The BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) has confirmed that the wolf that was spotted roaming around James Bay over the weekend will be released into the wilderness.
The wolf was captured and tranquilized by BC Conservation Service officers in the 200-block of Michigan Street on Sunday afternoon.
See also: Wolf tranquilized and captured in Victoria’s James Bay neighbourhood
The healthy, mature male wolf was then assessed by the provincial veterinarian on Monday morning who have determined that he is a suitable candidate for release.
According to a tweet from BCCOS, he is currently in transit to an undisclosed location in the wilderness.
The #JamesBayWolf2020 has been assessed and deemed a suitable candidate for release. It is currently in transit to an undisclosed wilderness location. Updates to follow #BCCOS
— BC CO Service (@_BCCOS) January 27, 2020
Background
Just after 3 p.m. on Saturday January 25th, Victoria Police attended the James Bay neighbourhood after an Animal Control officer spotted the wolf.
Several other sightings of the wolf, alongside photographs and video, were reported, until around 5 p.m. on Saturday.
However multiple people reported seeing the animal at around 3 p.m. on Sunday after which police and Emergency Response Team officers arrived and located him.
Officers worked to create a safety cordon around the wolf to allow it space and distance as it made its way through James Bay. The wolf was tacked to an area between a fence and building in the 200-block of Michigan Street.
Officers contained the wolf, which soon appeared to fall sleep. Residents in the area worked with officers to keep the area calm and quiet in order to allow him to rest.
Conservation officers arrived at around 6 p.m. and were able to tranquilize the wolf. He was then taken away to be assessed by the provincial veterinarian.
