Coyote sightings in City of Waterloo not seen as a threat
Reported sightings in parks 'consistent' with number of reports in other years
As they become more active this time of year, it's not uncommon to hear about coyote sightings near wooded and bushed areas inside city limits.
Eckhard Pastrik, director of environment and parks for the City of Waterloo, says that spring and winter are the most common time for urban coyote sightings.
"They are most active in the spring and winter," Pastrik said. "In the springtime they are raising their young and in the fall and winter they're essentially looking for mates and protecting their territory."
Though the City of Waterloo had received a handful of phone calls about coyotes being spotted in wooded and bushed areas such as Bechtel Park on Bridge Street, Pastrik says that the number of phone calls this year has been similar to previous years.
He also says that coyotes, for the most part, don't pose any real threat to the public in comparison the the high number of dog bites that are reported yearly.
The statistics show that from 2002 to 2012, an average of about 2.4 people were scratched or bitten by a coyote, he said.
However, if you encounter a coyote, it's recommended that you stay calm and not run or turn your back. Instead, walk away slowly while remaining calm and watching the animal. Standing tall, shouting and making loud noises while waving your arms can alarm and discourage a coyote from approaching.
Pastrik recommends that keeping small pets inside is the best way to protect them.
"Small dogs or cats are often seen as prey," Pastrik said. "I would keep your cats inside and your dogs on a leash."