Coyoteseminarswillhelpeducateresidents

Animals getting more active as spring approaches

KYLE BALZER kbalzer@tricitynews.com

Coyotes are active in urban communities as their spring mating season ap- proaches

A Metro Vancovuer ecology group thinks maybe it’s time residents learn about them

The Stanley Park Ecology Society (SPES) will be teaching local residents about how to co-exist with wildlife as part of efforts to minimize conflicts, and to protect children and pets from active coyotes

In a statement, Nadia Xenakis, SPES spokesperson, said it’s important to preserve the safety of both the community and surrounding environment

While SPES has yet to report anything official for 2023, its data showed nearly 40 coyote sightings across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody last year

A handful of the incidents included pet attacks or defensive encounters

However, witnesses have told the Tri-City News coyotes have been seen across the Tri-Cities, in places like Riverview Park Elementary and Mundy Park in Coquitlam, as well as Citadel Heights in PoCo

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Back in December, a coyote snatched a small unleashed dog in Port Moody’s College Park area leaving the owner devastated and distressed

City officials are reminding residents to always leash dogs when walking out in the neighbourhood, in a local forested area or along a walking trail

Homeowners should also lock up all garbage carts to deter coyotes from finding unnatural food attractants

If you do run into a coyote, experts have suggested using assertive tones, raising your hands above your head to look larger or opening an umbrella to scare them away

Xenakis and SPES have been called upon by the cities of Coquitlam and Port Moody to share with local residents the dos and don’ts of living with urban coyotes

The presentations will include details about coyotes,

Coyotes have been spotted across the Tri-Cities.

JOHN THOMAS/UNSPLASH

their common misconceptions and their breeding season, as well as tips on how to keep your family safe

The one-hour sessions, which are free for all ages to attend, are scheduled as follows:

COQUITLAM

• Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St ), room 2/3, Feb 25, 1 to 2 p m

PORT MOODY

• Glenayre Community Centre (492 Glencoe Dr ), March 3, 7 to 8 p m

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