A Calgary dog owner has urged the public to stay on high alert after spotting a coyote at the Parkdale off-leash dog park earlier this week.
Joel Tiedemann said he was walking his dogs Tuesday when he heard a commotion – another dog owner warning him about a nearby coyote.
“I heard a gentleman shouting ‘wait, wait’, and I thought he was yelling at me. All of a sudden, we saw the coyote come running down the hill right in front of our two dogs,” Tiedemann said.
“I was surprised it came that close to us.”
Luckily for his quick reflexes, the dogs were back on the leash and kept a safe distance away from the wild animal.
“I know there’s a lot of dog owners in the area. The park is well used. People should know the potential threat is there,” he warned.
The City of Calgary said the public may see more coyotes around the city as the animals enter the mating season.
Calgary Parks’ Lincoln Julie said there’s an uptick in coyotes, especially at this time of year, adding the animals could be more territorial.
“The males don’t want any competition or anything like that, so they will be territorial. Coyotes are very adaptable. They become city dwellers,” he said.
There aren’t any firm numbers on Calgary’s coyote population but Julie said the number is “fairly high,” judging by the number of 3-1-1 calls and recorded and anecdotal sightings.
Urban coyotes can be found in all natural areas, including parks and city centers, he said.
What to do if a coyote approaches or acts aggressive:
- Do NOT run or turn away.
- Try to scare the animal by shouting and waving your arms overhead.
- Bang sticks or clang pots together toward the animal.
- Maintain eye contact with the animal and back away slowly
How to reduce or avoid problems with coyotes?
- Don’t approach or feed coyotes.
- Secure open areas under porches, decks or steps.
- Clean up your compost, garbage and other potential food sources.
- Don’t store food outside.
- Clean up around bird feeders.
- Clean up fallen fruit.
- Keep pets on a leash, in your enclosed property, or inside your home, especially at night