Since it’s inception in 1993 the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society has received thousands of calls relating to coyote and human interactions. The coyote is considered the most persecuted animal in North America an unwarranted designation. The coyote is a very intelligent and adaptable animal, as most pest species are, because they have learned to adapt around us and do not flee in the face of increasing human encroachment on natural habitats.

The majority of calls we received were from residents of new communities that used to be grassland or farmland; on the perimeters of the city; close to farmland or those that back onto ravine or natural areas. These areas are natural wildlife corridors where coyotes, deer and small mammals frequent in search of food.

The coyote lives in mixed grassland area and their diet consists mainly of rodents (mice voles, pocket gophers, Richardson ground squirrels etc.), hares and rabbits.

Coyotes living near urban areas have been known to hunt cats or small dogs on occasion, but are most active at night and rarely stray away from their natural food source.

Coyotes breed during the months of February and March. During this time many people will hear an increase in their barking and howling. Their young are born in late April or May.

Many of the calls we received from residents were concerned with the safety of their children due to coyotes in the field close to their homes. Conflicts or attacks on people are rare and are usually the result of people coming too close to a mother trying to protect her den site. Education is the key to ensuring safety, respect and harmony with all wildlife species.

We take great pride in looking out our windows to view the mountains and foothills we are lucky to live by and enjoy the accessibility of those natural amenities. But with that beautiful landscape also resides a variety of wildlife that call it home. It is important to understand that as a community we bare a large responsibility to understand the wildlife around us.

Quick tips to reduce your interactions with coyotes:

1. Good housekeeping:

   • Maintain a clean yard free of debris; remove old wood piles or garbage as they can house mice.

   • Have secure covered garbage containers and try not to place your garbage out until your garbage collection day.

Note: For food waste such as meat or fish, etc. add a small amount of household ammonia to the garbage bag before disposing. Ammonia is a common animal deterrent.

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   • Maintain the area around any birdfeeders by cleaning regularly. Loose feed attracts mice.

1. Be a responsible pet owner:

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   • You can minimize coyote and other wildlife interactions by keeping your pets in at night.

   • DO NOT allow your pets to roam free or unsupervised for long periods of time.

   • DO NOT place food outside for any domestic pets. This will only encourage wildlife to frequent the area.

Note: The City of Calgary does have Bylaws to promote responsible pet ownership. Please refer to the city of Calgary’s website for more information. (www.calgary.ca)

1. Take time to educate yourself about the wildlife in your community and make it a positive experience.

For more information on wildlife and our society visit our website, www.calgarywildlife.org

Nicola Murphy, RAHT
Site & Wildlife Manager
Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society