Prince Rupert RCMP are urging public to avoid the Butze Rapids Trail until conservation officer deals a wolf that attacked a group of hikers and their dog. (File photo)

Prince Rupert RCMP are urging public to avoid the Butze Rapids Trail until conservation officer deals a wolf that attacked a group of hikers and their dog. (File photo)

RCMP urges caution after wolf attack on Butze Rapids Trail

Trail open to the public, but RCMP recommend hikers use caution and follow signage instructions

  • Sep. 14, 2018 12:00 a.m.

Prince Rupert RCMP are urging extreme caution on the Butze Rapids Trail after a wolf attacked a dog while it was being walked on Friday morning, Sept. 14.

“We don’t recommend that people go on the trail, but we can’t keep them from doing it,” said Staff Sgt. Dave Uppal. “So if they are going, use extreme caution.”

Uppal said police received a call at approximately 10:32 a.m. about the incident from a group of hikers walking their dog on the trail. RCMP officers immediately responded, reaching the individuals on the trail escorted them and the dog safely from the trail.

Neither the dog nor its owners sustained any major injuries.

The trail was shut down at 11:00 a.m. until a conservation officer arrived at the trail from Terrace at approximately 12:30 p.m. Uppal said the officer was unable to find any wolves and departed an hour later and the trail was reopened at 1:30 p.m.

Uppal said there are three wolves on the trail and that anyone going on the trail should follow the signage instructions and keep their dogs in close proximity or on a leash.

“We just want people to be careful and use extreme caution,” he said.

READ MORE: Wolf concerns at Butze not reaching conservation officers

READ MORE: Wolf sightings prompt RCMP warning


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