Wolf & Coyote Hunting and Trapping Ban
The MNRF is seeking public input on the draft recovery strategy for the Algonquin wolf. The strategy recommends a massive expansion of the current ban on the hunting and trapping of wolves and coyotes – from the current 82 townships to an area over 39,000 square kilometers in size (see map below). Hunters, trappers, and farmers are understandably concerned about the potential impacts on other species, including moose, elk, deer, beavers, and livestock in those areas due to increased predation. Have your say on the draft recovery strategy. Email recovery.planning@ontario.ca before February 14, 2018.
Mar 29, 2019 OFAH shares concerns with OFMF over wolf/coyote ban in Ontario
Feb 12, 2018 EBR#013-1813 – OFAH comments on the proposed expanded wolf/coyote ban
Here are some specific points to consider in your comments to government:
- The strategy incorrectly states that hunting and trapping are the biggest threat to Algonquin wolves, despite that fact that harvest has been prohibited across the majority of its range.
- The recovery strategy also does not address the significant threat posed by wolf/coyote hybridization.
- The prohibition would apply to vast areas of central Ontario that are currently unsuitable to support Algonquin wolves and will never be suitable for wolves in the future due to wide-scale habitat alteration. The MNRF needs to justify inclusion of all of these townships. We would like to see a township-by-township analysis of habitat suitability (i.e. levels of human disturbance, prey populations, etc.).
- It’s absolutely unacceptable to give the public only 30 days to review a lengthy technical document with major implications over a 50-year time horizon.
Link to MNRF’s Algonquin-Wolf-Draft-Recovery-Strategy, 2018
Jan 15, 2018 Link to EBR 013-1813 “Request for additional information to be considered in the development of the recovery strategy for Algonquin Wolf under the Endangered Species Act”
public comments can be emailed to recovery.planning@Ontario.ca (until Feb 14, 2018)
Map of wolf/coyote ban area:
- MNRF bans wolf/coyote hunting and trapping in 40 different townships (EBR Decision Notice Sept. 15, 2016)
- OFAH submission to the Environmental Registry
- Province places immediate ban on wolf/coyote hunting and trapping in 40 townships across Ontario (OFAH Media Release – Sept. 15, 2016)
- Wolf & Coyote Hunting Information