During the COVID-19 pandemic, residents near Vancouver’s largest urban park witnessed an unusual surge in coyote attacks on humans between December 2020 and August 2021. This alarming trend prompted the B.C. Ministry of Forests and the B.C. Conservation Officer Service to approve the culling of 11 coyotes in Stanley Park. According to Nathan Lewis, a zoology doctoral candidate, coyote attacks on humans are typically rare occurrences. However, the spike in attacks during this period was unprecedented, with an average of one attack every six days in a concentrated area.
Since 2023, Lewis and a team of researchers from the University of British Columbia have been investigating the reasons behind the increased aggression of coyotes in Stanley Park. Their recent study, published in the scientific journal “Animal Behaviour,” suggests that the lockdown measures implemented due to COVID-19 played a significant role. The researchers found that the restrictions led more people to visit the park, resulting in heightened aggression from habituated coyotes who no longer perceived humans as threats.
Lewis highlighted that feeding coyotes, a prohibited practice under a 2024 bylaw in Vancouver, was observed more frequently during the study period. Feeding wild animals can lead to coyotes associating humans with food, potentially triggering aggressive encounters. Following a two-week culling operation in September 2021, two individuals were arrested for allegedly feeding coyotes in Stanley Park.
Wildlife conservation advocate Lesley Fox suggested making park garbage cans wildlife-resistant to prevent attracting coyotes. However, Dana McDonald, Vancouver Park Board’s environmental stewardship coordinator, argued that existing garbage disposal methods were effective in deterring wildlife access. The study also revealed that coyotes were more likely to exhibit defensive aggression near den sites and recommended keeping visitors away from these locations for public safety.
To reduce the risk of aggressive encounters, the study advised caution for individuals engaging in activities during periods of low human activity and emphasized the importance of proper signage to inform visitors of potential risks. Fox urged stringent enforcement of bylaws and emphasized the need for educational efforts to promote coexistence with wildlife, stating that a balance of education and enforcement is crucial for fostering harmonious interactions with wildlife.