The County is aware of recent coyote activity in parks and communities. Coyotes are highly adaptable and can become more comfortable around people when food, shelter, or other attractants are readily available.
Reducing conflict with coyotes is a community effort. Residents can help discourage coyotes from becoming comfortable in populated areas by taking a few simple precautions.
Preventing Coyote Conflicts
- Never feed coyotes or other wildlife. Feeding coyotes can cause them to lose their natural fear of people and increase the risk of unsafe encounters.
- Remove food sources. Keep pet food indoors, secure garbage and compost, clean up fallen fruit and bird seed, and pick up pet waste.
- Protect pets. Keep cats indoors and dogs leashed and under control, particularly in areas where coyotes have been observed. Do not leave small pets outside unattended.
- Reduce attractants for prey species. Bird seed, food scraps, and other attractants can draw mice, squirrels, and other animals that coyotes prey on.
If You Encounter a Coyote
If a coyote is nearby, give it space and do not approach it. If it approaches you or appears too comfortable around people:
- Do not run or turn your back.
- Make yourself appear large by standing tall and raising your arms.
- Yell, clap, or make other loud noises to discourage the coyote from approaching.
- Maintain eye contact and slowly back away toward an area with other people or buildings if the coyote continues to approach.
- Keep dogs leashed and close to you. Pick up small dogs if it is safe to do so.
Children should be taught never to approach or run from a coyote and to make themselves look big and call loudly for an adult if they encounter one.
Coyotes are part of Alberta's landscape, and sightings do not necessarily mean an animal is aggressive or poses an immediate threat. Reducing attractants and consistently discouraging coyotes from becoming comfortable around people are important steps in reducing the potential for conflict.