Tri-Cities hosting human-coyote conflict info sessions

Uptick in coyote reports prompt pair of Tri-Cities info sessions

The Stanley Park Ecology Society is set to provide tips on how to live with urban coyotes following recent sightings across the region.

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1 / 1 A coyote was spotted in Port Coquitlam during a snowy day in late January 2023.Chevy P.

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Coyotes are active in urban communities as spring mating season approaches.

Maybe it's time to learn about them.

A Metro Vancouver organization is set to teach local residents about how to co-exist with wildlife as part of efforts to minimize conflicts, and to protect children and pets from active coyotes.

In a statement, Nadia Xenakis, spokesperson for the Stanley Park Ecology Society (SPES), said it's important to preserve the safety of both the community and surrounding environment.

While SPES has yet to report anything official for 2023, its data showed nearly 40 coyote sightings across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody last year.

A handful of the incidents included pet attacks or defensive encounters (see map in above gallery).

However, witnesses have told the Tri-City News coyotes have been seen across the Tri-Cities, in places like Riverview Park Elementary and Mundy Park in Coquitlam, as well as Citadel Heights in PoCo.

@tricitynews It’s coyote mating season. 🐺 #tricitynews #coquitlam #riverviewpark #coyote #coyotes #coyoteseason ♬ original sound - Looney Tunes

Back in December, a coyote snatched a small unleashed dog in Port Moody's College Park area — leaving the owner devastated and distressed.

City officials are reminding residents to always leash dogs when walking out in the neighbourhood, in a local forested area or along a walking trail.

Homeowners should also lock up all garbage carts to deter coyotes from finding unnatural food attractants.

If you do run into a coyote, experts have suggested using assertive tones, raising your hands above your head to look larger or opening an umbrella to scare them away.

Information sessions

Xenakis and SPES have been called upon by the cities of Coquitlam and Port Moody to share with local residents the dos and don'ts of living with urban coyotes.

The presentations are set to include details about coyotes, their common misconceptions and their breeding season, as well as tips on how to keep your family safe.

The one-hour sessions, which are free for all ages to attend, are scheduled as follows: