Coyote sightings increasing, Nature Conservancy of Canada says
The Nature Conservancy of Canada is warning of increased coyote sightings in residential areas in recent weeks.
In a release, NCC’s senior conservation biologist Dan Kraus said people are noticing coyotes more as they spend more time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NCC noted that spring is normally when coyotes search for dens to rear their pups, but seeing coyotes this time of year is not uncommon.
Problems can arise when coyotes become habituated to humans, Kraus added.
“It’s an amazing experience to watch a coyote sitting patiently in a meadow or park and then pouncing to capture mice and voles,” he said. “But unfortunately coyotes that are injured, starving, young or have been fed by people can come into conflict with people.”
The NCC offered tips for keeping people and their pets safe from coyotes. Here are some of their suggestions:
Feeding pets inside and
• keeping them indoors. Do not leave pets unattended or unprotected outdoors. Keep dogs on a leash when going for walks.
Make sure garbage, pet
• food or compost is not left outside. Keep garbage containers sealed and locked. Close off spaces under porches, decks and sheds to prevent wildlife from seeking shelter or dens.
Do not approach, try to
• feed, touch or photograph the animal from close distances.
If you encounter a coyote • and it does not flee, remain calm and slowly back away and leave the area in the direction where you came from. Never run from a coyote, or any wildlife, as it may trigger a predatory response and give chase.
Use personal alarm
• devices — such as a whistle, bell or phone — to frighten or threaten the animal.
If the animal exhibits
• aggressive behaviour, make yourself larger and noisier by raising your arms and voice.
If, in the rare case, the
• animal continues to approach, throw rocks or sticks in its direction.
Landowners unable to deal with coyotes that repeatedly show signs of aggression or habituation should contact the police or their local Natural Resources Department.