Wolf Awareness Inc

A new wolf mural in Nelson BC celebrates wolves to stimulate important dialogue about changes needed concerning misguided provincial management programs that fail to recognize their intrinsic value and critical ecological role.

We are so thrilled to see the amazingly talented artist Dom Laporte Illustration of . creating another stunning wolf mural for B.C., this one is in Nelson. HOWLING thanks! Your work is beautiful, important, and greatly appreciated. Learn more about this initiative at https://www.wehowl.ca/wolf-murals

Article text copied: Murals planned for Vancouver and Nelson will showcase the importance of wolves to environmental health while challenging viewers to consider the impacts of the government’s ongoing aerial kill program.

WeHowl, a non-profit focused on protecting wolves, has partnered with Drift Mural Co. to develop the first mural as part of the Vancouver Mural Festival, taking place August 8 to 11.

“Wolves play an essential role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, and the opportunity to preserve predator-prey systems across British Columbia is declining,” says Sadie Parr, Founder of WeHowl and coordinator of the mural project.

“The artwork will also portray the beauty of wolves and provoke reflection on their intrinsic value and sentient nature.”

A coalition of NGOs, foundations, and businesses are financing the project, which will be located at 316 W 5th Avenue (The Beaumont Studios) in Vancouver.

“More than 2,000 wolves have been killed since the Government of British Columbia began its winter kill program, ostensibly to help caribou, while industry continues to exploit resources in caribou habitat,” says Parr.

“Meanwhile, Chronic Wasting Disease was confirmed in British Columbia, an illness that wolves provide the first line of defense against by maintaining healthy ungulate populations. The status quo for wolves in British Columbia cannot go on – it will only lead to negative environmental, economic, and cultural impacts for us all.”

A second wolf mural will be painted in Nelson later this month.

Both serve as a medium to invoke heightened awareness, education, and inspiration to engage in a future that prioritizes coexistence and health landscapes for all species across British Columbia.

“At Drift, we believe in the transformative power of public art. We use our murals as a way to connect to the communities they serve, encouraging viewers to reflect on their relationship and responsibility towards each other and all species in our shared world,” says Anaϊs Labrèque of Drift Mural Co.

Anyone interested in the project, the situation facing wolves in British Columbia, and how they can help is encouraged to visit WeHowl.ca.

Wolf murals will challenge status quo WeHowl and Drift Mural Co. collaborating on Vancouver Mural Festival project, with support from The Fur-Bearers.

https://vanmuralfest.ca/2024-mural-artists This is the description of "Unbound" by the artists of . for the Vancouver Mural Festival, which begins today! Stop by The Beaumont Studios to check it out.
"The concept for the WeHowl mural on the Beaumont Studios wall is to create a dynamic and visually captivating representation of a wolf staring directly into the viewers eyes. This design aims to draw the viewer's gaze openly, creating a sense of powerful connection. This commanding image will capture attention and evoke a sense of awe and respect for the wild spirit of nature, bringing some wilderness back into the downtown core. This approach highlights wolves as a constant presence in the province, enhancing the mural's dynamic narrative and encouraging viewers to reflect on their relationship and responsibility toward each other and all species in our shared world. By depicting a wolf, the mural will symbolize the strong community bonds in the Vancouver area. Wolves are known for their cooperative and social nature, reflecting the values of collaboration and togetherness that are cherished in this vibrant community. Through this artwork, not only do we hope to inspire appreciation and support for these magnificent creatures and raises awareness about the challenges they face in BC, but more than that, we hope to celebrate the spirit of unity and resilience that defines Vancouver."

Please share and engage! Wolf Awareness is a supporter of WeHowl. TOGETHER we make more noise.

wehowl/how can I help? 3 things you can do today to help BAN COMPOUND 1080 in Canada: postcard pledge, Notice of Objection, e-mail decision makers

We won!

Today Health Canada announced to stakeholders, including us, that they have decided to discontinue strychnine in all its forms across Canada.

In 6 months, strychnine will be entirely illegal in Canada. No more wolf poisoning. No more accidental poisoning of golden eagles or grizzly bears, either.

Stay tuned tomorrow for more details once we have a chance to review Health Canada's Final Decision document. It gets published tomorrow, March 7th.

Photo: Peter A Dettling.

All of Nature is precious. In 2005 Alberta began poisoning wolves each winter under the guise of caribou conservation. Poison kills EVERYTHING, horribly. Help us get answers from Alberta's Minister of Environment about whether the poison program is happening this winter.

Wolf control, often presented as a ‘solution’ to stabilize caribou populations, ultimately allows continued approval by governments of resource exploitation, including logging in habitats deemed “critical” to caribou.

That’s the central message of a new letter in Science, published by Raincoast scientists.

https://www.raincoast.org/2024/02/letter-science-canadas-wolf-cull-subsidizes-industry/?fbclid=IwAR2B2rgVTG9SsLvlpeDvPats7T7OYioqGnRpFVKHmTfDOfg8aNg-rUXoLeA

Letter in Science states that Canada’s wolf cull subsidizes industry | Raincoast British Columbia must reevaluate its caribou habitat protection policies and do better by its environment and its citizens, argues Raincoast scientists.

As winter approaches, the AB gov't is once again considering the placement of strychnine-baits on the landscape to kill wolves. The reality is, this food-chain killer will continue to claim many non-target victims too. But with Canada's recent commitments to preserve biodiversity, this doesn't make sense. And it's plain wrong.
Learn more: https://www.wehowl.ca/predacides
Email [email protected] to help create necessary change while comments are being sought:

The wolves simply made their presence known and then shadowed or escorted those unfamiliar canids off of their territory, trying to make sure that, you know, they weren't coming closer."

Parr said wolves are "very sensitive and shy," and could have been protecting a carcass or a nearby hunting opportunity. They might also perceive dogs as a direct threat to their pups, she said.

"Wolves and most animals really want to avoid conflict, right? It's a physical risk and it takes a lot of energy, and wolves need as much energy as they can simply to feed their family, to stay warm in the winter."

Thank you Sadie Parr for always being an intelligent and kind voice for wolves & Wildlife

In Canada, most wildlife management policies are under the jurisdiction of the province or territory, but the federal government is involved in authorizing the use of poisons to provinces/territories that apply for permits. That's why we are urging Canada's Health Minister to use his authority to cancel permits for use of strychnine and Compound 1080, and to ban these poisons. Join us. Please take a moment to help make a difference. Send an email today: [email protected]

Tune in Oct 18th https://faculty.nelson.wisc.edu/treves/Coexistence_panel_2023.php?fbclid=IwAR1qtSYisQzp2M3Teb_cEhQVczTMKaHArjiKqFXArH175nnP4n3ECN0wrmY_aem_AU9W8UfjP_f9KOzVRhQefmLJ9AqTN4GI5CvfVtU5sOOednG8pkt3sjo3ffi7-0w83Ng&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

YOUR voice can help make Canada for wolves & unintended victims of misguided wolf poison programs.
Email Canada's Health Minister: [email protected]
Learn more: www.wehowl.ca/poisonfree

YOUR voice can help make Canada for wolves & unintended victims of misguided wolf poison programs. WOLF AWARENESS WEEK 2023
Email Canada's Health Minister: [email protected]
Learn more:

wehowl/poisonfree In Canada, long-outdated policies continue to allow the use of three reckless and violent poisons to kill wildlife: - inhumane, painful, prolonged death.

ACTION ALERT: ONTARIO PROPOSES NEW TRAIN AND TRIAL PENNED DOG HUNTING LICENSES

These operations were phased-out since 1997, and existing facilities were grandfathered in. There are still 24 facilities operating in the province, but these proposed changes would allow more facilities to be opened in the province and transfer licences from current facilities.

The consultation period is only open until May 18, 2023 – ACT TODAY to reject the province’s proposal to allow new licenses for dog hunting pens.

Backgrounder:
Hounding pens are essentially legalized animal cruelty. Dogs are trained in these facilities how to kill coyotes and foxes with their teeth. Outside of these facilities/pens, in the natural environment, multiple dogs at a time are let loose to track and chase down a coyote or fox. The dog behaviour is learned in these training facilities/pens how to track, attack and kill coyotes and foxes. Dogs pursue by running a canid to exhaustion and often viciously mauling them to death.

Trappers can live trap a fox or coyote and sell them to these barbaric pen facilities 365 days a year.

"Hounders" (dog handlers with guns) may shoot the fleeing canid in the side or hip area (these "rot shots" are meant to injure not kill) which causes immense suffering and a blood trail for the dogs in pursuit. Individuals may incite attacks on injured animals as well once the fox/coyote is caught and is surrounded by the dogs. Dogs used to chase down canids are equipped with GPS and shock collars while their handlers track the dogs from their vehicles. Another approach is for the dog handlers to stand along roadways with their weapons waiting for the dogs to flush out the fleeing coyote or fox.

Rabbits are also kept in smaller captive pens to train hunting dogs. These wild (captive) animals are exposed to horrendous stress, injury and constant harassment in these facilities/pens. If they survive, they survive another day only to be tortured again during these "training" sessions. Dog fighting is shunned and illegal, yet our province wants to open up more of these horror compounds and pass on grandfathered licences. Please have your say. Share with family and friends. Write to your MPP about this barbaric proposal.

Please click link: https://www.coyotewatchcanada.com/site/blog/2023/05/01/action-alert-ontario-proposes-new-penned-dog-hunting-licenses

Or head directly to the ERO (Environmental Registry Ontario) Link: https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-3685

Coyote Watch Canada talks to CBC about the illegal coyote hunting contest that recently took place in southern Ontario.

Controversial coyote hunts in Belleville | Ontario Morning from CBC Radio with Ramraajh Sharvendiran | Live Radio | CBC Listen A hunting store in Belleville has been organizing coyote hunts for years, but an animal rights group, Coyote Watch Canada, says it's illegal, and is urging the province to step in. We spoke with Lesley Sampson and found out more about the controversial event.

The B.C. government is still killing wolves as part of its Caribou Recovery Program, and a new ad campaign is designed to draw attention to the cull and ensure the public doesn’t forget it.

https://bc.ctvnews.ca/unethical-killing-of-b-c-wolves-the-focus-of-campaign-by-local-artist-and-charity-1.6295212

'Unethical' killing of B.C. wolves the focus of campaign by local artist and charity The B.C. government is still killing wolves as part of its Caribou Recovery Program, and a new ad campaign from a local artist and animal charity aims to ensure the public doesn’t forget it.

This , we have some things to celebrate and some deeper issues to keep tackling on behalf of wolves in Canada. Here are the issues we've been working on lately:

ALBERTA WOLF KILL PROGRAM
- The Alberta government has recently confirmed that they have not yet poisoned wolves in caribou ranges with cruel and indiscriminate strychnine this winter. While there is still a small chance that they could lay poison before the snow disappears, they are running out of time as it is now March. This will be the third consecutive winter season where poisoned hasn't been used in caribou range if none is set out in the next few weeks. Visit our website to help us make sure strychnine can never be used again in our country. We'll provide updates as we continue to engage with Health Canada, the department that regulates the use of wolf poisons like strychnine and Compound 1080.
- Sadly, the aerial gunning portion of Alberta's wolf kill program has been taking place this winter.

BC WOLF KILL PROGRAM
- BC's wolves have been under aerial fire for many years now, and this year is no exception. The government still refuses to publicize videos and photos of the wolf kill program.
- Recently, Shane Ramstead, a retired Fish and Wildlife Officer from Alberta spoke with Global News about a GPS-collared wolf from BC's program that ventured all the way into Alberta around Shane's camp. He found the animal in distress due to the collar, and euthanized it. BC government staff confirmed this was a collared wolf from their wolf kill program. Every winter, wolves that had packed up with this collared wolf have been gunned down using taxpayer money, while the collared wolf is left alive and trackable. This violence is supposedly wildlife management and caribou conservation. You can learn more about the program and the collared wolf right here:
https://globalnews.ca/news/9507742/bc-wolf-collar-tracking-collar-death/

EASTERN WOLVES IN ONTARIO AND QUEBEC
- Ontario re-assessed the at-risk status of eastern wolves last year. The findings will finally be available to the public by the end of April. So far, the province has flouted the protections afforded to species at risk in the Endangered Species Act, even going so far as to change the Act to make it easier to leave vulnerable species to fend for themselves. Ontario's eastern wolves are currently listed as Threatened.
- At the federal level, Canada is expected to release their decision regarding scientists' 2015 recommendation that they up-list eastern wolf's status from Special Concern to Threatened. Such a change will not only trigger the development of a legally mandated Recovery Strategy, it will also enable us to use more tools to ensure that at-risk wolves aren't left behind by provincial governments in Ontario and Quebec.
- We continue to support the groups Animal Justice and Coyote Watch Canada as they oppose the annual coyote killing contest run in Ontario. This contest not only results in the needless death of many coyotes, but might also be killing at-risk eastern wolves that these coyotes closely resemble.

B.C. wolf allegedly found choking on tracking collar in rural Alberta | Globalnews.ca The B.C. government has said in the past that the Wolf Cull Program is a humane way to control the population and increase the caribou population.