A key recommendation from the minister's Algonquin Wolf Advisory Group was the complete closure of hunting and trapping in four townships, and the introduction of closed seasons for hunting and trapping wolves in 33 townships adjacent to Algonquin Park starting on December 16 th . The Minister of Natural Resources has the authority to issue a temporary moratorium while the technicalities of a full regulation are worked out. Mr. Snobelen received the Algonquin Wolf Advisory Group's recommendations two weeks ago, and has yet to issue a response. Research just published in the Canadian Journal of Zoology shows that Algonquin's wolves belong to the species Canis lycaon , a much rarer wolf than the more familiar grey wolf Canis lupus . Currently, there is no restriction on shooting or trapping Algonquin wolves when they leave the park.
Humans cause two-thirds of wolf deaths when wolves venture outside of park boundaries.
Research and population modelling demonstrates that without intervention wolf numbers will continue to decline.