Conservation officer David Cox wants to warn local residents of a particularly aggressive coyote in the Burnaby Heights neighbourhood.
On Jan. 25, conservation officers received a report involving a woman in the Oxford Street area, just off north Boundary Road.
"She was leaving her residence and had her dog on a leash," said David Cox, the conservation officer for the area. "And just as she was coming off the front of her property, a coyote attacked her dog on a leash."
Officers combed the area Sunday and Monday, looking for more coyotes.
"We haven't come across anything so far," Cox said. "It seems the coyote conflicts and coyote sightings are low in this particular area, but it's making it difficult (to know) where these coyotes are coming from exactly."
The attack on the leashed dog is the only incident reported to the officers, so far, which is why Cox would like the public to call conservation officers with any coyote sightings in the Heights area. The number is 1-877-952 7277.
Since the Jan. 25 attack raises concerns for public safety, the coyote in question would have to be put down if officers were to catch it, Cox said.
"Hopefully, it's a one-off situation," he said.
In the meantime, Cox advised residents to keep wildlife attractants under wraps, as garbage and compost can lure rats and coyotes. People should also keep their dogs leashed while out walking to avoid more wildlife conflicts.
