THIS PROGRAM IS NOW FINISHED.
When did the program end?
The 2022 field season ended on May 1st, 2022.
What should volunteers provide?
We are counting on volunteers to provide the following equipment.
Training
Data collection
Safety
Training
- A computer or tablet to learn how to participate in the program
Data collection
- A tablet or phone to enter data in the field or
- A voice recorder or notebook to support subsequent entry on a computer
- Printouts of the electronic files describing program procedures and distance estimation
Safety
- A stick or umbrella, something to throw in self-defense
- A can of coins (sealed with duct tape) as a noise maker
- A COVID-19 mask
- Outdoor winter clothing including sturdy footwear
What will we provide?
- 2 weighted, flagged tennis balls for up to 12 volunteers in each neighbourhood
- An umbrella with an image of a wolf face to be used to frighten coyotes in neighbourhoods for up to 25 volunteers who are also willing to record additional information about its efficacy
What is the goal of the program?
The goal of this program is to determine whether intimidating coyotes occupying residential neighbourhoods can increase their wariness towards people with a larger goal of reducing current levels of human-coyote conflict.
The program also has three more specific objectives:
The program also has three more specific objectives:
- Develop and refine the use of Aversive Conditioning by members of a community as a cost-effective and humane tool to improve the management of urban coyotes in Edmonton.
- Implement the program between January and May in both 2021 and 2022 with the additional goal of preventing coyotes from denning in residential areas, particularly under houses and schools, and in outbuildings.
- Measure the effects of Aversive Conditioning on the (a) immediate behavioural responses of coyotes and (b) reports by the public to 311 and the website of the Edmonton Urban Coyote Project.
Is it unethical or painful to harass coyotes by chasing and throwing things at them?
These actions are intended to frighten coyotes, but not injure them. Use of similar techniques, known as hazing or Aversive Conditioning, is widely recommended by wildlife managers to reduce habituation by animals to people and avoid the subsequent need for more damaging tools, including lethal management. Alberta's provincial and national parks make extensive use of Aversive Conditioning of bears to teach them greater wariness and reduce conflict with people. These approaches work best when combined with control of food attractants.
Why is Aversive Conditioning not conducted in designated natural areas?
Priority areas for increasing wariness in urban coyotes are residential neighbourhoods where conflict with coyotes causes the greatest concern among citizens. Inappropriate behaviour by coyotes may also be harder to distinguish in Natural Areas where coyotes provide ecological services and aesthetic enjoyment for people.
Designated Natural Areas are areas where natural habitat can be found, like the river valley and the ravines. They do not include urban parks, including anything that is mowed. You can therefore conduct Aversive Conditioning in urban parks.
Designated Natural Areas are areas where natural habitat can be found, like the river valley and the ravines. They do not include urban parks, including anything that is mowed. You can therefore conduct Aversive Conditioning in urban parks.
Why is Aversive Conditioning not conducted at night time?
To maximize safety of people and coyotes, we will avoid conducting Aversive Conditioning at night. Increasing nocturnal (night time) behaviour by coyotes is also likely to reduce conflict with people, whose activities are usually concentrated during daylight hours.
What is the time commitment?
We hope volunteers could manage a patrol a week. This might be as little as 20 minutes, though more time would be welcome.