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See a coyote? Haze it, says scientist

Experts weigh in as coyotes prowl St. Albert
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HAZE THIS GUY — A U of A biologist says St. Albert residents should harass coyotes in their neighbourhoods to reduce the risk of human-animal conflicts. Coyotes are a common sight in St. Albert. CHRIS COLBOURNE/St. Albert Gazette

St. Albert residents need to intimidate urban coyotes to keep them from clashing with pets and people, says a University of Alberta researcher.

Coyotes are a regular sight in St. Albert, strolling down boulevards and leaving a trail of photos and excited reports on social media behind them.

The Heritage Lakes Facebook community page got a report earlier this month from an Amanda Maria, for example, who said a coyote tried to attack her husband’s dog near a local pond and bit into his boot when he kicked it. Another resident reported a coyote attacking their dog in their backyard in early April.

City of St. Albert officials referred the Gazette’s questions about these coyote encounters to Alberta Fish and Wildlife, who in turn referred them to Alberta Public Safety and Emergency Services. In an email, Alberta Public Safety and Emergency Services spokesperson Sheena Campbell said the department had yet to receive any direct reports of a coyote attack in St. Albert.

Harass for safety

The City of St. Albert’s Integrated Pest Management Plan states that officials will monitor coyote sightings but will not trap, hunt, or interfere with them unless they are rabid or show aggressive behaviour toward humans. If a coyote appears to be sick, injured, or aggressive, officials will confirm the threat before calling in professionals to remove the animal.

Heritage Lakes is ideal coyote habitat, as it is surrounded on three sides by the large, open fields they prefer and the less-developed areas (such as the nearby Anthony Henday Drive corridor) where they make dens, said U of A biologist Colleen Cassady St. Clair, founder of the Edmonton Urban Coyote Project. It’s also riddled with convenient walking paths.

“They go into the neighbourhoods looking for easy sources of food,” St. Clair said of coyotes, such as pets, birdseed, compost, jackrabbits, mice and voles around stormwater ponds, and food intentionally left out for them by humans.

Coyotes often get more aggressive and defensive around their dens at this time of year as they are raising pups, said St. Clair, who recalled a case of a coyote making a den under a home in Akinsdale four years ago this month. Most aggressive encounters involve dogs, which coyotes see as prey, competitors, and threats to their pups. Coyotes who “stalk” people are escorting them away from their dens and are unlikely to attack.

While it is sometimes necessary, St. Clair said moving or killing a coyote usually results in its swift replacement by another coyote.

Instead, St. Clair recommends teaching coyotes to fear humans. This means securing attractants such as birdseed, compost, and pet food, not feeding coyotes, and keeping pets on leash. If you see a coyote in your neighbourhood, be aggressive.

“Throw things at them. Shout at them. Teach them that they need to be wary around people.”

Campbell said whistles, air horns, and dog spray can also be used to deter coyotes. If a coyote continues to approach you, back away slowly and move toward buildings or human activity — the coyote might be near its den or a food source and unwilling to leave.

The City of St. Albert says to report aggressive coyotes to Alberta Fish and Wildlife at 780-427-3574. Visit edmontonurbancoyotes.ca or stalbert.ca/events/calendar/environment/wild-about-wildlife for more on coyote management.




Kevin Ma

About the Author: Kevin Ma

Kevin Ma joined the St. Albert Gazette in 2006. He writes about Sturgeon County, education, the environment, agriculture, science and aboriginal affairs. He also contributes features, photographs and video.
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