Maple Ridge's rural residents are being hounded by a pack of coyotes recently prowling around the neighbourhood near Whonnock Lake.
"Just a heads up to anyone with small children and or pets who visit Whonnock Lake. I live next door to the lake and walk my dogs twice a day through the park. A pack of coyotes have moved in," wrote a poster in the Whonnock Neighbours social media page.
He reported five daytime sightings in the past week, and a coyote "just stands there trying to bait my dogs," showing "no fear at all. "
He said he has lived in the area for more than 10 years, and has heard the predators close by, but had never seen one.
Numerous other people have posted about their recent and past experiences with coyotes and other wildlife in the area, including "eerie" yipping sounds they hear at night.
"The coyotes are definitely out and about. I bike with my two big shepherds in the evenings or early mornings usually and we've stopped for now because they follow us," wrote one poster, noting the coyotes were running in the ditch behind them. "The dogs are both 70-plus pounds, but those coyotes are watching and started testing the waters to see if they could get my dogs to pay attention to them, and bait them into the bushes."
As it is a private group, The News will not identify those posting.
There have been sightings near the fire hall, which is near the lake, also during daylight hours.
Wildsafe B.C. says human-coyote conflicts can occur when they predate on young or small livestock or attack people’s pets, and free-ranging pets are at risk of coyote predation. The BC government website also advises to keep children inside if there is a coyote in the area.
While human attacks are rare, they can occur, especially if coyotes become comfortable around humans and have received a food reward either through direct or indirect feeding. It is not normal for wolves or coyotes to attack or pursue humans, especially adults.
There was pet food spotted on the ground at the park.
The Fur-Bearers group, which protects wildlife in Canada, has a perspective on coyote behaviour that they don't try to lure dogs. This can be found on their website thefurbearers.com
The Conservation Officer Service said it has not received any recent RAPP reports regarding coyote conflicts in the Whonnock area.
Coyote conflicts or aggressive coyote behaviour can be reported to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at 1-877-952-7277.
Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with safety tips, including being aware of your surroundings and ensuring pets are leashed.
Conservation Officers will continue to review and assess RAPP reports and respond as necessary to ensure public safety.
For additional safety tips and resources, visit WildSafeBC.com
