Coyote sightings in Waterloo, Guelph prompt safety reminders from city officials

Two coyote sightings in Waterloo region and Guelph this week have officials reminding residents how to stay safe in case they come across one in their backyard or out in the wilderness. 

In Waterloo on Tuesday, a coyote and her pups were sighted on the GeoTime trail in Vista Hills.

That coyote had a brief altercation with a Waterloo resident and their dog but no injuries were reported. 

City of Waterloo officials told CBC News in an email that park staff closed the section of the trail where the coyote interaction happened as a precautionary measure. 

The same evening, the University of Guelph reported a coyote sighting near the west side of the University Centre on campus.

The school said in a post on its website the coyote was not aggressive and there was no reason to believe it posed a major safety risk.

Both the city of Waterloo and University of Guelph websites tell residents that coyotes will typically avoid humans if they are left alone.

Waterloo's website outlines ways to avoid conflict with a coyote during seasons where they're more prominent. In general, city parks officials follow the Ministry of Natural Resources guidelines.

Most coyotes will ignore or avoid humans. Waterloo's city parks website said "like all urban wildlife, they're looking for food, water and shelter."

If a coyote is nearby or approaching a populated area, they suggest the following: 

• Do not approach. 
• Be big and loud, stand tall, wave your arms, shout (but don't scream), clap your hands, bang pots and pans and make a lot of noise. 
• Keep pets on a leash. 
• Slowly back away. Do not turn your back or run as that can trigger a chase instinct. 
• Do not leave food waste in park garbage cans so as to not attract coyotes. 
• Carry a flashlight on public trails. 
• Report any aggressive, sick or injured coyote. 

If a coyote does become aggressive in your area, officials urge residents to call 911.