Story by Edmonton Journal •1d
A pair of coyotes watch a group of cross-country skiers and couple of small dogs in Hawrelak Park on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023, in Edmonton.© Provided by Edmonton Journal
I’m very sad about the fate of at least two of the coyotes from our local ravine, who have been “removed” — meaning killed — by a team hired by Edmonton’s parks department. I heard directly from a park ranger that the local “alpha male” of the family and one other had been “removed”. I find this especially sad because my dog and I regularly see the supposed “alpha”, who was a non-aggressive older animal with a slight and longstanding leg injury.
And because such a “fix” is bound to be temporary: when coyotes are killed, other coyotes often move into their territories and any remaining females begin having larger litters. The killing flows directly from citizens’ complaints about the coyotes: complaints that are often based on fear arising from ignorance and common myths about these animals.
The advice on the city’s website is actually very good: advising respect for coyotes and co-existence with humans. The advice includes keeping a distance from them, never feeding them, and, when possible, hazing them by yelling, waving arms, throwing small things at them, moving towards them, etc.
Coyotes are beautiful, extraordinarily intelligent and adaptable animals. We share our river valley and ravines with them and we can learn to co-exist with them.
Gerry Potter, Edmonton
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