Wolf attacks put Eagle River residents on alert

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A wolf attack on a family pet has several Eagle River residents on edge. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game says it may need to kill the wolves to keep both people and pets safe.  

The family said their pet went missing on Halloween. The only evidence they found was blood in the snow and wolf prints.

This isn't the first report of wolves attacking pets in the Eagle River-Fort Richardson area.    

In 2009, two joggers and three dogs were running on a trail on Fort Richardson when a wolf attacked one of the dogs.

That dog survived, but in 2007, a dog was killed on the same trail while on a walk with his owner.

That same year, Fish and Fame reported wolf attacks on half a dozen dogs in Eagle River.

Fish and Game is working with the military on a plan to kill the wolves. Both agencies have the authority to shoot a wolf in the area if they see it.

“We recognize that the probability of us coming in contact with wolves though is unlikely, so we are working on a plan now with the military joint base Elmendorf-Richardson. We plan to be more aggressive and we'll be happy to, of course, share that with the public once we get that plan up,” said Mark Burch, Fish and Game regional supervisor.

Fish and Game said there are two wolf packs, one on either side of the Glenn Highway. Biologists estimate about six wolves in each pack.

The public is encouraged to call the Department of Fish and Game at (907)267-2344 with any information.