?

Most likely a combonation. Apparently up around Dawson Creek the moose and the mule deer numbers have fallen quite a bit as well.

In northern Alberta we had very deep snow that had a thick icy crust halfway down as a result of an early chinook, as well as a serious tick infestation. We had moose coming into town, eating shrubs out of peoples yards, and literally being shot in parking lots (by Fish and Wildlife) because they were too weak to chase away. At our house, we had deer standing in our 1' x 24' window box, rubbing on the living room window, and eating the dead, dry Petunias (which we plant specifically because deer normally hate them!). Out in the bush this spring, there were carcasses everywhere.

As far as wolf & native predation went, it was much easier for them than usual.

the Nisga'a decided they didn;t cut a good enough deal on hunting rights when they sold out ten years ago, and are now using political pressure on MOE to shut residents out of land they used to have land claims on.