The Yukon’s conservation officers’ service is aware of some coyote sightings in the Copper Ridge neighbourhood, but it isn’t overly concerned with the situation as yet.

According to spokesperson Linnea Volkering, conservation officers have received a report of an incident involving a coyote approaching a dog and its owner this month.

“Officers have reached out to the source of the report.”

She said officers are also aware of a report on social media from last week referencing a coyote incident near Drift Drive. That incident has not been formally reported to conservation officers.

Last week, Tammy Wood wrote on Facebook, “For the last week we have been woken up to a pack of coyotes barking and howling on the trail behind 
Drift Drive.

“Please be aware that my son this morning came face to face with them while out walking our two dogs. Thank goodness they ran and he was able to get the dogs back in the house.

“We are on this section of trail many many times a day and this year out of the 12 years we’ve been on Driftwood this is the most large predator animals (bears, wolves, coyotes) we have seen over the summer and fall months,” Wood wrote.

“We to have seen lots of small game like grouse, and ermine that larger predator animals like. Please be a bit more cautious of your surroundings while out.”

Volkering added that “inter-actions between coyotes and dogs are common – conservation officers frequently receive calls throughout the year, usually in the spring and summer when coyotes are raising pups.

“Many confrontational behaviours are seasonal: breeding season is winter, and pup rearing season is spring and summer.

“Coyotes display escorting behaviour for various reasons: there may be a den in the area with pups, a mate or a food source may be nearby, or the dog is within the territory that they are guarding.”

Volkering stressed that en-countering coyotes in Whitehorse isn’t uncommon and should be expected. 

She said, “Whitehorse is a wilderness city. Always be alert and ready for the possibility of encountering wildlife.

“Carry bear spray year-round and know how to use it. In an area where coyotes are known or have been seen, keep your dog closer than usual and under full control at all times. Never let your dog play with coyotes, foxes or other wildlife.”

Volkering added, “If you encounter a coyote, remain calm, keep pets on a leash and children close. If a coyote approaches you, stay calm and do not run.

“If you cannot move to a safe location, stand your ground, make yourself larger, make loud human noises, prepare your deterrent, or look for anything that can be used to defend yourself, your pet, or children.”

Anyone observing unusual behaviour in a coyote should avoid the area and report it to the TIPP line at 1-800-661-0525 as soon as possible.