A wolf snaring program is being planned for Teslin after several dogs have been killed by wolves, says a local wildlife officer.

Tami Hamilton of the Teslin Tlingit Council said today it has confirmed six dogs have been taken by wolves recently, in addition to four unconfirmed reports.

Sightings in and around the community have been common in the last couple of weeks, particularly in the last five days alone, when there's been a dozen or so, she said.

Hamilton said the Teslin council has posted signs around the community encouraging people not to leave their pets out at night, nor to let them out for extended periods. The council is also advising residents to walk in groups, to carry a flashlight and avoid isolated areas, she said.

Hamilton emphasized the information campaign is a precautionary measure, noting it's not uncommon for Yukon communities to experience problems with wolves preying on pets.

"We are working with the territorial government's conservation services to remedy the situation,” she said.

"There will be a snaring program.”

Hamilton said the situation also highlights the need for local trapper incentive and training programs, and the need to support the revival of the Yukon's fur industry.

One Teslin resident reported a wolf has actually followed him for a bit but other than that, there have been no reports of negative interactions between residents and wolves, other than the uncharacteristic behaviour of the animals, she said.

Hamilton said wolves are naturally shy animals who generally don't prefer to be seen.