Photo courtesy: Mike Borlé

By Darren Rathwell

Grey Wolf

Alberta Environment comments on rare wildlife sighting in Medicine Hat area

Nov 29, 2021 | 11:33 AM

MEDICINE HAT — A rare sighting of wildlife has popped up near Medicine Hat, one that hasn’t been seen in the area for years.

An amateur wildlife photographer captured pictures of a grey wolf earlier this month in the Medicine Hat area.

“You know I’m a pretty experienced observer and at first it really didn’t register with me as a wolf,” Mike Borlé told CHAT News.

“So I drove right by him and then I did a bit of a double take and my mind clicked in a little bit. I was able to turn around for him to cross the road and get a few pictures of him,” Borlé added.

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Photo courtesy: Mike Borlé

There have been only five official grey wolf sightings in the Medicine Hat area in just over 20 years, according to Joel Nicholson, Senior Wildlife Biologist with Alberta Environment and Parks.

He says the wolf hasn’t caused a disruption and they’ve taken no action against it.

Photo courtesy: Mike Borlé

Borlé also caught images this year of some swift foxes in the Medicine Hat area, and while more common than the grey wolf, the foxes are on the endangered species list.

Photo courtesy: Mike Borlé

Borlé believes the foxes and wolves are becoming more common in Alberta due to a more inclusive approach to wildlife by the public, which he applauds, saying they too belong in our province.

But he also notes he grew up on a farm and says he understands the concerns of rural landowners.