Certainly, this is a simplistic example of an ecosystem’s natural cycle. But it’s important to remember it, especially when media outlets begin blasting residents with oft sensationalized information.
There is a reported increase in the population of coyotes around Vancouver this year. One story outlined how a coyote – and perhaps his entire family – has moved into Hastings Park. Another story noted that Conservation Officers are reporting higher-than-normal coyote-human conflicts.
What strikes us, beyond the usual lack of information regarding coexistence solutions, is that at no point is it mentioned by news reporters that Metro Vancouver reduced the funding for their Co-Existing With Coyotes program earlier this year.
We’re encouraging all of our supporters to read up on scientifically-valid, long-term coexistence solutions and share it with their friends and family. And for those living in Vancouver or the Lower Mainland, let your local government representative know you want to see coexistence solutions. Because, despite the lack of acknowledgement in the news, they work.
Further resources on urban coyotes can be found on our website under the Campaigns/Living With Wildlife tab, or at the websites of our friends Coyote Watch Canada and Project Coyote.
