| Wolves are primarily restricted to boreal forests and tundra.
In agro-Manitoba, segregated populations are found in islands of habitat including Riding
Mountain National Park, Duck Mountain Provincial Forest, and reportedly in the Spruce
Woods Provincial Park/Shilo Military Base Forest. Wolves also commonly occur in
agricultural fringe areas bordering Sandilands and Agassiz Provincial Forests, the
Interlake, and Westlake areas. Manitoba's wolf population numbers approximately 4,000
and appears to be stable. An exception is the Riding Mountain population which decreased
from historical levels during the 1990's. In response to this decline, wolf hunting has
been curtailed around the Riding Mountain. There is strong public support for protecting
this population which is quite isolated and may be genetically unique.
In areas where wolf populations are stable, Manitoba Conservation permits trappers and
hunters to harvest wolves, particularly where increased harvest may reduce conflict
between wolves and agricultural interests. Generally, Manitoba Conservation adheres to a
policy of non-intervention in the vast majority of the gray wolf's range in boreal forest
and tundra areas. However, where wolves encroach on agricultural areas and prey on
domestic livestock, or where wolves venture into northern communities, control measures
targeted at offending animals are implemented. In all areas, wolf population levels remain
adequate to support the value of wolves for educational and viewing purposes.
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