Coyotes live in urban areas around Coquitlam and there are recent reports of coyotes showing aggression towards pets in the neighborhoods near Miller Park and the Glenayre/Oakdale area.
COQUITLAM, B.C., November 3, 2022 – Coyotes live in urban areas around Coquitlam and there are recent reports of coyotes showing aggression towards pets in the neighbourhoods near Miller Park and the Glenayre/Oakdale area.
Coyotes are naturally shy around people, and it is important to keep it that way for the safety of people, pets and coyotes themselves. Never feed coyotes or other wildlife as this is illegal. Coyotes may become bold or aggressive if they become too familiar with human behaviour and unnatural food sources.
If You Encounter a Coyote
• Raise your arms above your head to make yourself look big, and speak loudly and firmly.
• Do not run or turn your back on the animal.
• If the coyote continues to approach, be loud and act aggressive to scare it off.
• Throw rocks or small objects near the coyote and make loud noises.
• Pick up small pets and children.
How to Protect Pets
Take these measures to protect your pets as coyotes have been known to prey on smaller animals:
• Keep cats indoors.
• Walk dogs on a short-leash.
• Supervise your dog while off-leash in a designated off-leash area.
• Walk dogs in high-pedestrian areas and avoid densely vegetated areas.
• Feed pets indoors.
Tips to Make Your Home and Property Wildlife-Resistant
Removing food sources and attractants from your backyard will help keep your neighbourhood safe from coyotes.
• Freeze meat and strong smelling food scraps and only place in your Green Cart on the morning of collection day.
• Store Garbage Carts, Green Carts and recycling bins in an area inaccessible to wildlife.
• Place Carts and recycling at the curbside after 5:30 a.m. on collection day.
• Suspend bird feeders and clean up fallen bird seed.
• Practice responsible backyard composting.
• Make areas in the yard less inviting for rodent habitat and coyote burrowing (maintain vegetation and seal off decks, sheds and porches).
• Avoid leaving small pets outside unsupervised and keep pet food inside.
• Keep barbeques clean.
Report a Concern
• To report wildlife that is aggressive towards people or pets or causing property damage, call the Conservation Officer Service at 877-952-7277.
• To report wildlife attractants, improper storage of attractants or wildlife accessing attractants, call the City at 604-927-3500.
Media contact:
Caresse Selk
Manager, Environment
604-927-3500
epw@coquitlam.ca