Living With Wildlife: Coyotes

/in /by

Spring means longer days, warmer weather, and more wildlife sightings on Burke Mountain. There have been increased sightings of coyotes in our neighbourhood over the past few weeks, so we’d like to share a few tips to keep your family and pets safe.

Spring is denning season for coyotes. From April to mid-May, coyote pups are born. This is why we are seeing more coyotes out and about in the spring, searching for food for themselves and their pups.

Coyotes can become more aggressive during this time if they perceive a threat to their young. Most of the time, though, they can be scared off easily by humans.

Coyotes – along with other wildlife – may be attracted to your neighbourhood with mis-stored garbage, bird feeders, and fruit trees. Coyotes are also attracted to pet scents including food and feces, which makes it even more important to clean up after your dogs.

From the City of Coquitlam’s Living with Urban Wildlife brochure:

Be Coyote Aware

Coyotes live in urban areas around Coquitlam. Coyotes may be aggressive and dangerous, having become too familiar with human behaviour and food. The majority of conflicts with coyotes are from being intentionally fed by people. Removing food sources and attractants from your backyard will help keep your neighbourhood safe from coyotes. For more information please call the Co-Existing with Coyotes Info Line at 604-681-WILD (9453).

What to do when approached by an aggressive coyote?

  • Use a deterrent. Deterrents can be as simple as throwing rocks, making loud noises or using pepper spray.
  • If the coyote continues to approach be LOUD and act AGGRESSIVE to scare it off.
  • Do not run or turn your back on the animal

Keep your pets safe

Animals like coyotes and bobcats prey on smaller pets. Take measures to protect your pets:

  • Cats are best kept indoors.
  • Walk small dogs on a short-leash.
  • Supervise your dog while off leash.
  • Walk dogs in high-pedestrian areas.
  • Clean up all pet foods if feeding outdoors.

For more information about Coyotes, visit http://wildsafebc.com/coyote.