A woman and her pets are recovering after a late night coyote attack in south Vancouver.
The incident happened just after midnight early on Thursday morning, April 18, according to the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS), and has lead the provincial agency to issue a warning about coyotes.
“The public is asked to take precautions in case of coyote encounters, including ensuring pets are leashed and travelling in groups,” states the BCCOS in social media post.
The attack
The incident happened as the woman walked her two pet dogs along Cambie Street near Winona Park (near W 60th Avenue).
The woman let her dogs off their leashes while on the walk; a short time later they were approached by a pack of four coyotes.
“One coyote grabbed one of the dogs in its mouth and shook it,” states the BCCOS. “As the woman tried to rescue her dog, the coyote bit her hand.”
A passerby was able to help the woman chase the coyotes away. Both the woman and her dog that was attacked got medical attention, and the dog is expected to survive.
Conservation officers are monitoring coyote activity in the area and are asking anyone who has a conflict with a coyote to call the Report All Poachers and Polluters line at 1-877-952-7277.
Coyotes in Vancouver
A series of attacks in 2021 led the BCCOS to attempt to cull coyotes in the park. During the period when attacks were happening 11 coyotes were killed.
Enforcement action was also taken against humans who fed the coyotes.
More recently a trapping program in 2024 came under fire after its existence was leaked.