Residents near Vancouver’s largest urban park faced a series of coyote attacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. From December 2020 to August 2021, there were 45 incidents of coyotes attacking humans in Stanley Park. This surge prompted the B.C. Ministry of Forests and the B.C. Conservation Officer Service to approve the culling of 11 coyotes.
Although rare, zoology doctoral candidate Nathan Lewis highlighted the unusual frequency of these coyote attacks, which averaged one every six days. Lewis and his team from the University of British Columbia have been investigating the reasons behind this aggression since 2023.
Their recently published study in the journal “Animal Behaviour” suggests that the increased human presence in the park due to COVID-19 lockdowns may have contributed to the spike in coyote attacks. Lewis noted that the coyotes had become accustomed to human interactions, leading to more aggressive behavior.
The study also revealed that people were feeding coyotes more during this period, despite it being prohibited by a 2024 bylaw in Vancouver. This practice of feeding wild animals can lead to dangerous encounters as the animals associate humans with food, potentially resulting in aggressive behavior towards people.
To enhance public safety, the study recommended avoiding known den sites, particularly during coyote pup-rearing seasons, to reduce the risk of defensive aggression. Additionally, implementing proper signage and educating the public on the risks of aggressive encounters while engaging in solitary activities can help mitigate conflicts with wildlife.
Wildlife conservation advocates emphasized the importance of enforcing bylaws and educating the public to promote coexistence with wildlife. They stressed the need for sustainable solutions beyond culling, emphasizing that education and enforcement are crucial components for fostering harmony between humans and wildlife.
