The City of Edmonton says it is seeing success using high-intensity hazing as a way to manage the city’s urban coyote population.
The city began the program at the start of 2023 and since then, it has seen a 10 per cent increase in the number of calls to 311 about coyotes in general, but a 75 per cent decrease in the number of aggressive coyote complaints.
The city is using non-lethal hazing techniques, including kinetic impact launchers with inert projectiles and approaching the animals in an assertive way, to try and alter the wild animals’ behaviour.
“We don’t support the indiscriminate removal of coyotes,” said John Wilson, the director of animal care and park rangers.
“Research has shown that this approach is not effective in the long-term and actually can increase reproduction.”
High-intensity hazing is a standard technique used in national parks for promoting coexistence with grizzly bears, according to Colleen St. Clair, a professor at the University of Alberta.
“High-intensity hazing is intended to be frightening and uncomfortable for animals, but it is calibrated to avoid any physical injury,” St. Clair said.
Edmonton is the only municipality in North America that gives its park rangers these tools, according to Wilson.
Some tips for the public to reduce coyote encounters include securing food sources to not attract them, keeping pets on leash to prevent confrontations and deterring them from denning on private property.
Some ways to make your yard less attractive for coyotes is cleaning up any food, including fallen fruit, sealing access beneath decks or porches, and having loud noise nearby.
The city asks residents to call 311 about a coyote if one:
- makes contact with you or your pet;
- is exhibiting fearless or aggressive behaviour;
- is so injured or sick that it can’t move;
- is trapped in an area of your yard;
- is being fed by someone intentionally;
- has a den, or is suspected of having one, with pipe in a residential area.
Other information on problematic coyote behaviour is available on the city’s website.
In 2024, the city reported 1,694 coyote complaints, with 53 of those being aggressive coyote complaints, and performed 25 removals.
