Young wolf creates buzz in Denali Park

A curious, young wolf in Denali National Park is causing wildlife technicians to busily come up with an averse-conditioning plan.

According to Park spokesperson Kris Fister, the wolf was seen last year along the road and is thought to be a member of the Grant Creek Pack, whose habitat is the Toklat area.  This year, the wolf has been seen alone, near the road at the Toklat River.  The wolf has become curious and playful, according to Fister. 

 Last weekend, several bicyclists reported encounters with the young animal.  Fister says the park biologist and other wildlife technicians are busy trying to dissuade the wolf from approaching humans, and the road.  She says if the averse conditioning doesn’t appear to change the wolf’s habits, the Park will think about relocating the wolf.

The young wolf has not made an attempt to approach humans, just bicycles and other items left unattended.

Some of the places in the Park historically closed due to wolf activity in the past are now open this year, Fister says.  Both Igloo and Teklanika campgrounds are open, as well as Jenny Creek, which is on the paved portion of the road.  That creek area was a permanent closure for years and has reopened for lack of any wolf activity in the area.