The City of Burnaby is warning residents about aggressive coyotes near the CG Brown Memorial Pool and down to the lower central valley.
Either one coyote or a group of them have become more aggressive and problematic in the last several months following an incident, said Don Hunter, assistant director of the parks, recreation and cultural services department. He could not provide specifics on the incident itself.
The city has been working with B.C. Ministry of Environment conservation officers to deal with the coyote issue, he said. The coyotes mostly live in the bushes around the fields near the pool and down below, in the central valley.
Hunter said prevention is the key way to deal with coyotes that have become desensitized to humans. He also strongly advised against feeding them.
"They get used to humans," Hunter told the Burnaby NOW. "Keep your personal yard tidy, secure, cover your garbage and protect your pets."
Keep cats indoors at night and dogs on a leash, under supervision, he added.
"If you actually come face to face with a coyote stand your ground," Hunter said. "Don't run. It may trigger the coyote to chase you."
Coyotes can be scared off by loud noises, such as yelling, or by tossing a stick at them.
Hunter said if someone comes in contact with a coyote, to report the incident to the Ministry of Environment at 1-877-9527277.
"We are not allowed to remove them," he noted. "We work in cooperation with (the ministry), and we have to inform them of any wildlife incidents."
Conservation officers at the Ministry of Environment's Surrey office were not available to comment before press deadline.
