher speeds than their prey, says Jasper National Park wildlife biologist Steve Malcolm.

Jasper Victim Services continues to expand its level of service for people who have suffered crime, say its head organizers.

New statistics released by the service show that the service is becoming busier and is continuing to reach out to more victims of crime in Jasper.

According to the statistics, the number of victim service responses to violent criminal code violations jumped from 15 in 2007 to 40 in 2009 and non-violent criminal code violations jumped from nine in 2007 to 52 in 2009.

The mountains and waterways may bring joy to many outdoor adventurers, but when disaster strikes, they can also bring trauma, suffering and a life-time of pain. One woman from Jasper is doing her best to diminish that pain.

A man and woman are facing numerous charges of possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking after police allege to have found several vials of pills in their vehicle after a stop on Highway 16, two kilometres east of Jasper.

The man, William Westman of Red Deer, and woman, Jennifer Eglinski of Edmonton, were pulled over by Jasper RCMP on March 9 and appeared in Jasper Provincial Court on March 11.

While talk around town has been centred on Tourism Jasper and the proposed two per cent surcharge at area businesses, massive change is also set to hit Jasper Tourism and Commerce. After years of operating as the town’s destination marketing operator, the organization is poised to act as a lobby group for businesses in town.