Coyote sightings in Medicine Hat prompt safe response measures

The city recommends ensuring household garbage is securely stored in garbage bins. It also warns against allowing pets to roam freely, especially small dogs or cats.

“If they happen to encounter a coyote and they have a small dog, it’s probably best for them to pick up the dog, remove themselves from the area,” Genio said.

“But even for larger dogs, it’s best to have them on leash and remove them from the area as well.”

Genio said dog owners should also clean up dog feces on trails.

He said coyotes are attracted to the scent, associating it with a food source.

“Coyotes are more accustomed to be looking after a source of food or anything that might be considered easy prey,” he said.

Genio said coyotes are more accustomed to look after a source of food or anything that might be considered easy prey. Jayk Sterkenburg/CHAT News

Genio said there are things people can do if they encounter coyotes and it doesn’t look like they will move themselves away.

“Stand tall, look big, talk in low voices, throw rocks or sticks, never turn your back on a coyote, as they may see this as something that you are running or fleeing from them,” he said.

“They could attack if they are seen to be more aggressive. That is not normal for a coyote to do that.”

Genio said other attractants for coyotes could include trees once they begin to fruit, and recommended residents who have such to clean fallen fruit as quick as possible.

He said people have also released domesticated rabbits into the city’s park systems which have also acted as attractants — and recommends taking them to a shelter instead.

Coyote sightings near Kin Coulee Park were reported by the city as early as mid-April.

Signs have been put up around the city in other areas, with information on how to avoid a dangerous encounter and how to contact Fish and Wildlife if need be.

Genio said coyotes usually don’t want to interact with humans if they don’t have to.

He said they do use the urban environment as a source of security, housing, and food — so the less that is made available to them, the better.

by Jayk Sterkenburg

Coyote sightings in Medicine Hat prompt safe response measures

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