A resident of French Creek north of Parksville is warning others of a wolf-dog hybrid on the loose in the area.
Vaughan Roberts said he first saw the animal in September in an industrial area at the end of Springhill Road in French Creek. At the time, he believed it was a wolf.
He saw it again last week while walking his two dogs. This time, the animal chased one of his dogs, backing off when Roberts threw rocks at it. It then followed him for about 500 metres, he said.
“It doesn’t act like a dog. It’s acting more like a wolf,” Roberts said.
Roberts said he wants to see the animal trapped to ensure public safety.
The Conservation Officer Service said in an email that it has received reports to its anti-poaching hotline of a wolf-dog hybrid being released in the area by its owner.
The animal does not fall under the Conservation Officer Service’s jurisdiction, because it is not considered wildlife or “a controlled alien species” according to regulations.
Conservation officers are not involved in trying to capture the animal, it said.
Any concerns should be reported to local domestic animal control, it said.
Dion Klassen, acting bylaw services manager for the Nanaimo Regional District, said there have been no recent reports about the animal.
The regional district’s contracted animal control agency, Coastal Animal Control Service, is aware of its presence, Klassen said in a statement.
The animal was last seen on provincial Crown land near Coombs. If it returns to non-provincial property, the public can contact animal control at 1-888-754-1397 or [email protected], he said.
If the animal becomes a threat to people or other animals, Klassen said, residents should call Oceanside RCMP.
