'Avoid Stanley Park': Conservation officer issues stern warning about dangerous coyotes
Following an attack on a two-year-old girl by a coyote Monday night, conservation officers are being blunt, warning that anyone who enters the park must do so “at their own risk.”
By their count, there have been at least 31 coyote attacks since December, and dozens of dogs have been mauled. Those numbers could be higher, because some encounters may have gone unreported.
Anyone entering the park should use an “abundance of caution” and expect to encounter a coyote, according to Sgt. Simon Gravel of the BC Conservation Officer Service.
“My recommendation right now would be to avoid the park,” Gravel said. “It is impossible for us to protect you from such a coyote attack. They are everywhere right now.”
For months, the public has been told to steer clear of certain remote areas of Stanley Park and to travel in groups, but the attack on the two-year-old occurred in the parking lot of the Vancouver Aquarium, and the child was surrounded by several adults.
The toddler has bites marks on her neck and face, but has been released from hospital.
“We had reports of attacks where six coyotes at the same time were involved,” said Gravel. “So, multiple coyotes represent a risk right now.”
Animal rights group The Fur-Bearers believes the park should be shut down until the situation is under control.
“There’s many things that we can do to prevent these kinds of encounters,” said Lesley Fox, the group’s executive director.
“Unfortunately, that rests with the decision-makers, and I have no idea where the (Vancouver) Park Board has been this entire time.”
CTV News requested an interview with the board, but was told nobody was available, and that nearly 48 hours after the attack on the child, they hadn’t received any reports on the incident.
Meanwhile, conservation officers confirmed two coyotes have been euthanized, and they are searching for six others. They admitted that will take some time, and said they’re not sure it will be enough to fully restore the safety of the park.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.