[ad_1]
Several reports of coyote sightings, as well as the death of a cat and a dog, have been made in Coquitlam in recent weeks. Signs have been posted in Miller Park warning residents of coyotes in the ravine.
Coquitlam pet owners are encouraged to keep an eye out for coyotes after several reports of close calls with dogs and cats, and the reported death of a puppy.
A Vancouver media outlet reported that a coyote snatched a tiny Aussiedoodle pup while it was playing in the backyard of a Coquitlam home with its owners on Oct. 23.
According World News, the Davidson family saw the coyote kill their dog and run away. They now want residents to be animal aware and take better care of their pets.
The City of Coquitlam has confirmed reports of coyotes in the area of Miller Park and Chapman Avenue near Clarke Road and has posted a number of signs in the area.
Miller Park, located at 900 Oakview Street, has a popular off-leash area for dogs as well as a trail through a ravine.
Social media reports over the past few weeks also indicate a number of close calls.
On October 11, someone posted on social media about a cat killed by a coyote.
“Unfortunately this morning around 9:30 am at Thermal Dr. between Baker Dr. and Park Cres, I saw a dark gray cat with a red collar in a coyote’s mouth,” the commentator said.
“Hopefully this observation will help owners recover from the loss of their pet.”
Some of the places where coyotes have recently been sighted include:
Coquitlam
- Miller Park
- Thermal Drive between Baker Drive and Park Crescent
- Chapman Avenue
Port Coquitlam
- Coquitlam River Trail between Patricia and Fraser Avenues
- Kelly Street/Atkins and Shaughnessy
Port Moody
- Seaview neighborhood near Tuxedo Drive
Pets make up ‘less than 2% of coyotes’ diet’
Sightings of coyotes are not uncommon in the Tri-Cities where the animals have adapted to the urban environment.
Last year, a coyote was photographed casually walking down the street in downtown Port Coquitlam.
Although coyotes prey on pets, including cats and small dogs under 10 pounds, they don’t make up a large part of a coyote’s diet, according to the Stanley Park Ecology Society, which studies animals.
On its Pet Safety website, the company notes that pets make up less than 2% of animal diets.
Although the risk of coyotes to pets is low, you still need to take steps to keep your cat or dog safe.
Safety tips to keep dogs and cats safe:
- Cats should be kept indoors to prevent them from falling prey to coyotes. Cats kept indoors have a longer life.
- Bring a coyote shaker (a pop can filled with dimes or pebbles)
- Keep your dog on a leash and within sight at all times
- Walk your dog in daylight in open areas with higher foot activity, such as busy streets and major park trails. Avoid ravines and densely vegetated areas (e.g. thick or overgrown hedges)
- Walk your dog with a friend or two. This way one person can safely control the dog(s) while the other scares away the coyote
- Feed your pets indoors. Do not leave pet food outdoors where it may attract and entice wildlife, including coyotes
If you see a coyote while walking your small dog:
- Pick up your dog
- Yell “Go away Coyote”. This alerts others nearby that there is a coyote and scares it away
[ad_2]
Source link
Comments are closed.