While Vancouver has one of the most beautiful city parks in the world, it’s always good to remember that it’s home to a lot of wild animals. And, due to an uptick in coyote attacks, the government is urging people to stay out of Stanley Park.
It’s disappointing to hear, but it’s for a good reason. The coyotes in Stanley Park have been acting unusually aggressive lately, even recently biting a 5-year-old (who is recovering perfectly fine).
To put it into perspective, from 2001 to 2020 there were eight documented coyote attacks in the Lower Mainland. But, since just December 2020, there have been 40. So, this really is serious.
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All trails and paths around Prospect Point are closed and the @_BCCOS is investigating after a 5-year-old boy was attacked by a coyote in #StanleyPark last night. The incident took place at Prospect Point at approx. 9:30 p.m. The child suffered minor injuries and is recovering.
— Vancouver Park Board (@ParkBoard) August 11, 2021
The recent increase in aggressive behaviour has no explanation. But, some experts think it’s because the coyotes are looking for human food. So, let this be a reminder to not feed wild animals! Even if they’re cute and look hungry!
As for enjoying the park, BC Conservation is asking people to avoid visiting the park, especially before dawn or after dusk. Other measures to make the park safer are currently in the works, such as animal-proof garbage cans and other conservation efforts.
Trails on the west side of Stanley Park will be closed today after a jogger was bitten on the leg by a coyote last night along Bridle path near Prospect Point. The closure includes the area from North Lagoon Road to Prospect Point and from the Causeway west to Stanley Park Drive. pic.twitter.com/tuqRN7V64d
— Vancouver Park Board (@ParkBoard) August 12, 2021
While this is disappointing news, it’s probably for the better. No one wants to be attacked by a coyote on a morning jog or walk!
If you want to stay updated on the situation, you can check out the Vancouver Park Board’s Twitter.
