Aggressive coyote in southeast Calgary
Signs warning of coyotes dotted the path along the ridge in overlooking Fish Creek Park in the southeast district of Mountain Park Monday morning after an aggressive coyote was reported in the area.
Professional dog walker Rebecca Atkinson has had encounters with the animals along that ridge, and said that in some cases they were a little too close for comfort.
“It was just stalking us and we turn around it was like hanging out behind us. And then it's happened again when I was walking another boxer, "said Atkinson. “One of my neighbours actually said that he his dog got bitten on the back of the ankle by one, so they have been pretty brave. They're coming out a lot more, which is scary."
Monday Calgary 311 publically posted the most recent complaint which reads:
“Man walking his large dog (Rottweiler) and coyote snuck up and bit at dog's leg. Followed him up road. I had to change routes with my dog this morning to avoid. Not sure if he will report. This happened along walking route I take every day. My friend's dog was also bit in same area and I am reporting because it's likely same coyote that came within a few feet from me and stalked me and came at me and my dog baring teeth and growling several weeks back. I now carry spray with me. It's not OK.”
The location reported was close to the entrance to McKenzie Meadows golf course.
The course’s chief operation officer said the wild dogs have always lived around the course and haven't been an issue for the club.
“Everybody has to remember that this is Fish Creek Provincial Park, that borders McKenzie Lake," said Scott Orban. "Later on in the evening, sometime you can hear them get pretty stirred up in the hillside and kind of above our 10th tee, but honestly we hear them more than we see them.”
Rebecca Atkinson said coyote encounters along the ridge overlooking Fish Creek Park, and in the neighboring communities are becoming more frequent.
“It does seem like it's getting worse in some ways. We've seen a den with pups in there before and of course, then the moms are really protective," said Atkinson
“It's scary for kids, small dogs, anyone really," she added. "It's nerve-wracking to be in that community and not know when they're going to’ come out.”
But Orban who also lives in the area said enjoying living near the park means accepting the wildlife too.”One of the one of the beauties of living near Fish Creek Park is you can access those park paths and it's beautiful. You have all this nature here," said Orban. “But all that nature doesn't exist without that whole ecosystem. So we just have to know where we are living and take the precautions.”
In June there were several coyote attacks in northwest Calgary. In one case, a woman was brazenly attacked and bitten by a rogue coyote while standing on a city sidewalk.
That coyote was animal was eventually caught and killed by the city.
City crews are investigating the latest aggressive coyote in southeast Calgary. They have not determined the level of threat it poses, or what its fate will be.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Cherry blossoms blooming in Canada: Here's what to know
There is a swaying sea of colour in some cities across Canada, and it's a sure sign of spring: cherry blossoms are in bloom.
Murder charges filed against U.S. woman who crashed into building hosting birthday party, killing 2 kids
A Michigan woman was charged Tuesday with second-degree murder and other crimes after prosecutors say she drunkenly smashed her SUV into a boat club that was hosting a birthday party, killing two young siblings and injuring several other people.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.