Garrett Simmons
LETHBRIDGE HERALD
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Lethbridge is certainly in a unique area.
With a river valley running through the city, and agricultural land surrounding our urban habitat, Lethbridge is often a haven for wildlife.
So coyotes being spotted Sunday on the ice at Henderson Lake really shouldn't come as a big surprise, according to the co-ordinator of the Helen Schuler Nature Centre.
"We see them in the river valley and I know they are seen in the city," said Coreen Putman, who added in some cases, citizens may unwittingly help attract coyotes to popular areas by feeding ducks.
"Ensure you don't feed the wildlife," she said, and added coyotes may then come along and pick up the bread scraps.
Feeding ducks and other birds, while perhaps well-intended, doesn't help the animals anyway, said Putman.
"A fed duck is a dead duck, because what they are feeding them doesn't help them build their fat reserves," she said, and added ducks and other birds are better off eating what comes naturally, which helps them build energy to last through the cold season.
Putman also urged residents to close their garbage cans as well, as coyotes, like other animals, can quickly get into a pattern of behaviour.
"One of the dangers is when they come into urban areas and find food, they build a routine," said Putman. "Coyotes are like a lot of animals - they are always in for a free meal."
Typically, that free meal doesn't involve big game like deer, or people, she added, as coyotes are often very shy, and do their best to avoid contact with humans.
"Often with wildlife, if any animals doesn't seem afraid of you, make a lot of noise," said Putman, who added if a coyote does act aggressively, stamping your feet and raising a commotion is the best way to show you're not easy prey.
That advice extends to dogs, according to Putman, who added owners out walking their pets, particularly in areas like Henderson Lake, should make sure their dogs are on a leash, for their own protection.
She cautioned locals to be on the lookout for coyotes in the river valley, wetlands areas and anywhere which has a highly-concentrated bird population.
But mainly, the nature centre co-ordinator added people need to make sure they're not part of the problem in attracting the animal into urban areas.
Those with questions about coyotes can call the wildlife centre at 403-320-3064. To report an incident with a coyote, contact Alberta Fish and Wildlife at 403-381-5281 or 403-381-5266.