Coyote Warning

Please be aware that there has been increased coyote activity in this area between Bridgwater Lakes and Whyte Ridge. The coyotes have exhibited aggressive behavior towards people and dogs using the pathway that runs behind the Kenaston overpass. The Provincial Wildlife Officers are on the case and the City of Winnipeg Parks Department will be installing warning signs in these areas. This is the time of year where the coyotes may have pups nearby so it would be best to avoid walking your dogs in this area. 

WHAT to do – if you encounter a coyote:

• Yell or wave your arms!
• If you have a walking stick, wave it around.
• Officer suggested if you regularly see coyotes on your walks, that you carry an airhorn and blast it.
• Ensure you dog is on a leash and keep it close to you. Supposedly coyotes think dogs are encroaching on their habitat and eating their food OR are too close to their den (home).
• Coyotes don’t ‘chase’ people – they ‘escort’ you and your dog out of their territory – according to conservation officer.
• It is extremely rare that a coyote attacks a person – dogs attack people far more than coyotes – according to conservation officer.

REPORT THE SIGHTING or INTERACTION

• CALL: Winnipeg Wildlife Concerns phone number : 204-945-5221 (main line which is forwarded to Conservations Officer’s cell)
• WEEKENDS or EVENINGS: Call 1-800-782-0076  – and your call will be relayed to a conservation officer.
• It is important that the person who has the interaction speaks to the conservation officer to share details.
• The conservation officer will ask questions about what the coyote looked like (healthy /sickly) and other pertinent questions to help them understand the exact situation.