Stanley Park Ecology Society and the University of B.C. are looking for homeowners who frequently see coyotes in their backyards to help with a new research project.
The society’s Co-Existing with Coyotes program is partnering with Dr. Kristen Walker, a member of the applied animal biology faculty at UBC, in an effort to learn more about Vancouver’s coyote population.
Co-Exisiting with Coyotes is looking for homeowners who frequently see coyotes in their yards. Research participants will have trail cameras in their yards to monitor coyote behaviour and movement.
In particular, the study will look at the effectiveness of a motion activated sprinkler system as a way to deter coyotes and reduce conflicts between people and coyotes.
Originally from the prairie grasslands of the southwest United States, coyotes have thrived in urban areas like Vancouver. There’s an estimated 200 coyotes in the city of Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»and between 2,000 and 3,000 in the Lower Mainland.
As a result of living in more urban areas, coyotes have become mainly nocturnal animals to avoid interactions with humans.
However, fall is the dispersal season for many young coyotes in the city and as they start to explore the city on their own, coyote sightings tend to increase.
To avoid attracting unwanted attention from a coyote, Co-Existing with Coyotes recommends removing any potential food sources from your yard, such as fallen fruit, scaring coyotes away and keeping pets inside at night.
Coyote sightings can be reported to Co-Existing with Coyotes at 604-681-WILD (9453), online at stanleyparkecology.ca/conservation/co-existing-with-coyotes/coyote-sighting or through the VanConnect app.
Residents who regularly see coyotes in their yard and would like to take part in the research project can call Co-Existing with Coyotes at 604-681-WILD (9453).
@JessicaEKerr
