Coyote sightings on the rise in 2017

This year's late spring melt pushed more coyotes out of their natural habitat and into urban Ottawa, but the province's Ministryof Natural Resources says residents shouldbe cautious, not fearful of the wild animals.

The number of reported coyotesightings in the first six months of2017 hasalready exceeded the number from theprevious year. There have been 149complaints concerning coyotesto the city's bylaw department so far this year nearly one per day compared toa total of 141 in 2016.

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ChristineHartig, a coordinator with the city's bylaw department, blamed the high volume of sightings on large amounts of snow that refused to melt.

"Extended periods of deep snow cover make it difficult for coyotes to access their usual natural food sources, such as mice, rabbits and other ground dwellers," saidHartig."As a result, coyotes expand their hunting areas and also look for other food opportunities."

Coyote population stable

Those expanded hunting areas includeresidential neighbourhoods.Coyotes forced from the forest will often turn to garbage, Hartig said.

According to the ministry, the coyote populationin the Ottawa area hasremainedrelatively stable, so it's likely people are reporting the same coyotemultiple times.

Both provincial and municipal officials say encounters with coyotes usually don't turn dangerous, as long as the animals are left alone.

However there are times when residents need to take action, acknowledgedTrevorHorvatin, a wildlife technician with the ministry.

"A landowner may take actions to deal with problem wildlife without prior approval, including capturing, killing or harassing coyotes to prevent damage to themselves, their property or their pets," Horvatin said. "However, if you feel that your personal safety is compromised, people should call 911 or their local police force."

Hybrid 'coywolves'

If the current trend continues, 2017 will smash the recent high of 192 complaints in 2015.

Part of the reason for the high number of sightings two years ago was thatOttawa forests were full of "coywolves"a hybrid of coyote and grey wolf.

Average adult coyotes weigh about 18 kilograms, but the hybrids can weigh double. Despite their size, the ministry says they're often "over-estimated" because of their extra fur, andare nomore aggressive than regular coyotes.