Coyote calls on the rise in Calgary; city wildlife team advises caution
The City of Calgary's wildlife team says they're fielding hundreds of calls about coyotes.
This happens every spring as new pups emerge from dens.
Officials want you to know what to do if you encounter one.
As more people head outdoors with the warmer weather, they're bound to spot more signs of wildlife.
"I'm concerned. (My dog), he's small. He's good food for a coyote," said one man out walking with his best friend on Wednesday.
Coyotes are most active in the spring as they establish den sites for their litters of pups.
"They can be a little more protective and territorial, especially with people with dogs -- they can interpret it as a rival predator," said Harry Aime, integrated pest management wildlife technician.
It's in coyotes' nature to avoid humans but in shared spaces like parks, you might cross paths with one.
Back away slowly.
If it seems aggressive, try to scare the coyote by shouting, waving your arms and stomping your feet.
You can even throw something in its direction.
Wildlife crews will intervene if the coyote becomes aggressive but say negative encounters are rare and can be avoided.
Keep your dog on a leash, pick up after your pet and secure bins on your property.
Other tips to avoid a run-in include keeping cats indoors, cleaning your barbecue and not approaching or feeding wildlife.
"(Coyotes) serve important ecological functions. They control pest species, they keep ground squirrels under control, so it's a matter of living with them," Amie said.
"In most cases, problem coyote behaviour is a result of problem people behaviour."
The city does monitor where coyotes are more active and other wildlife trends, so if you spot or have an encounter, you’re encouraged to report it to 3-1-1.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Russia puts Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on its wanted list
Russia has put Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on its wanted list, Russian state media reported Saturday, citing the interior ministry’s database.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
A Chinese driver is praised for helping reduce casualties in a highway collapse that killed 48
A Chinese truck driver was praised in local media Saturday for parking his vehicle across a highway and preventing more cars from tumbling down a slope after a section of the road in the country's mountainous south collapsed and killed at least 48 people.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Explosion at train station leads to discovery of stolen car on Montreal's South Shore: police
Police are investigating after a BMW exploded in the St-Lambert Exo train station parking lot on Montreal's South Shore.
The pros and cons of discussing mental health issues in the workplace
A group of lawyers has written what they call a groundbreaking book about how mental health is perceived in the legal profession.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.