Achi news desk-
The City of Calgary wildlife team says they answer hundreds of calls about coyotes.
This happens every spring as new cubs come out of the dens.
Officers want you to know what to do if you come across one.
As more people get out with the warmer weather, they are bound to see more signs of wildlife.
“I’m worried. (My dog), he’s small. He’s good food for a coyote,” said one man out walking with his best friend on Wednesday.
Coyotes are most active in the spring as they set up den sites for their litters of pups.
“They can be a bit more defensive and territorial, especially with people with dogs – they can interpret it as a competitive predator,” said Harry Aime, integrated pest management wildlife technician.
It is the nature of coyotes to avoid humans but in shared areas such as parks, you may cross paths with one.
Back off slowly.
If it seems aggressive, try to scare the coyote by yelling, waving your arms and stomping your feet.
You can even throw something in his direction.
Wildlife crews will intervene if the coyote becomes aggressive but say negative encounters are rare and avoidable.
Keep your dog on a lead, pick up after your pet and secure bins on your property.
Other tips to avoid run-ins include keeping cats indoors, cleaning your barbecue and not approaching or feeding wildlife.
“(Coyotes) serve important ecological functions. They control pest species, they keep ground squirrels under control, so it’s a matter of living with them,” Amie said.
“In most cases, problem coyote behavior is the result of problem human behavior.”
The city monitors where coyotes are more active and other wildlife trends, so if you see or have an encounter, you’re encouraged to report it to 3-1-1.
