Wolves Caught on Camera Stealing Bait from Crab Traps
In a surprising turn of events near Bella Bella, British Columbia, researchers captured video evidence of wolves engaging in unexpected behavior while foraging for food. The footage reveals not only the intelligence of these wild canids but also highlights the ongoing efforts of the Heiltsuk Nation to combat an invasive species in their territory.
Since 2021, the Heiltsuk Nation has been working to control a population of European green crabs, which threaten local ecosystems. Their Guardian program, dedicated to managing traditional lands and waters, initiated a trapping strategy to eliminate this invasive species. However, the traps, designed as simple circular netted frames baited with herring or chopped sea lion, were mysteriously being damaged.
Ecologist Kyle Artelle from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry noted the puzzling nature of the situation. “We initially thought it might be otters, mink, or seals, but we had no concrete evidence,” he explained. This uncertainty prompted a closer investigation into the identity of the culprits.
To confirm their suspicions, Milène Wiebe, a graduate student from the University of Alberta, and Richard Cody Reid, a Heiltsuk Guardian, installed a remote camera in May 2024. The subsequent footage, captured just one day later, revealed a wolf engaging in a remarkable act of ingenuity.
The video shows the wolf swimming from deeper waters to the trap, dragging the buoy attached to it. Once ashore, the wolf skillfully raised the rope and returned to the water to pull the trap closer. On its third attempt, the trap was in shallow water, allowing the wolf to grasp it directly. It then tore through the netting to access the bait cup, retrieving the sea lion strips before leaving the scene with its prize.
This incident not only showcases the adaptability of wolves but also underscores the challenges faced by the Heiltsuk Nation in their conservation efforts. The video serves as a reminder of the complex interactions between wildlife and invasive species management, highlighting the need for continued research and innovative solutions to protect local ecosystems.
As the story unfolds, the Heiltsuk Nation and their partners will undoubtedly remain vigilant in their efforts to ensure the balance of their traditional lands, while also gaining insight into the behaviors of the wildlife that inhabits them.
