A wily and menacing coyote remains on the prowl in Shavers Bench and Glenmerry.
Conservation Officer Logan Proulx encourages all sightings and interactions be reported through RAPP (Report All Poachers and Polluters) after he was unsuccessful in tracking the animal down on Friday.
“It seems this coyote is moving between Glenmerry, Shavers Bench and recent sightings in Sunningdale have been reported,” Proulx told the Trail Times. “On Friday, there was a report of a coyote following a small dog and it’s owner the previous night, which has been the common theme throughout the last month with several encounters of this variety.”
Proulx confirmed another sighting of the coyote on the “S” hill was reported Friday afternoon, but it managed to elude the conservation officer because of a short time delay.
“The RCMP is aware of the animal as well,” said Proulx. “And Castlegar COS (Conservation Officer Service) is working in conjunction with them to bring an end to this situation.”
The objective is to locate the animal and safely euthanize it, due to it’s urban nature and tendency to frequent residential areas.
“Being a predator, coyotes have a natural stealthy ability,” Proulx explained. “That makes it difficult for us to be in the right place at the right time to safely remove the animal from the population as it is a public safety risk.”
Setting traps is not a suitable option because that method puts domestic animals at risk.
Relocation is not possible because the animal is clearly habituated, as it has shown over the past month.
All sightings and interactions should be reported to the RAPP line at 1.877.952.7277.
To reduce conflict, WildsafeBC advises pets be kept indoors at night and when outside, keep dogs close and on leash.
In the event of an encounter whereby the coyote behaves aggressively, WildsafeBC says to make yourself appear large, maintain eye contact, speak in a low firm voice or shout, wave your arms and if you have a walking stick or gardening implement such as a rake or shovel use it as a weapon against the coyote. Throwing rocks or sticks and making noise with pots and pans, or tin cans can also work. If the coyote continues to approach, do not run or turn your back on it, continue looking large and making noise while you slowly retreat. Move towards more people or into your home or vehicle.