Wolf population fluctuations in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada

Abstract

Wolves are important components in the northern and western Canadian National Parks. Within Jasper National Park their numbers have undergone wide fluctuations. One cause of these fluctuations can be traced to the predator control programmes in areas adjacent to the National Parks. An examination of the historical records indicates that Wolves were widely persecuted also within the Parks in the past. Such activities have now largely ceased; however, increased human visitation has placed new pressures on these large carnivores. There is a need for public education to gain an acceptance of Wolf predation on ungulates in the Parks, although ungulates are traditionally one of the favoured attractions to North American National Parks.