Coyote activity on the rise in Edmonton

The city says there may be more coyote sightings this time of year as pups are beginning to separate from their packs and venture on their own.

“They're looking for food sources right now, places where they can settle down and they’ll have a continuous food source," said Ramsey Cox, a park ranger with the city of Edmonton.

Sometimes that search for lead to some unfortunate circumstances for family pets. 

Jack Cook watched last week as a coyote snatched his cat Raven off the deck of his home in south Edmonton. 

“The coyote had the kitty pinned by the neck," he said. 

Cook grabbed a piece of driftwood and threw it at the coyote. 

“Luckily enough I hit the coyote right on the head and [it] dropped the kitty," he said. 

Raven sustained some minor injuries, including a lost tooth, but she will be fine.

Shauna Blackburn said the experience made her realize that she can't be complacent when it comes to her pet. 

“It was definitely a good wake up call that we are adjacent to a natural environment and we have to respect that there will be wildlife," she said. 

The city advises people should follow these six steps to avoid conflict with coyotes:

• Do not feed coyotes
• Do not leave garbage out 
• Do not leave fallen fruit from trees or bird seed spilled from feeders on the ground
• Do not leave pet food outside
• Do not walk your dog off leash in areas frequented by coyotes
• Do not leave a small dog unattended in the yard for long periods of time
• Do not leave cats out roaming

Coyotes avoid humans unless they become accustomed to being fed by people, or are protecting their food or den.