Editor:
Further to Lynda Begg's letter of June 18, as 23-year residents of the Coast, we share her concern with the dramatic increase of the coyote population. We have followed up on the problem in our area with the Town of Gibsons.
The Town confirmed coyotes are not addressed in any of the Town's bylaws, therefore their presence and activities cannot be investigated. The Town's bylaw enforcement officers are not equipped, nor are they trained, to deal with "dangerous wildlife" as coyotes are categorized in the Wildlife Act.
Ron Joyce of the Town was kind enough to personally assess the situation in our community and also to provide a wealth of information on coyote behaviour and deterrents. He also followed up with the local conservation officer for assistance.
Conservation advised that coyotes are generally ignored by his office as they have no jurisdiction unless there is a threat or risk to the life of a person. They consider the risk to people is low, so, please try to keep your cats indoors and your dogs on a leash at all times. The coyotes are becoming quite bold and comfortable in urban areas. A female had a litter recently under a neighbour's porch in our fully developed upper Gibsons residential area just blocks from the Sunnycrest Mall.
Keep an eye out for dens close by, and don't leave food or garbage accessible outdoors.
Phyl and Fred Horth
Gibsons
