The Frozen Mukluk

Department of EnvironmentThe sheep are now on their winter range around Faro and viewing opportunities are wonderful for the few whowish to brave the snow and cold. We may be fortunate enough to have a few sheep in town again this winter! Ifnot, a walk into Van Gorder falls will usually result in a good viewing opportunity. As well as the sheep, the deepsnow in the high country has pushed the moose and caribou down to lower elevations. Great viewingopportunities are present for moose on the mine road as well as on the Robert Campbell Highway towardsCarmacks. Caribou are now present in fair numbers just west of town towards Carmacks as well.With the sheep, moose and caribou comes the ever present wolves of our region. You all may be aware of thisbut this year as with every year, the wolves of the Yukon have chosen a few locations to set up shop. WatsonLake and Ross River have been experiencing issues with wolves around the community killing pets. Morerecently, Faro has started to experience some issues as well. Once wolves, foxes and coyotes begin preying onpets, it can be very difficult to remedy the problem. Please make every effort to walk your pets on a leash whenaround town and out on the trails. Please contact our office if wolves are observed around the community.As well, with the wolves near our community, moose will often venture into town to try to avoid the wolves. Thiscan be a safety hazard in itself. Please take caution when letting your pets outside or when walking them on thenumerous trails around town. Not only is it an offence to allow pets to harass wildlife, it is also very dangerousfor the wildlife, the pets as well as yourself. The CO Services is making every effort to minimize any conflictswith wildlife.The Bison hunting season resumes again on February 15th. This is a great opportunity that we have here nowand I would encourage anyone that gets a chance to hunt or accompany a hunter in the field for Bison to jumpat the chance. It is a wonderful time of the year to get off the couch and get outdoors.As well, the trapping season is in full swing. There are a few people trapping behind the mine area again thisyear and we would like to take this opportunity to request that anyone using the area behind the mine forsnowmobiling, skiing, walking, etc. to respect the trapper’s trails and equipment. Most trails being used fortrapping are marked and it is advisable if you refrain from using these trails for your safety, for your pet’s safetyand for respect of the trapper. If you have any questions regarding using these trails, please feel free to contactthe office.TJ – 993-3452Ken – 332-7820and Leithe – 994-2862Faro DistrictConservation Office