Residents in the vicinity of Vancouver’s largest urban park may have felt animosity from the nearby wild coyotes during the COVID-19 crisis. From December 2020 to August 2021, there were 45 reported incidents of coyote attacks on humans within Stanley Park, prompting authorities to cull 11 of the animals. Despite this spike, zoology doctoral candidate Nathan Lewis emphasized that coyote attacks on people are typically rare, making this surge unprecedented.
Since 2023, Lewis and his team at the University of British Columbia have been investigating the reasons behind the heightened aggression of coyotes in Stanley Park. Their recent study published in the scientific journal “Animal Behaviour” suggests that the increased human presence in the park during COVID-19 lockdowns may have contributed to the aggressiveness of the coyotes.
The research indicated that people were more likely to feed the coyotes during this period, which is prohibited by a 2024 bylaw in Vancouver. Feeding wild animals can lead them to associate humans with food, potentially leading to aggressive behavior. Following a culling operation in September 2021, two individuals were arrested for allegedly feeding coyotes in the park.
The study also revealed that habituated coyotes were more defensive, especially near den sites. Solo runners were identified as the most vulnerable group, while those in groups or on bicycles were less likely to be targeted by the coyotes. Recommendations from the study included avoiding known den sites and being cautious during low human activity hours to reduce the risk of aggressive encounters.
Wildlife conservation advocates called for improved public safety measures, including informative signage and strict enforcement of bylaws to prevent future culls. They emphasized the importance of education and enforcement to promote peaceful coexistence with wildlife.
