PRINCE GEORGE

Tuesday, September 26, 2023. Last updated on October 13 at 8:47 am

UPDATE 3 – CO’s have caught the coyote and it has been euthanized. The same coyote had attacked another person and was later caught and destroyed.

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UPDATE 2 – The Prince George RCMP is now investigating the coyote attacks that occurred.

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UPDATE – BC Conservation Service says a fifth report of a coyote attack occurred on Tuesday evening…

At approximately 7:30 PM on September 26, an individual was bitten by a coyote along Quebec Street. The individual received medical treatment for minor injuries.

The incident took place in the same vicinity as the earlier reported attacks. All of the individuals involved in these incidents are experiencing homelessness.

The COS has also received also received a delayed report of an additional coyote attack over the weekend, in the Highlands area, outside of the downtown core. Officers are investigating.

CO’s continue to patrol the area as they work to locate the offending coyote.

The public is asked to take precautions in case of coyote encounters. For safety tips, please visit WildSafeBC. To report coyote conflicts or the unlawful feeding of wildlife, call the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at 1-877-952-7277.

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The City of Prince George and the BC Conservation Service has closed Connaught Hill park following coyote attacks this morning…

The incidents took place between 3:45 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. in the Parkwood and Connaught Hill area. All of the individuals were bitten by coyotes and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Three of the victims are receiving medical attention in hospital.

Conservation Officers responded and patrolled the area, which includes Victoria St., Dominion St. and George St. No coyotes were observed.

CO’s believe one coyote is responsible for these incidents, although there may be other aggressive coyotes in the area. Officers remain in the downtown area today as they work to locate the individual offending coyote.

Conservation Officers are working collaboratively with the City of Prince George on public outreach efforts, including signage and patrols. This information has also been communicated to shelter staff in the area, as the individuals involved in these incidents are experiencing homelessness.

Aggressive behaviour towards people is not typical and is likely the result of the animal becoming comfortable due to being fed, either directly or indirectly, by people.

*In addition, please make sure to take all food with you if planning to visit local parks within the city. Do not leave any food behind and use a provided garbage can to dispose of it properly. Left out food attracts wild animals and can condition them to stick around due to the food source. Understand that the Parkwood and Connaught Hill area of Prince George is a food attractant area of the city.

The COS will continue to monitor coyote activity and respond as necessary to ensure public safety. Coyote conflicts and the unlawful feeding of dangerous wildlife can be reported to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at 1-877-952-7277.

Released by BC Conservation and an *addition by PJXM News.