Coyote warning issued after dogs attacked on Guelph trail

Coyotes are becoming a more common sight in urban areas, but officials in Guelph are warning users of a popular trail to remain alert.

In two cases in July, people walking their dogs have reported a coyote acting aggressively towards dogs on the NiskaRoad Trail in Guelph's west end. The trail runs from Niska Road to Fife Road along the west side of the Speed River.

In the first case, a coyote attacked a dog while the owner was hiking on the trail. In a second case that wasreported to Ontario Provincial Police, a coyote attempted to attack a hiker walking two dogs.

It is not known if the same coyote was involved in both cases.

Coyote shows no fear

Jessica Luttmann of Guelph was walking her dog, Mars, on the morning of Canada Day on the Niska Road Trail when they were approached by a coyote.

Luttmann said the coyote was bigger than Mars and the animal bit thedogon one of the femaleVizsla'shind legs.

"I picked up a stick ... I yelled at the coyote. I kept saying, 'Get back. Stay away. Go. Go.' And I was banging the stick against the tree, but I had to make the choice, we're pretty deep in the trail, do I keep going or do I turn around, which way is shorter to get out," she said.

"I assumed, you bang the tree, you scream at it, it backs off. But it didn't," she said. Instead, the coyote followed them all the way back to the car.

Luttmann said she sprained her ankle as she moved away from the coyote, but both she and Mars are OK.The experience, though, has meant she is avoiding the trail for now.

"We love that trail. We would go two or three times a week," she said. "We stick more to in the city now. I don't know how to protect her if that happens again."

'We have to co-exist'

The hot, dry weather may be a factor in the coyote's aggressive behaviour, Guelph Humane Society executive director Adrienne McBride told CBC News.

"Animals are looking for water sources and food sources, perhaps more outside of their normal areas. So in situations like this, you do sometimes see strange behaviour. This particular coyote, we're not sure yet whether or not it's feeling threatened in its own area or whether or not it amounts to strange behaviour," she said, adding officials don't believe the animalis sick.

"I think it's just important to remember, we have to co-exist with wildlife. We are in their space just as much as they are in our space."

Keep dogs on leashes

Trail users are encouraged to keep their dogs on a leash at all times and to clean up after their pets, as coyotes are attracted to the odour offeces. As well, trail users are warned that coyotes are most active at dawn, dusk and when it's dark.

In most cases, coyotes will keep their distance. But the humane society said if a person encounters an aggressive coyote, they should follow these steps:

• Do not try to touch it.
• Back away while remaining calm.
• Do not turn your back or try to run.
• Make lots of noise pop an umbrella, throw an object or shake keys and wave your hands.

Ifthe coyote poses an immediate threat or danger to public safety, call 911.

"Coyotes are definitely around the city and are sometimes seen but keep their distance," McBride said.

People can report any coyote sightings in Guelphon the city's website.