Coyote Safety Message from Campus Security

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Coyote Safety Message from Campus Security

Seen a coyote roaming campus lately? It’s normal.

Co-existing with coyotes is a reality for the UBC community. Many coyotes live in nearby wooded areas and are active at all times of year, during the day and night.

About coyotes

  • They feed primarily on mice and rodents.
  • They are naturally afraid of people and rarely pose a danger.
  • They will learn to be comfortable with humans when they aren’t treated like wildlife.
  • Like all wildlife, coyotes can be aggressive when people get too close.

If you see a coyote

  • Do not approach it.  And never feed a wild animal.
  • Make loud noises, wave your arms to try and appear as big as possible and back away slowly.
  • Give the animals a wide berth and do not run.
  • Do not feed coyotes. It’s dangerous and illegal.

You may have heard this before: a fed coyote is a dead coyote. A coyote that becomes dependent on humans for food may become too bold, bite someone, and will need to be destroyed. Feeding coyotes is prohibited by the Provincial Wildlife Act and carries a $345 fine. This fine is enforceable by UBC Security.

Aggressive coyotes

Conflict between coyotes and humans in B.C. is extremely rare. If you encounter an aggressive coyote:

  •      Stand up and be as big, mean and loud as possible.
  •      Wave your arms and throw objects at the animal (not food).
  •      Do not run or turn your back.

More information

Call UBC Security at 604.822.2222 if you see someone feeding a coyote illegally or have a concern about wildlife at UBC.

Call 9-1-1 if you believe you are facing a life-threatening situation involving wildlife.

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