Coyote breeding season coincides with spike in sightings around Calgary

The city says it has been receiving more reports of coyote sightings around Calgary as spring gets closer.

University of Calgary geography professor and canid expert Shelley Alexander says many of those sightings are likely due to breeding season.

"They become more active seeking mates and getting ready to set up a territory where they will raise their young," she said.

She added that snow and ice conditions this winter may be making it harder for coyotes to hunt, forcing some to move around more than usual in search of food.

Alexander says attacks by coyotes are very rare but recommends pet owners stay cautious during coyote mating season.

"Be more vigilant about keeping your animal close by," she said.

"The important part for people to be aware of around this is that during mating season they can become more protective of their resources, their mates, and so it's a really important time for us to think about that and keep animals on leash."

Tuscany resident Melissa Sawyer says she's had two close encounters with coyotes on early morning walks recently, including one confrontation where the animal was only about five metres away on a well-lit, busy street.

"I just kind of froze, and then my dog started barking, and I'm like, no, don't bark," she said.

Sawyer says the coyote wasn't aggressive and moved on.

Coyotes breed in February and March and their young are born in April or May in litters of five to seven pups, Alberta Environment says.

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