The wolf that was found roaming in the James Bay area in Downtown Victoria has been safely released back into the wild.
Conservation Officer Service said the wolf was released into the coastal habitat on the west side of Vancouver Island.
The wolf was found roaming in Downtown Victoria on Saturday, January 26.
The mature male wolf was tranquilized and assessed by the provincial wildlife veterinarian on Monday morning. He had no apparent injuries, was in good body condition and was considered healthy and suitable for release.
The wolf had not shown any aggression towards people while it was roaming the Victoria neighbourhood over the weekend, CO said.
The #JamesBayWolf2020 has been safely released back into the wild, in a coastal habitat on the west side of Vancouver Island. The #BCCOS would like to thank @vicpdcanada for their help & the public for calling the #RAPP line. More details here: https://t.co/nYx8WG0z0V pic.twitter.com/42AnRk1dw3
— BC CO Service (@_BCCOS) January 27, 2020
Although Conservation Officers believe the wolf swam to the capital, it is not being released on Discovery Island as it left for a reason – the wolf was looking for food or resources, and for the safety of the public and the animal, it was relocated out of the urban environment.
The Conservation Officer Service said it recognizes the public’s care and concern for the well-being of the wolf.
“A similar coastal habitat was carefully chosen, in consultation with biologists, to give the wolf the best chance possible,” it said.
“The Conservation Officer Service would like to thank the Victoria Police for their help and assistance, as well as the residents of James Bay for reporting sightings of the wolf.”
