Burlington offering free coyote whistles to residents after recent attacks

Burlington isoffering coyote whistles to residents after recent attacks in the south central and south east parts of the city.

Since Aug. 22, the city said it wasinvestigating at least fivereportedly unprovokedcoyote attacks, which included those involving an 18-year-old girl and a toddler.

They took place atCentral Park, Mayzel Road, Rosslyn Drive, Market Street Park and theCentennial Bikeway.

Victims received medical attention but were released.

"We are devastated by this news and are leaving no stone unturned to ensure this doesn't happen to anyone else," MayorMarianne Meed Ward said in a press release on Aug. 22.

One coyote was killed with the help of a certified wildlife expert, but the city is still on the look out for others.

It also said it recently cleared a den on a private property and the city contacted the owners to remove vegetation and fallen trees.

The whistles could help prevent an attack, according to the city.

"Consistent hazing will scare off coyotes by re-instilling their fear of humans,' the city said in a release Tuesday.

Last year, B.C. Conservation Officer Service said a spate of coyote attacks in Vancouver's Stanley Park wascaused bypeoplefeedingpark wildlife, prompting coyotes to become food conditioned and to lose their fear of humans. It is unclear if that was the case in Burlington. Thecity said it could confirm food was not involved in some of thespecific attacks butreminded residents hand feeding and ground feeding wildlife on private or public property is prohibited.

The city says people can find whistles at theNelson Recreation Centre,the third floor of Service Burlington on Brant Street and numerous Burlington Public Library branches including:

• Aldershot Branch at550 Plains Rd. E.
• Alton Branch at3040 Tim Dobbie Dr.
• Brant Hills Branch at2255 Brant St.
• Central Branch at2331 New St.
• Kilbride Branch at6611 Panton St.
• New Appleby Branch at 676 Appleby Line.
• Tansley Woods Branch at1996 Itabashi Way.

The city also said it has also placed extra signs in "high-risk areas" in south central Burlington warning residents of increased and aggressive coyote activity.

"These attacks are uncharacteristic of coyotes and this cluster of attacks on humans are the first reported in Burlington," the city said.

Besides using a whistle, the city says people can use other tactics to ward off coyotes like:

• Spraying the coyote with water from a garden hose or a water gun filled with vinegar.
• Throwing small rocks, large sticks, cans or rubber balls near the coyote.
• Using whistles, air horns or banging pots.
• Waving your arms and making yourself look as big as possible.
• Backing away slowly and yelling.

The city said staff willpresent a report to council on coyote management recommendations at the Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability Committee Meeting on Sept. 14.

The city says anyone who sees anaggressive, sick or injured coyote can call animal services at905-335-3030. They can call 911 if a coyote poses an immediate threat or danger to public safety.