Coyote Aggression in Vancouver: A Human-Wildlife Conflict Story
The recent surge in coyote attacks in Stanley Park, Vancouver, has sparked concern and raised important questions about human-wildlife interactions. This article delves into the findings of a study by zoology doctoral candidate Nathan Lewis and his team at the University of British Columbia, shedding light on the underlying causes of this unprecedented coyote aggression.
The Spike in Attacks: A Rare Occurrence
Nathan Lewis emphasizes the rarity of coyote attacks on humans, stating, "Coyote attacks are unbelievably rare." The 45 attacks in Stanley Park between December 2020 and August 2021 were a shocking anomaly, occurring at an alarming rate of approximately one every six days. This density of attacks in a small area is unprecedented and has prompted a deeper investigation into the factors contributing to this behavior.
COVID Lockdowns: A Catalyst for Habituation
Lewis and his team discovered a compelling connection between the COVID-19 lockdowns and the increased coyote aggression. During the pandemic, when social events were restricted, people turned to outdoor spaces like Stanley Park. This surge in human activity in the park led to a critical issue: coyote habituation. As Lewis explains, "When people were not allowed to go to social events inside, a lot more people were going to the park, and that was associated with an increase in aggression. These coyotes had become highly habituated to people, which meant that over time, they didn't feel threatened by people in any of those encounters."
Habituation and Aggression
The study reveals a fascinating aspect of coyote behavior: as they become more accustomed to humans, they exhibit heightened aggression, especially when defending their pups. Lewis notes, "These coyotes defended their pups more aggressively the more habituated they became, with attacks more likely near den sites."
Human Feeding Habits: A Prohibited Practice
The research also highlights a concerning human behavior: feeding coyotes. Lewis mentions, "There was evidence that people fed coyotes more during the studied period, a practice banned under a 2024 bylaw which prohibits the feeding of any wild animal in Vancouver. This can lead to these coyotes associating humans with food and actually starting to approach people. Sometimes these encounters can turn aggressive."
The arrest of two individuals for allegedly feeding coyotes in September 2021 underscores the importance of adhering to the bylaw. Lesley Fox from TheFur-Bearers emphasizes the need for wildlife-resistant garbage cans to prevent such feeding practices.
Public Safety Recommendations
The study offers valuable insights for improving public safety. It suggests that visitors should be kept away from known den sites during all seasons to minimize the risk of defensive aggression. Solo runners are identified as being at higher risk, while those in groups or on bicycles are less likely to encounter aggressive coyotes.
Education, Enforcement, and Coexistence
Fox advocates for a comprehensive approach to managing coyote populations. She states, "We can't kill our way out of so-called wildlife conflict. We know that education coupled with enforcement is what creates coexistence."
The Vancouver Park Board's environmental stewardship coordinator, Dana McDonald, supports this view, suggesting that proper signage and public awareness are crucial. Fox also emphasizes the need for multilingual signage and strict enforcement of bylaws to prevent future culls.
In conclusion, the coyote aggression in Stanley Park highlights the complex relationship between humans and wildlife. By understanding the role of habituation, human behavior, and the importance of education and enforcement, we can work towards a harmonious coexistence with these wild canines.
