Wildlife officers with Parks Canada have euthanized a female wolf that was involved in an incident at Tunnel Mountain campground last week.

The wolf was put down because wildlife officials believed its actions were extremely bold and because it was not phased by the efforts of campers to scare it away.

Officials say the animal got into a cooler and was displaying behaviours consistent with food conditioning.

Parks Canada says past experience has shown that food conditioned carnivores are a risk to visitor safety and that the wolf had been involved in a number of incidents involving people and food.

Officials consulted with other wildlife management experts and considered other options before deciding to euthanize the animal.

Officials continue to work to rehabilitate the remaining four wolves in the Bow Valley Pack.

On May 31, a pair of wolves approached a group of campers at their site, forcing them to flee to the safety of their vehicle as the animals helped themselves to food stored in a cooler.

The wolves were reportedly undeterred by the campers’ attempts to scare them away, which included throwing rocks, shouting and honking the horn.

The animals foraged through another campsite before finally leaving the area.

Parks Canada says it will also work to prevent further habituation through the active management of wolves in the Bow Valley, increased visitor management and education and awareness programs.

If you do come in contact with a wolf, make a lot of noise, huddle together if you are in a group and report the incident to authorities.

Visitors should never feed wildlife and should make sure that all food and garbage is properly stored and disposed of.