Coyote incident in Assiniboine Park leads to new signage

Assiniboine Park officials are warning the public to be vigilant around coyotes amid reports the dogs are becoming more comfortable interacting with the public.

Chris Enright of the Assiniboine Park Conservancy said staff have been posting signs along popular trails and spots in the park over the past week to remind the public how to safely coexist with coyotes.

Park officials wanted to spread the word after they became concerned about a coyote spotted on the zoo grounds acting as if he was too comfortable around people.

“That becomes a concern because we are very good at living with coyotes, but we need coyotes that also keep their distance from people. Unfortunately, sometimes coyotes can be fed by well-meaning people and become too accustomed to people. Then conflicts can arise, even aggressive incidents,” he said.

Enright said they have contacted wildlife officials about the incident and see it as an opportunity to inform the public.

The signs remind park users to keep their distance from coyotes and never feed them.

Dog owners are also advised to keep their four-legged friends on a leash and not to let them run uncontrolled into the bushes.

“Sometimes a dog on a leash can be seen as a threat by a coyote defending its den or territory, for example,” he said, noting that pet owners should pick up their dog and retreat to a building or car if a coyote gets too close.