City of Mission issues public warning about aggressive coyotes

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• In the event of an encounter with a coyote that is behaving aggressively, WildSafeBC recommends the following actions:
• make yourself appear large, maintain eye contact, and speak in a low firm voice or shout;
• do not run or turn your back as this may trigger an attack;
• pick up small pets and children immediately; older children should stay close and not try to run away;
• wave your arms and if you have a walking stick or gardening implement such as a rake or shovel, be prepared to use it as a weapon against the coyote;
• throw rocks, sticks or other objects in the animal’s vicinity;
• if the coyote continues to approach, do not run, or turn your back on it, continue looking large and making noise while you slowly retreat. Move towards more people or into your home or vehicle;
• if the coyote attacks, deliver a series of blows either with your feet or a sturdy stick at the animal’s ribs and stomach; and
• report the encounter to the Conservation Officer Service.

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“Aggressive behaviour towards people is not typical and may be the result of the animal becoming comfortable due to being fed, either directly or indirectly, by people,” the city wrote in its email. “Urban environments offer many potential attractants, including garbage, small pets and pet food, livestock, fruit, berries, compost, bird seed, and rodents. The City of Mission and the COS cannot stress enough the importance of not feeding coyotes and ensure that all attractants are secured.”

Coyotes will prey upon domestic cats, and pet owners are asked to keep cats indoors or within a secure enclosure. Recent conflicts have included attacks and fatalities of free-roaming pets.

The COS is monitoring coyote activity and will respond as necessary to ensure public safety. Coyote conflicts and the unlawful feeding of dangerous wildlife can be reported to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at 1-877-952-7277.

For specific information regarding human-coyote conflicts and attractant management, visit www.wildsafebc.com, e-mail bc@wildsafebc.com, or call 604-702-5086.