Wolves have killed two dogs in the Judas Creek area, and conservation officers are warning residents to be cautious.

Kris Gustafson, director of conservation officer services with Environment Yukon, said today the pets were killed on Dec. 23 and last Tuesday, one at nighttime and the other during the day.

It’s not uncommon for wolves to frequent rural residential areas, Gustafson noted.

“Never a winter goes by when wolves don’t prey on dogs or livestock in some of the communities, including Whitehorse,” he said.

This can happen during any season, but most often takes place in the winter. Food may be more scarce at this time of year, depending on snow conditions, Gustafson said.

It’s possible this winter’s light snowfall – up to Thursday – has prompted wolves to seek other sources of food.

“If the snow is deep, some of the prey species become more vulnerable to wolves,” Gustafson said.

“Anecdotally, some years if you get heavy snow conditions, you may, for example, get more moose and caribou in lower elevations and this year, we don’t have heavy snow, so maybe it’s easier for moose and caribou to escape them.”

Usually, wolves travel in a pack.

The officers who investigated the dog killings found tracks that indicated a group of three wolves was in the area – a relatively small pack.

Environment Yukon recommends residents refrain from allowing their cats and dogs to run free, and suggests dogs be kept on a leash for walks in the bush.

Livestock can also be at risk.

Gustafson said it’s extremely rare for small children to be preyed upon by wolves.

In response to the dog killings, WildWise Yukon issued a bulletin online with tips for area residents to protect their animals.

The organization recommends storing bird feeders inside at night and cleaning up spilled seed that might attract wolf prey.

It also recommends keeping garbage and meat scraps locked in a wildlife-resistant shed, and only letting pets out unattended in a yard that’s enclosed, with a fence.

Awareness is important, Gustafson said.

“This particular incident happened in the Judas Creek area but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen again in any one of the communities or any other spot in the Yukon,” he said.

To report sightings, call the TIPP line at 1-800-661-0525.