Residents of Stonegate in Airdrie’s northwest have had an uninvited guest or two recently as a coyote has been spotted in the neighbourhood.
On Feb. 3, Jennifer Peirson first alerted her fellow residents to the presence of the coyotes through a post on the community’s Facebook page.
“We popped out to just check on (our pet birds) before bedtime and our 11-year-old got out there before we did,” Peirson said. “Our little 12 pound dog was going crazy so (our daughter) ran around the corner of the house and shone a light into the (pet) enclosure (inside our backyard) and the coyote was inside the enclosure.
“Not only had it jumped into our backyard over a seven-foot fence, but it ripped into the top of the enclosure and jumped in.”
Brendon Cox, spokesman with Alberta Fish and Wildlife, said there are a number of reasons coyotes may start to come into urban neighbourhoods.
“Our cities and towns here in Alberta are growing a lot, and many suburbs are expanding into formerly undeveloped habitat,” he said. “Essentially, the growth of cities for coyotes means an increase in food sources from humans such as garbage and pet food or fruit and berries from the more ornamental landscaping.
“They do take advantage of improperly stored garbage, compost and fruit falling from trees and bird feeders – that can also attract smaller animals, animals that a coyote might prey on. When you’re attracting the prey animals you’re also attracting the predators.”
Cox said residents – regardless of whether there has been a coyote spotted in their neighbourhood – should take away temptation by keeping garbage inside until it’s time for collection, cleaning up after pets and cleaning up any fruit or berries that drop on the ground.
“If a coyote is returning to your neighbourhood, it’s because there is shelter or easy meals available there,” he said. “Remove low branches on trees that can provide hiding places for coyotes or can provide hiding places for other small animals and just keep a clean backyard.”
Coyotes tend to be nocturnal and most active between dusk and dawn, according to Cox, however they can adapt their routine given the proper incentive – for instance, a ready meal.
The coyote is not considered a danger to public safety, however, Cox said there are some things residents can do if they encounter one to ensure their safety.
“We always encourage people to make the experience unpleasant for the animal,” he said. “Make it feel unwelcome in your neighbourhood. Respond aggressively to its presence. Make yourself larger and wave your arms overhead or thrust a long object such as a walking stick at it. You can even throw rocks, sticks or other objects towards it. Speak in a deep voice and maintain eye contact.”
Responding aggressively will teach the animal humans are to be respected and to keep their distance, reducing the chance of negative conflict in the future.
Pet owners should always supervise their animals when they are outdoors and should always walk them on a leash, according to Cox.
Thankfully, the coyote that got into her yard injured none of Peirson’s pets. She and her family have since installed a motion-sensing light in the backyard and she said they keep an eye on their pets, especially after dark.
Cox said coyote sightings should be reported to Alberta Fish and Wildlife via the Report a Poacher hotline at 1-800-642-3800.
