A P.E.I. man had an unusual encounter with two coyotes last week while he was walking along the trails at Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst national historic site.
Hailey Lambe, resource management officer with Parks Canada, says two coyotes approached the man and proceeded to follow him for a short period of time before going back into the woods.
Parks Canada has decided to close a section of the trail until further notice while it investigates and monitors the area.
Lambe surmises what they are seeing is a breeding pair since it is the time of year where the animals would be denning.
“They become a little bit more protective of their young and so the behaviour that we witnessed and the circumstance, it could be completely natural in that the coyote is just being curious as to what it’s smelling or seeing. But it’s possible that it’s aggressive behaviour.”
Historically, there has been a coyote presence at Fort Amherst, but this is the first report Parks Canada has received this year.
Lambe says they became aware of the encounter through the Parks Canada dispatch line.
“We want to know what people are seeing out there,” said Lambe. “We encourage people to report any kind of coyote sighting that they see.”
Lambe says Parks Canada is asking the public to remain off the closed trail and to keep dogs on a leash.
“Coyotes who are protecting den sites have known to be especially intolerant of dogs, so that may trigger some behaviours that are considered a negative interaction with humans and pets,” said Lambe.
If a coyote approaches you:
- Don’t run
- Back away slowly
- Act big (make noise, wave your arms and scare it away)
- Fight back (if a coyote attacks, shout, throw stones and use whatever is available to defend yourself)
- If you are approached by a coyote in the park, report it to Parks Canada at 1-877-852-3100
She says people should always hike with someone else, carry a solid walking stick and use the trails during the day rather than at dawn or dusk.
“Keep your children and pets close by and make sure someone knows where you are going and the approximate time of when you will be back.”
She says people should also avoid littering since coyotes who have access to food or garbage lose their fear of people.
She advises the public to never approach wildlife.
“Always keep your distance. When wildlife becomes threatened or feel like they are threatened, they may become aggressive,” said Lambe. “If you see a coyote or if a coyote approaches you, do not run from the animal. Make yourself large and loud and that should scare them off.”
She notes coyotes are not just at Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst but all across P.E.I.
“When you are out hiking or you are on a trail or an area that a coyote might like to be in as well, make sure you stay alert,” said Lambe. “Be watching out for wild animals and their young and leave the area if you see anything unusual or something that makes you uncomfortable.”
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