Coyote Safety

About a month ago I was driving in the car with my sister, driving down a residential street in the middle of the city. Off to the left we spotted a Coyote trotting down the sidewalk, to our surprise none-the-less.

We don't normally see Coyotes in the day. On occasion we see them at night. I've seen many throughout the years growing up in Coquitlam and mostly while driving so I have never had to think about my safety, although I do worry about others on foot.

I have ask many people lately what to do if we encounter a Coyote. Not many had answers. I know what to do with a Bear but not really a Coyote. Since I didn't know I resorted to Google, of course. LOL.

This is what I have found out according to Parks Canada.
If you see a coyote at a distance
-Stay back. Do not approach the animal.
-Watch it carefully to assess its behaviour.
-Look for other animals.

If the coyote approaches or is close by
-Maintain your distance. Do not turn your back. Do not flee.
-Back away slowly.
-Stay together.
-Act big. Make noise, wave your arms, and try to scare it away.
-Identify and maintain escape routes.

If a coyote attacks
-Fight back. Shout, throw stones, use whatever is available to defend yourself.


I also found the following information on BC's Ministry of Environment's website stating:
CHILDREN AND COYOTES

• It is not normal for coyotes to attack or pursue humans, especially adults.  Problems between children and coyotes are usually the result of the coyote becoming conditioned/comfortable with people as a result of direct or indirect feeding.
• Children shouldn't be left unsupervised if a coyote is in area.
• Parents should pick up small children and carry them.
• If a coyote has acted aggressively or displayed aggressive behaviour towards a human, refer to the Ministry Call Centre (1-800-663-9453).
• It is an offence under section 33.1(1) of the Wildlife Act to feed dangerous wildlife.  Report via 1-800-663-9453 anyone that is feeding or intentionally attracting dangerous wildlife.

COMPOST

• Coyotes aren't as agile or strong as bears.  Ensure that the compost bin is securely built and has a lockable lid.  This should prevent the coyote from gaining access to the compost bin.
• Remove any meat, meat by-products, fish, and cooked fruit and vegetables from compost.
• Sprinkle lime in the compost.  The lime will aid the composting process and help to reduce the odour.
• Covering the compost with a light cover of dirt or soil or a heavy cover of grass clippings will also assist with odours.
• If the problem persists the compost bin may have to be removed.

COYOTE SIGHTINGS - General Information

• Wild coyotes are naturally curious animals, however they are timid and will usually run away if challenged.  Coyotes start posing a risk to people when they lose their timidness and become comfortable around humans - this is usually a result of direct or indirect feeding by humans.
• It is an offence to feed dangerous wildlife under the Provincial Wildlife Act.
• If concerned about a coyote encounter or about encountering aggressive coyotes, keep a deterrent handy.
• Deterrents could include: rocks, sticks, banging pots and pans, tin cans filled will rocks or pepper spray (may not be an option in an urban setting).
• If a coyote approaches a person, make yourself look as large as possible - if sitting, stand for example.
• Wave your arms and throw objects at the coyote.  Use a deterrent.
• Shout at the coyote in a loud aggressive voice.
• If the coyote continues to approach don't run or turn your back on the coyote.  Continue to exaggerate the above gestures and slowly move to safety.
• If a coyote exhibits aggressive behaviour call the Ministry Call Centre (1-800-663-9453).
• All of the above information is available through the website addresses and informational pamphlets.

COYOTE SIGHTINGS - Urban

• People in residential neighbourhoods must work together to ensure that coyotes don't feel comfortable living in their neighbourhood.  Coyotes that are rewarded through direct or indirect feeding will loose their fear of humans and begin to see humans, their yards and their pets as food sources.
• A coyote that is comfortable in one person's yard is going to feel comfortable in everyone's yard.  Become proactive in the neighbourhood and community by helping to educate residents about coyotes.
• Even within cities, adequate food supplies exist to support populations of coyotes.  Coyotes are highly adaptable and will feed on: small mammals (mice, voles. rats, squirrels and rabbits), birds (ducks and geese), raccoons, fish, insects or any other available item.
• Coyotes can be discouraged from hanging around homes by scaring them off each time they are seen and by removing attractants.
• Ensure that garbage and compost is inaccessible, that outdoor pet food is securely stored, fruit is picked from trees and off of the ground and remove/keep clean any rodent habitat (neglected yards, garages or sheds).
• A sturdy fence that is at least 2 metres high will discourage coyotes from entering yards.  The fence must be dug into the ground or a least flush to the ground to prevent coyotes from going under it.
• All of the above information is available through the website addresses and informational pamphlets.

I hope this helps you if you ever end up encountering a coyote on any future walks or hikes you may venture on.

Play safe. Keep safe.