
Wildlife
The erosion of Ontario’s Endangered Species Act threatens iconic Algonquin wolf
Algonquin wolves face an uncertain future primarily because they can be legally shot and trapped in many parts of Ontario
- 1485 words
- 6 minutes
This article is over 5 years old and may contain outdated information.
Wildlife
Ontario’s threatened Algonquin wolf population has received a reprieve of sorts after the province banned the hunting and trapping of all wolves and coyotes in four provincial parks and their surrounding areas.
The ban in and around Algonquin, Kawartha Highlands, Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands and Killarney provincial parks is part of the province’s larger effort to protect the Algonquin wolf, which is similar in appearance to species such as the grey wolf and eastern coyote, neither of which are listed as threatened in the province.
Despite the ban, wolves and coyotes in the designated areas that extend beyond the boundaries of the four parks will still be fair game for some. “Landowners in these areas still have the right to kill or harm wolves and coyotes if there is imminent risk to their health and safety, or to their domestic animals and livestock,” stated a Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry news release. The ministry also noted that “hunting and trapping coyotes and wolves in other areas of the province, outside of the protected areas, is permitted.”
It’s estimated there are fewer than 500 mature Algonquin wolves remaining in Ontario, with a large portion of that population concentrated in Algonquin Provincial Park. Once known as the eastern wolf, the species was renamed the Algonquin wolf and classified as threatened in Ontario in June 2016.
Are you passionate about Canadian geography?
You can support Canadian Geographic in 3 ways:
Wildlife
Algonquin wolves face an uncertain future primarily because they can be legally shot and trapped in many parts of Ontario
Wildlife
An estimated annual $175-billion business, the illegal trade in wildlife is the world’s fourth-largest criminal enterprise. It stands to radically alter the animal kingdom.
People & Culture
“We were tired of hiding behind trees.” The ebb and flow of Métis history as it has unfolded on Ontario’s shores
Wildlife
Exploring our love-hate relationship with the wolf