The editorial entitled ”Wolf Attack Sept. 22”, in the Hungry Eye, as well as previous editorials in that publication on the same subject, have finally driven me to comment on this situation (note: I did not use the term problem). When I came across the warning sign, at the Fox Main gate, advising dog owners to be careful, my first reaction, as a neighbour and dog walker, was to contact the author and get the details. The owner told me they had posted the sign as a simple warning to other dog walkers, and did not wish to jump on the solution bandwagon, or cause any panic. Nor were they planning to
inform conservation of the incident. They preferred to coexist with the wolves and did not blame them for the attack. As well, their dog was off-leash and attacked, not on the Kay Dubois Trail, but the feeder trail that links up to Fox Main, in the area of thick “regen”
As a regular dog walker and bike rider in this area, and one who has been involved with the construction of some of the trails, I am very disappointed with some of the alarmist editorials presented on this subject in the Hungry Eye, our “Weekly Classifieds”. Although some by Ms. Gray have been fairer than others, comments like ”...cougars are an increasing menace” or “Quadra Trails system…is no longer a safe place to walk your dog” only serve to stir up distrust, fear and disrespect for the other creatures with whom we share this wonderful island, and are editorially irresponsible.
Do I think that one should carelessly ignore these incidents and walk on the south end trails with my dog on the loose in the early or late hours of the day. No way! I will take precautions. But, with precautions taken, I consider these trails to still be safe! Most of the incidents have taken place in the first half of the morning, or the evening. All three dog attacks that were published in our papers involved dogs off-leash. Although I am sending no blame their way, this was the choice of the owners. Do I still walk my dog on these trails? Yes, although much to my and my dog’s disappointment, she is now leashed on the south-end trails. Is it an inconvenience? Yes, although I accept it! On the odd occasion, when there has been less wolf-human interaction reported, I have let her loose on the trail during the middle of the day, when the odds are less that wolves will be encountered.
One of the main reasons I moved to Quadra Island as an outdoorsperson and a photographer was to live closer to the wild. I have used and helped maintain our trails since arriving here some 19 years ago. They are a precious resource. My daughters run on the trials. I sometimes sit on their borders, lost in photographic contemplation. I walk my dog on them regularly. I let her run free on the north-end trails. I also try to remember that even though I helped with some of their construction, they are not my trails! I share them accordingly. I use them knowing that there are risks involved, and I accept these risks. I live here partly because all the natural risks to humans have not been removed!
If wolves take my dog and companion from me, I will be sad, but will only be able to blame myself. And I will not call conservation. My only wish is that Ms.Gray would first check her facts, consider carefully the outcome of her editorials and be a little fairer towards our neighboring creatures that have no say in this matter.

Brent Henry