Conservationists eager to see plan to save rare eastern wolf found in Quebec, Ontario

MONTREAL: Gisèle Benoit still gets chills thinking about the first time she spotted a family of eastern wolves in Mauricie National Park. It was back in 1984, and she was trying to call a bull moose when she heard a haunting howl. Suddenly, an adult wolf appeared, followed by a young one and four pups.

That moment stuck with her. She later learned those wolves were eastern wolves, a rare species with fewer than 1,000 adults left. Recently, conservationists have been buzzing with hope as the federal government has upgraded the eastern wolf’s status from “special concern” to “threatened.” This change is based on a 2015 report that suggested there might be as few as 236 mature wolves in central Ontario and southern Quebec.

These wolves, also known as Algonquin wolves, are medium-sized and have reddish-tawny fur. They typically live in family groups. The Environment Department is currently working on a recovery strategy, collaborating with provincial governments and Indigenous groups. This is a big step, as it means the species will get protection on federal lands.

However, things are a bit tricky in Quebec. The province doesn’t even recognize the eastern wolf as a separate species, viewing it instead as a “genetic group.” A spokesperson from Quebec’s Environment Department mentioned that while studies show the eastern wolf is distinct, it doesn’t necessarily qualify as its own species. Still, they can protect it under the law, which is a good sign.

In October, Quebec started a program to gather samples to learn more about large canines, including the eastern wolf. They admitted that it’s tough to confirm a stable population in Quebec due to low numbers and hybridization with other canids.

Véronique Armstrong, who co-founded a wildlife protection group in Quebec, is feeling optimistic. She noted that wolves, once seen as threats, are now getting more support for protection. Her group has even proposed a conservation area for southern Quebec wolves, and they’ve received backing from several regional municipalities.

While the fight isn’t over, she believes protecting wolves might be easier than for other species, like caribou, since wolves can adapt to some human activities. John Theberge, a retired ecology professor, has spent years studying these wolves. He recalls the tough battles in the past to expand their protection outside park boundaries, but they eventually succeeded in closing hunting zones in 2004.

Today, there’s still some pushback, especially in provinces like Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia, where wolves are sometimes killed to protect caribou. But Theberge feels that public support for wolves has grown since the 1960s when they were often feared.

Over the years, there have been debates about whether the eastern wolf is a subspecies of the grey wolf or a hybrid. However, the federal government’s recent order confirms it as a distinct species. Benoit, Theberge, and Armstrong all agree that protecting the eastern wolf is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity, but they also emphasize the importance of protecting all wolves.

Wolves play a vital role in the ecosystem, helping to manage populations of other animals. They’re social creatures with strong family bonds, and Benoit has a deep respect for their way of life. She finds it fascinating how similar their family dynamics are to ours.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2024.
Morgan Lowrie, The Canadian Press