Residents near Vancouver’s largest urban park witnessed a surge in coyote attacks between December 2020 and August 2021, totaling 45 incidents. The spike prompted authorities to cull 11 coyotes in Stanley Park. While such attacks are rare, a recent study by zoology experts at the University of British Columbia linked the increased aggression to the COVID-19 lockdowns.
During the lockdowns, more people visited the park, leading to heightened interactions with the habituated coyotes. Some individuals were even caught feeding the wild animals, which can cause them to associate humans with food and potentially turn aggressive. In response, conservation officers arrested two people for feeding coyotes in the park.
The study also revealed that coyotes tend to defend their pups more aggressively when habituated, with attacks more likely near den sites. To enhance public safety, the report recommended avoiding known den areas and being cautious when engaging in solitary activities, like running. Wildlife conservationists emphasized the importance of education, enforcement of bylaws, and the need for multilingual signage to prevent future conflicts and culls.