Advocates question plan to trap, study coyotes in Vancouver parks

A quiet plan to trap and study coyotes in Stanley Park and Pacific Spirit Park has a wildlife protection charity calling for a rethink.

A quiet plan to trap and study coyotes in Stanley Park and Pacific Spirit Park has a wildlife protection charity calling for a rethink.

The research led by the University of British Columbia comes after dozens of attacks by coyotes in recent years – and involves trapping and studying the animals.

However, a wildlife protection charity questions the approach.

“Even if these traps don’t injure the animal, it’s the behaviour of the animal once trapped that can cause the most horrific injuries,” said Lesley Fox, the executive director of the Fur-Bearers. “That includes broken teeth, bones, lacerations.”

The research is set to be carried out over 31 locations, and trapping will take place while the park is closed either late at night or early in the morning.

But Fox worries dogs and wild animals could be put at risk.

“There’s non-invasive techniques such as camera traps, the use of (Artificial Intelligence), scat analysis,” Fox suggested by way of alternative approaches.