Burlington offering free coyote whistles to residents after recent attacks

Burlington is offering 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 was investigating at least five reportedly unprovoked coyote attacks, which included those involving an 18-year-old girl and a toddler. 

They took place at Central Park, Mayzel Road, Rosslyn Drive, Market Street Park and the Centennial 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," Mayor Marianne 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 was caused by people feeding park wildlife, prompting coyotes to become food conditioned and to lose their fear of humans. It is unclear if that was the case in Burlington. The city said it could confirm food was not involved in some of the specific attacks but reminded residents hand feeding and ground feeding wildlife on private or public property is prohibited. 

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

• Aldershot Branch at 550 Plains Rd. E.
• Alton Branch at 3040 Tim Dobbie Dr.
• Brant Hills Branch at 2255 Brant St.
• Central Branch at 2331 New St.
• Kilbride Branch at 6611 Panton St.
• New Appleby Branch at 676 Appleby Line.
• Tansley Woods Branch at 1996 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 will present 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 an aggressive, sick or injured coyote can call animal services at 905-335-3030. They can call 911 if a coyote poses an immediate threat or danger to public safety.