An urban coyote study that sees animal traps set in city parks has been given a second life.

The catch-and-release project was halted last August following an outcry on social media. On Friday, University of Calgary and city officials announced new, bigger signs were being placed in five parks in advance of next week’s relaunch.

Alessandro Massolo, assistant professor at the U of C’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, was surprised by “the very bad impression” park users had in the first place.

Massolo said the study’s process hasn’t changed, but acknowledged more public disclosure was needed this time around.

“We were considered people who may harm animals,” Massolo told reporters gathered in Nose Hill Park. “This is absolutely not the case.

“I walk my dogs in these parks ... we need to study these animals, we want them to be very healthy.”

The study uses data gleaned from GPS tracking to understand urban coyote movement. Researchers also hope to learn more about parasites shared between dogs and coyotes.

In August, dog walkers lashed out against the study through an online campaign. Critics contended the signs were poorly designed, and allegations a dog had been snared at Nose Hill Park further inflamed the situation.

Massolo said at least two foot-traps will be tucked deeply in bushland and wooded spots at five parks: Nose Hill Park, Fish Creek Provincial Park, Bowmont Natural Environment Park, an area near Southland Park and Weaselhead Flats. The toothless, rubber-padded snares are covered in the daytime and activated around sunset by a trapper.

Researchers aim to tag two coyotes with solar-powered GPS collars in each of the parks. The collars send out a “text message” with details on their location every two days.

“We’re really comfortable the university has done its homework,” said Chris Manderson a natural park management specialist with the city. “It’s safe and appropriate research.”

Wildlife officials have estimated upwards of 700 coyotes call Calgary home.

Professional dog walker Acara Kada said she has noticed “coyotes have been getting a little rampant lately.”

“They’ve nabbed dogs from a four-foot leash,” said Kada, who tethers up to nine pooches at a time.

Kada added she straps a light to her little terrier, “Louie,” as a precaution when walking at night.

“At least I could see them taking off with my dog for a ways because of the light,” she said of the coyotes.

bweismiller@calgaryherald.com