According to the Stanley Park Ecological Society, coyotes have become a permanent fixture of Vancouver’s urban environment since arriving in the 1980s. Perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in Mount Pleasant, where a coyote casually strolled down the sidewalk along the 10th Avenue bike route Saturday morning. One resident said the coyote might have been nesting in his neighbour’s yard where bales of hay had been spread around for gardening purposes.

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Although coyotes are naturally afraid of humans, they can become comfortable, even aggressive, when not treated as wildlife.

To reduce conflicts between people, pets and coyotes, the Stanley Park Ecological Society recommends the following three actions:

1. Be Big, Brave and Loud

If you see a coyote scare it. It is the most effective way to keep people, pets and coyotes safe.

2. Never Feed

Human food is not healthy for coyotes, but like any dog, they will eat what you give to them. Deliberate feeding is the sole cause of aggressive behaviour, which is why it is illegal under the provincial wildlife act to attract coyotes. If you see someone feeding a coyote, report it.

3. Spread the Word

Tell your neighbours about co-existing with coyotes, put up posters in your neighbourhood, and report your coyote sightings, either by filling out an online coyote sighting report at stanleyparkecology.ca or by calling 604-681-WILD (9453). If a coyote displays aggressive or threatening behaviour, report it immediately to the B.C. Ministry of Environment Emergency call centre at 1-877-952-7277.

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