The province has shut down an area of Winnipeg’s largest park due to dangerous behaviour from coyotes.
Manitoba Conservation has shut down part of Assiniboine Forest due after “numerous reports of coyotes exhibiting predatory, stalking behaviour.”
The forest is now indefinitely closed between Roblin Boulevard and Grant Avenue, from Chalfont Road to the west border of Tuxedo Golf Club.
In a statement to Global News, a city spokesperson said they were aware of at least three instances where people using the trails encountered coyotes that appeared to not fear humans, were not easily scared off, stalked hikers, and displayed other uncharacteristic behaviours. The city, with the support of the province, made the decision to temporarily close off the area as a safety precaution. Manitoba Conservation is monitoring the forest but conservation officers have yet to encounter the animals.
Wildlife experts say coyotes are normally afraid of humans, and aggressive behaviour like this is unusual.
“Coyotes, normally, when they see people are quite shy or quite inquisitive,” FortWhyte Alive tourism and custom programs coordinator Barret Miller said. “It’s quite unusual for them to be aggressive, but I guess in this case the coyotes have been following people and making them feel uneasy.”
The province says coyotes can become aggressive if protecting their young, and off-leash dogs can also provoke aggressive behaviour.
Both the city and the province are reminding the public to be aware of their surroundings while outdoors, and don’t leave children or pets unattended.
—With files from Marney Blunt.