Aggressive coyotes attack dog and its owner in Calgary's Fish Creek Provincial Park
Alberta Parks has closed a section of Fish Creek Provincial Park in the city's southeast after aggressive coyotes attacked a dog and its owner.
The closure, which went into effect Thursday, includes the section of the park bordering the community of Parkland to the south and west, east of Midnapore. The off-limit area stretches from the intersection of Parkside Green and Parkside Drive S.E. to Parkvista Crescent S.E.
Brian Ferguson, a conservation officer with Alberta Environment and Parks, says the attack happened at 9:30 a.m. on May 26. Two coyotes were acting aggressively toward a dog, which was on a leash, and its owner.
"During the encounter, one of the coyotes approached and bit the dog and came into contact with the owner who intervened to protect his dog."
Ferguson says the dog owner was able to fend off the coyote using a stick and no one was hurt.
Many residents in the area who came by with their dogs Friday afternoon noticed the yellow caution tape blocking off the path into the park.
"I'm quite surprised and bit shocked," said Mackenzie Rieder, who comes to Fish Creek Provincial Park every day with her dog.
Rieder says her family lives nearby and it's the first time she remembers an incident so serious that the park had to be closed.
"It doesn't worry me at all though as we have never had an experience like this before and we see coyotes all the time that walk around the ridge," she said.
Ferguson says the two coyotes were younger and were reported to look mangy. They have not been trapped yet and the reason for the attack is still being investigated.
In an email, coyote expert Shelley Alexander from the University of Calgary said while she couldn’t speak to the specific case, coyotes are often guarding their pups at this time of year. Closing the park temporarily was the right thing to do, she added.
"Short term closure is an optimal approach to de-escalate and gives time to assess," said Alexander.
She also says that coyote attacks usually happen when dogs are off leash but can happen if an owner with a dog on leash walks right up to or near pups.
Rhonda Gorman says her dog is very curious and therefore keeps her nearby.
"If she were to see a coyote she would want to go after it so that's why she's on a leash because it's just for her safety."
COYOTES IMPORTANT TO CALGARY
Ferguson says that at this point there is no information on when the park will reopen. Officers are still monitoring the area for other coyote sightings.
He say coyotes tend to be the most active between dusk and dawn and spend the day resting in their dens under low branches of trees or any sheltered area. However, they can roam around during the day as well.
Also, that they are important to the city's ecosystem by controlling the population of rodents and that encounters with humans are usually limited to sighting.
However, if there is a direct encounter, it's important to never run.
"You want to appear as aggressive by making yourself appear larger by waving your arms above your head, thrust walking sticks towards them, or throw rocks or sticks towards the animal."
Ferguson says it's also important that all dog owners keep their pets on leash and within two metres from them at all times while visiting the park, never feed coyotes and pick up after your dog.
If you've encountered a coyote in Calgary and need medical help, call 911. If it's a non-emergency case, call 311. For incidents within Fish Creek Provincial Park, call 310LAND.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, Ontario police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
Motion to allow keffiyehs at Ontario legislature fails
A motion to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh within Queen’s Park failed to receive unanimous consent Thursday just moments after Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated his view that prohibiting the garment in the House is divisive.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Taylor Swift's new album allegedly 'leaked' on social media and it's causing a frenzy
A Google Drive link allegedly containing 17 tracks that are purportedly from Swift's eagerly awaited "The Tortured Poets Department" album has been making the rounds on the internet in the past day and people are equal parts mad, sad and happy about it.
Calgary man charged with manslaughter in death of toddler
Calgary police say Winston Campbell, 45, has been charged in the death of a two-year-old girl in 2022.
Allman Brothers Band co-founder and legendary guitarist Dickey Betts dies at 80
Guitar legend Dickey Betts, who co-founded the Allman Brothers Band and wrote their biggest hit, 'Ramblin' Man,' has died. He was 80.