Wolf on the loose in Port Colborne fatally shot by officer

Niagara police say a wolf that was on the loose in Port Colborne was fatally shot by an officer.

On August 2, officers went to an address in the area of Main Street West and Cement Road. Police say a white Arctic wolf had been rescued from a northern area of Ontario and was residing in western Port Colborne.

Police say the adult female wolf dug out of its enclosure.

On August 3, at around 7:00, police began receiving calls related to sightings of the escaped wolf on the west side of Port Colborne.

Police say a property owner reported the wolf and expressed concern for the safety of their farm animals. Officers attempted to contain and capture the wolf, but were unsuccessful. The Niagara SPCA were contacted but had not yet arrived on-scene.

Out of concern for the farm animals, police say an officer fatally shot the wolf.

Police say an investigation into the housing of the wolf is ongoing and will be continued by the city of Port Colborne By-Law Department, the Niagara SPCA and the Ministry of Natural Resources with assistance from the Niagara Regional Police Service.

The remains of the wolf are currently with the Niagara SPCA.