An undated photo of an Alexander Archipelago wolf in Southeast Alaska. (Photo courtesy of Robin Silver/Center for Biological Diversity)
Authorities in Metlakatla are warning residents to be cautious of wolves on the island. That’s after Metlakatla Indian Community announced a pack approached a dog near a beach this weekend.
A public notice released on Monday says that a pack took the pet from its owners. Mayor Albert Smith says the dog was found deceased on Monday.
He says he can’t recall another incident like this happening in recent years.
“We’ve always had wolves on the island,” Smith said. “For them to get closer on what we’re calling a peninsula, that’s the concerning part.”
The notice referred to the Moss Point and Point Davison areas in particular.
“The pack that was there was estimated to be maybe three or four,” Smith said about the wolves.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game says healthy wolves don’t typically attack people. But, when they do, the department’s best advice is to stand your ground, throw objects at the wolf, and act aggressively.
Raegan Miller is a Report for America corps member for KRBD. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution at KRBD.org/donate.
