Residents living near Vancouver’s largest urban park experienced an unusual spike in coyote attacks between December 2020 and August 2021. A total of 45 incidents of coyotes attacking humans occurred in Stanley Park during this period, prompting authorities to implement a culling operation to address the issue.
Although coyote attacks on humans are typically rare, the concentrated frequency of attacks in Stanley Park raised concerns among experts. Researchers at the University of British Columbia, led by zoology doctoral candidate Nathan Lewis, investigated the surge in coyote aggression in the park since 2023.
Their recent study, published in the scientific journal “Animal Behaviour,” revealed a correlation between the increase in coyote attacks and the COVID-19 lockdown measures. The researchers found that the restrictions led to more people visiting the park, causing the coyotes to become habituated to human presence and, in turn, more aggressive.
Lewis emphasized the importance of not feeding wild animals, as it can lead to wildlife associating humans with food and potentially escalating to aggressive behavior. In line with this concern, two individuals were arrested for allegedly feeding coyotes in Stanley Park shortly after a culling operation finished in September 2021.
Furthermore, the study highlighted the need for public education and enforcement of regulations to enhance visitor safety in areas prone to coyote encounters. Recommendations included avoiding known den sites, particularly during pup-rearing seasons, and being cautious when engaging in solitary activities such as running.
Wildlife conservation advocates called for improved signage and stricter enforcement of bylaws to prevent future conflicts with wildlife. They emphasized the importance of a combined approach of education and enforcement to promote coexistence with wildlife effectively.
