At this time of year, sunshine and longer days increase the desire to get outside and let the sun warm our cold bones. This increased daylight also makes Jasper National Park’s wildlife more active and triggers the mating season for wolves.
From February through early March, breeding wolf pairs engage in playful courtship behaviours, including nuzzling, prancing and increased scent marking. If courtship goes well, spring will increase their pack size with an average of five pups born about nine weeks after mating.
If you’re lucky enough to spot one of Jasper’s wolf packs, watch for this behaviour: you may be able to pick out the breeding pair by their close and playful interactions. Stories can be read in the tracks of wolves too. Let creativity inspire you as you come across wolf tracks in the spring snow.
Young wolves are also active at this time of year and it is a peak time for dispersal.
As wolf pups mature, competition for food within the pack increases and young wolves may strike out to find territory and mates of their own. Although this can happen at any time of year, it often coincides with mating season.
It is not uncommon to see lone wolves in the park as pack dynamics change and individuals head out on their own. An example of this is a local lone black wolf that has become quite the Jasper celebrity, and the subject of many photo shoots in the park.
While seeing a wolf in the wild is an incredible experience, it is important to remember that wolves are wild animals. Help keep them alive and wild.
If you see a wolf or other predators (coyotes, cougars and bears), contact dispatch immediately at 780-852-6155.
Remember: keep your distance and travel smart—be prepared, never feed a wild animal and keep dogs on leash.
Parks Canada
Special to the Fitzhugh
