Banff visitors are being warned and wildlife in the national park is being monitored after a coyote nipped at a man on Sunday night.
Parks Canada said a group of four visitors sitting at Mt. Norquay lookout thought the animal was an off-leash dog and tried to pet it, then it nipped at a man’s foot.
“There was no puncture to the foot and no further interaction after the coyote ran off,” said Parks Canada spokesperson Christina Tricomi in an email to Global News, who added a “Coyote in Area” warning sign had been posted in the lookout area.
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“Based on the behaviour exhibited, it is likely the coyote has been fed at some point in the past. It is not yet known if the coyote has become food conditioned and might approach other humans seeking food.”
Tricomi said if that happens, officers would need to intervene. She said a decision will be made “in the days ahead.”
Parks Canada reminds visitors feeding wildlife is not allowed in any national park. More information about safe wildlife viewing practices is available on the Parks Canada web site here.
Tricomi said a Wildlife Guardians program with teams of roving interpreters has also been established, which travel on secondary highways to “educate people on safe wildlife viewing.”
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