Living with Wolves

Wolves are found throughout northern Ontario. They are an important part of our ecosystem and contribute to Ontario's rich biodiversity. The presence of wolves is a good indication that our natural spaces are healthy.

Wolves are shy and generally avoid humans.  However, wolves are social animals: they not only hunt in packs or groups but live most of their lives with other wolves.  Wolf packs will reuse den sites over multiple years.

The pack bond is strongest during winter, when the wolves travel and hunt together. In summer, when the pups are young, the adults seldom go on long forays. They may hunt together occasionally after meeting at the den or home site where the pups are being cared for.

Natural prey for wolves includes moose, deer, elk, caribou and beaver.

Wolves are territorial. Each pack occupies an area that it will defend against intruders. Sizes of territories vary greatly depending on the kind and abundance of prey available. When neighbouring packs trespass into each other's territories, fights often ensue that frequently result in the death of pack members.

Conflicts happen

Wolves sometimes find their way to residential areas, where they may come into conflict with pets, disturb garbage, and cause concern for residents.

Please keep in mind…

Wild animals have the same basic needs as humans – food, water and shelter. Sometimes, humans and wild creatures come into conflict when animals are trying to meet their basic needs. Often, conflicts can be prevented if we're willing to make small changes to how we think and act.

People and wild animals live side by side in Ontario. We all share responsibility for preventing and handling human-wildlife conflicts. If you must take action against wildlife, please consider all your options and follow all relevant laws and regulations.

Conflicts with Wolves

How Can I Prevent Conflicts?

Limit food sources

• Never feed wolves.
• Keep pet food indoors.
• Secure garbage in durable plastic containers with locking lids.
• Store garbage indoors until collection day.
• Keep compost in containers that keep wolves out while allowing for ventilation.
• Avoid adding dog or cat waste, or meat, milk or eggs to composters.
• Do not feed wildlife such as deer to prevent attracting wolves to your property; remove deer food and salt blocks.

Make your property unwelcoming

• Prune bushes and clean up brush piles.
• Eliminate small mammal habitat (rock piles, wood or debris).
• Use flashing lights, motion sensors and noise makers to deter wolves.
• Fence your property to make it less accessible with a two-metre high fence that extends at least 20 centimetres underground.
• Install a roller system that can be attached to the top of your fence preventing animals from gaining the foothold they need to pull themselves up and over the top of a fence.
• Close off crawl spaces under porches, decks and sheds. 

How Can I Handle a Conflict?

If you encounter a wolf

• Never approach or touch a wolf.
• Never attempt to "tame" a wolf.
• Do not turn your back on, or run from, a wolf. Back away from the animal while remaining calm.
• Stand tall, wave your hands and make lots of noise.
• Use whistles and personal alarm devices to frighten an approaching or threatening animal.
• Carry a flashlight at night to scare off wolves.
• Do not let dogs chase a wolf. Chasing wolves could result in injuries to your pet.

Lethal action is a last resort

• A landowner may humanely kill or trap wolves that are damaging or about to damage their property. Firearm regulations and bylaws must be followed.
• Landowners in central and northern Ontario must report wolves killed in protection of property to their local Ministry of Natural Resources office.
• You may also hire an agent to act on your behalf.  

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