Coyote populations have grown in urban settings like Strathmore in recent years. And encountering coyotes is a common occurrence. But what are a few things residents can do to ensure they can enjoy the outdoors and be mindful of coyotes in town?

According to the Government of Alberta, coyotes primarily feed on rabbits, mice, and squirrels. They resemble a cross between a fox and a small collie or German shepherd and weigh between 9 and 14 kilograms.

About 30 per cent of a coyotes diet can be made up of human food.

We spoke with Fish and Wildlife Officers Dan Visser and John Martyniak about what you should do to avoid coyotes or what to do if you do encounter them in a park or on a local pathway.

Visser says, “Coyotes are quite common in this area throughout the year. Typically you see that for this time of year, because the grass is low, so they're easier to see at this time of year, however they've just finished a mating cycle and they are getting ready to have their pups here right away.”

Visser and Mortyniak explained that residents might not see them during the day as they are more active at night, but they do become more active in the summer as well.

In the Spring there are also more animals like gophers that are appearing and coyotes are hunting gophers as a source of food. The Fish and Wildlife Officers had a few suggestions for what to do if you run into coyotes.

“You want to make the experience with coyotes as unpleasant as possible. If you're out with your dog going for a walk the biggest thing you can do is keep your dog on a leash," noting residents should also clean up after pets.

Other tips the officers had would be to not feed coyotes, clean up garbage, and other debris around your property as low tree branches can provide a hiding place for coyotes. Keep small pets like cats indoors and do not let your dog play unsupervised.

Also be sure to clean up dog feces as it attracts coyotes. If you encounter a coyote shout in a deep voice and maintain eye contact, do not turn away or run. Make the situation unpleasant for the animal, and respond aggressively making yourself appear larger. Wave your arms overhead and throw rocks or sticks toward the animal.

More information on coyotes can be found on the Government of Alberta website