According to Dan Kraus, a senior conservation biologist, more time outside means more coyote sightings for Canadians amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kraus is a member of the Canadian Conservation Agency who wants to educate the public about how they can protect their pets and themselves from the animal when they meet in the wild.
Dogs and joggers recently encountered aggressive coyotes in Metro Vancouver, including in Stanley Park, where there were 16 attacks.
Seeing coyotes at this time of year is not uncommon, said Kraus. Early spring is when they hunt.
“Unfortunately, coyotes who are injured, starving, young, or have been human-fed can conflict with humans,” he said.
“Coyotes are an incredible species that, despite previous efforts to eradicate them, have adapted to life in the inner city centers of our cities.”
The resulting habituation to humans means that Metro Vancouver residents must keep a safe distance from the species.
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Kraus offers Canadians the following tips to help protect their pets:
- Keep dogs on leashes when out for a walk.
- Feed your pets indoors and keep them indoors.
- Do not leave pets outside unattended.
- Make sure that garbage, pet food, or compost are not left outside.
- Seal off spaces under porches, decks, and sheds.
Kraus also has information for anyone who comes across a coyote.
Don’t walk up to, try to feed, touch, or take photos of the animal up close, he said.
If you encounter a coyote and it does not flee, slowly step back and exit the area in the direction you came from.
“Never run away from a coyote as this can trigger a predatory reaction and start a chase,” said Kraus. Instead, use alarm devices such as a whistle, bell, or telephone to scare the animal off.
If the animal is behaving aggressively, make yourself bigger and louder by raising your arms and voice. In the rare event that the animal continues to approach, Kraus encourages throwing stones or sticks in its direction.
READ MORE: Runners and pets are targeted by coyotes on the lower mainland
sarah.grochowski@bpdigital.ca
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Animals Dangerous animals
