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CITY OF VANCOUVER

Coyote Alert

Even though your pet lives in the city, Vancouver is home to a variety of wildlife species and there are dangerous predators out there.

An estimated 2,000 to 3,000 coyote live among us in the Lower Mainland. Although the coyotes eat mainly small mammals such as mice and rats, they will eat domestic pets. All small pets should be kept indoors at night and on a leash when out with their owners. Coyotes are generally no threat to people but should be treated with respect and never approached or fed. People with small children should be especially careful with their kids around animals.

>> Visit the Stanley Park Ecology Society website for more information about coyotes.

What does a coyote look like?

small, dog-like, looks like a cross between a fox and a German Shepherd
average weight - 9-14 kg
length - 0.75 m - 1 m
coats are generally brown; some with reddish tinges
has a bushy tail that is 30 - 40 cm long, with a distinctive black tip
yellow eyes that help them see well in low light.
ears are large for their body size
have a distinctive, quick gait, and run with their tail down; can run at speeds up to 64 km/hour for short distances.

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What do coyotes eat?

Coyotes are carnivores. Their diet consists primarily of small mammals -- mostly rabbits, but also mice, rats, shrews, voles, and racoons. They will also eat household pets such as cats and small dogs. They eat bird eggs, fruits and berries in season, and garbage.

Getting along with coyotes

Coyotes are part of our urban wildlife. The best strategy seems to be to try and get along with them. While coyotes are relatively new to the Lower Mainland, cities such as Calgary and Los Angeles have had coyotes for many years. Some cities have tried extensive poisoning or trapping/relocation programs, with limited success.

Here are some strategies for co-existing with coyotes:

Don't approach or feed coyotes.
Secure your property.
Clean up your compost.
Don't store food outside.
Clean up around bird feeders.
Clean up fallen fruit.
Keep pets on a leash, in your enclosed property, or inside your home, especially at night.

>> Visit the Stanley Park Ecology Society website for more information about coyotes.

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Questions or Comments? Contact: animalcontrol@vancouver.ca