YORKTON — Recent coyote sightings in Yorkton, including near the Jubilee Park baseball diamonds, are serving as a reminder for residents to avoid attracting wildlife and to take precautions when encountering the animals.
Matt Charney, the City's parks manager said, “It appears they were attracted by a temporary food source and stayed in the area for about a week,” Charney said. “Once that food source was gone, they moved on naturally. There was no trapping involved and no direct threat to the public, but residents should remain vigilant and contact Bylaw with any concerns.”
Coyotes are a common part of Yorkton's urban landscape and help control rodent and rabbit populations.
Coyotes, known scientifically as Canis latrans, typically weigh between 10 and 18 kilograms and are common throughout Saskatchewan.
While sightings can sometimes raise concerns, coyotes generally avoid people and prefer to keep their distance. Residents are being reminded not to feed coyotes or leave food sources accessible outdoors, as doing so can cause the animals to lose their natural fear of humans.
People who encounter a coyote should remain calm and give the animal an opportunity to leave the area. Wildlife officials advise against approaching or feeding coyotes and caution residents not to run, as that could trigger a chase response.
If a coyote does not move away, residents can use hazing techniques such as making themselves appear larger, shouting or making loud noises to encourage the animal to leave.
Pet owners are encouraged to keep dogs leashed and supervise cats when outdoors. Coyotes can become defensive near den sites, particularly during the spring and summer when they are raising pups. In some cases, coyotes may follow people walking dogs near a den, a behaviour known as “shadowing.”
Officials say trapping and relocating coyotes is generally ineffective because other coyotes often move into vacant territory.
Yorkton officials will continue monitoring coyote activity and may install warning signs in areas of high activity. Residents can help reduce encounters by securing garbage, removing food attractants and supervising pets outdoors.
While rabies is rare among Saskatchewan coyotes, officials recommend keeping pets vaccinated and up to date on deworming treatments.
Anyone concerned about coyote activity is encouraged to contact Yorkton Bylaw Services.
