Our Mountain Coyotes

While our resident bears are busy seeking out a warm, safe place to hunker down for the winter, we still need to be diligent about properly securing attractants like garbage, dirty recyclables, BBQs, bird seed and pet/livestock feed. These items attract rodents, a preferred food source for coyotes.

Improperly securing attractants can inadvertently bring coyotes close to your home, family and pets.

We're getting to the tail end of dispersal season, when coyotes born earlier this year may leave their parents to search out their own territories. During this time, its common to see an increase in coyote sightings and encounters. These young coyotes are learning how to safely navigate life around humans, a process that involves some trial and error, and testing of boundaries. More often than not, when a coyote comes close or seems to be following you, it is nothing more than curiosity or a behavior called 'escorting'. Escorting is when a coyote follows a person or a dog to guide them away from their territory. While this behavior is most commonly observed during denning season in the spring/early summer, it can also occur during the fall and winter months.

To help coyotes learn to safely keep their distance, keep attractants secured and keep your pets supervised when they're outside and on leash and under control when out walking or hiking.

If you encounter a coyote while out and about, follow these safety tips:

• Stay calm. Do not panic as the coyote is likely more afraid of you or is just curious.

• Immediately leash your dog and keep it close to you.

• Keep walking at a steady pace. The coyote will likely stop following you once you have left its territory and no longer views you or your dog as a threat.

• Do not run. Never turn your back and run as this can trigger a chase response.

• If a coyote approaches too closely, wave your arms, clap your hands and shout to make yourself look larger and more intimidating.

If you encounter a coyote that is acting aggressively, please contact the BC Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.