Dear Editor:
The growing coyote population in Burnaby is becoming a major problem requiring immediate action. Dozens of house cats have been killed on our streets over the past few years. I know for a fact that here in Lochdale, a relatively small neighbourhood between Kensington and Duthie, coyotes are a serious problem. Local residents see them all the time. Missing cat posters are a common sight, and if you go online and search for missing cat ads in Burnaby, you will be shocked by their numbers. Watching a large wolf-like creature grab a beloved pet in its teeth and run away is a terrible, traumatic experience for a child and adult alike.
I am addressing Burnaby City Hall officials responsible for controlling aggressive wildlife: you are well aware of large populations of coyotes in North Burnaby, around Deer Lake (at least 40, according to the media) and in other areas. Nobody benefits from this status quo. Your inaction has lasted long enough. Coyotes are known to attack small children, in fact, that happened in Vanier Park at Kits Point. If this happens on one of Burnaby's front lawns, the City of Burnaby will be a subject of litigation and unwelcome publicity. If the city alone can't handle the task of removing coyotes, ask for the province's assistance - surely their abilities go beyond capturing a lone snakehead fish. The coyotes need to be caught humanely, transported outside of the Lower Mainland and released. I am also addressing all cat owners: keep your cats indoors or in a protected, high-fenced area, if you don't want to lose them.
Al Morev, Burnaby
