Submitted by Brad Lacey, Conservation Officer Service , Dawson Creek, Peace Region
Recently there have been an increased number of reports involving coyotes present in Tumbler Ridge.  Most calls are related to sightings near Southgate (the Senior Secondary School), Pioneer Loop and Town Centre.
The Conservation Officer Service would like to remind residents that coyotes are very opportunistic and adapt well to urban environments. Coyotes are resourceful is searching out and obtaining natural and human provided food sources, which in the case of urban coyotes may include; feral rabbits, pet food left outside, unattended small pets, garbage, compost and discarded food stuffs.
In the months of January and February, mating season occurs which can create a situation where urban coyotes become more territorial and less accepting of disturbances involving dogs (leashed or free ranging).  Typical behaviors can include following, chasing or threatening displays.
As pleasant as it is to observe urban wildlife, it is imperative that people do not engage with the animals.  Human habituation and food conditioned coyotes are more prone to aggression towards people as they come to expect certain rewards when encountering people or places where non-natural food sources are presented.  As stated earlier, coyotes are extremely adaptable and will fend for themselves very well without human assistance. 
The Conservation Officer Service would like to provide the following precautions:
Do not leave pet food, unsecured garbage or compost outdoors
Monitor small pets when outside and avoid leaving them outdoors through the night
Keep your dogs on a leash, whenever possible, while walking them
Do not feed coyotes or provide opportunities for them to associate food sources with human activity
Do not allow a coyote to become comfortable, or to approach, people or areas of human activity
Remain vigilant when walking in or around greenbelts, given these are prime areas of security
Do not approach a coyote and do not run from it, keep an eye on it and leave the area, use your voice and posture to reflect your dominance.
The public should be aware that urban coyotes which are aggressive towards people or exhibit human habituation, and or food conditioned behaviors will be euthanized.  These identified coyotes will not be captured and relocated. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that no human food or food waste opportunities be presented to coyotes.
Residents are requested to report any incidents where a coyote, believed to be a public safety concern, is observed or are aware of incidents of human generated food(waste)  being provided to coyotes. The public may do so by calling the 24 hour Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at 1-877-952-7277.