Wolves on the Loose in Haliburton

On New Year's Eve someone performed the malicious act of cutting through both chain-link fences at the Haliburton Forest Wolf Centre which allowed a few Wolves to escape.

"What these individuals in their misguided efforts do not realize in this instance is that they most probably rang the death knell for the wolves that did become "liberated" – unless we are able to recapture them: our wolves were born and raised in captivity. While they have the instinct to hunt and kill, they never had the opportunity to learn or exercise these skills in their enclosure, where they were fed dead carcasses whenever they required food. Now, out on their own in the forest, they will have to fend for themselves and quickly, since at the present temperatures, they are burning calories fast. Under snow and ice , small rodents and even beaver, a common summer prey, will not be available. And deer, the default quarry in winter, will not fall prey to a bunch of hungry wolves, which never experienced what it means to hunt together, not to speak of bringing down a 100 or even 200 lb. ungulate. Our wolves left the enclosure well fed and in good condition. In this state they will be able to survive the coming January cold for 3 to 4 weeks. After that, they will starve despondently and miserably. Such is the result of this apparent great act of love for animals!

Obviously, the Wolf Centre will continue operation, with 5 wolves confirmed left inside. Unfortunately, but expectedly, it was the alpha pair Haida and Granite who left the enclosure. Together with the alpha pair, two juveniles, Logan and Lonestar, have left the enclosure. This will throw the remaining "pack" into turmoil.

We ask that any member of the public, who can provide information on the criminals, who perpetrated this act, do come forward and either share their information with the OPP or myself at Haliburton Forest directly.

As a postscript, one of Haliburton Forest's staff drove up the road past the Wolf Center in late afternoon today. He noticed a bloody dragmark down the hill, app. 200 meters north of the Wolf Centre. Upon further investigation – and after finding a cartridge, hair etc. – we have to conclude that between 10:20 am and 4 pm on January 1st Haida, the alpha male of the pack, was shot: Killed and taken away by a passing motorist."

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