British Columbia

Aggressive coyotes prompt warning about Stanley Park trails near Brockton Oval

The Conservation Officer Service is asking the public to stay away from the Brockton Oval area of Stanley Park after reports of aggressive coyotes.

There have been multiple reports of joggers being nipped on the leg by coyotes, Conservation Service says

The Conservation Officer Service has asked the public to stay away from an area of Stanley Park near Brockton Oval after reports of aggressive coyotes. (Conservation Officer Service/Facebook)

The Conservation Officer Service is asking the public to stay away from a specific area of Vancouver's Stanley Park after it received multiple reports of aggressive coyotes. 

The Brockton Oval trail, along with other trails in the area, have been closed.

There have been reports of joggers being nipped on the ankles by coyotes, the service said, adding that no one has been seriously injured.

While fatal attacks on humans by coyotes are raresmaller pets are vulnerable.

The Conservation Service says if you are approached by a coyote, it is best to make yourself appear as large as possible by waving your arms, making lots of noise by yelling and staying in place.

A coyote on a forest path.
According to WildsafeBC, more human injuries are caused by domestic dogs than coyotes in North America annually. (Harry Collins Photography/Shutterstock)

It is common to see coyotes in the urban park, but the service said it suspects at least one coyote has become habituated to people after it was fed.  

Rangers and CSO officers are currently searching for the coyotes.