P.E.I. government warns of coyote sightings near Beach Grove trail system

The P.E.I. government is placing signs at access points along the Beach Grove trail system to let trail users know they could encounter a coyote. (P.E.I. government)

The P.E.I. government is warning Islanders about the presence of one or more coyotes near the Upton Farmlands and Beach Grove trail system.

The province says the animal(s) hasn’t shown any signs of aggression, but staff with PEI Forests, Fish and Wildlife is monitoring the situation as a precaution.

“Reports received to date suggest the animal(s) is behaving normally, though it remains in a highly visible area frequently used by the public,” said the P.E.I. government in a news release Thursday.

“Given the time of year and the frequency of the sightings, it is possible that a den site has been established in the vicinity.”

Staff will be placing signs at access points along the trail to let trail users know they could encounter a coyote and what they should do if that happens.

“Coyotes are present throughout PEI and seeing a coyote does not suggest any elevated risk, even in suburban and urban areas,” said the province.

“When coyotes have set up a denning territory they can exhibit escorting behavior, whereby they may follow a person at a distance to ensure they are not a threat to their litter.”

According to the province, a coyote denning season lasts until a litter is old enough to start foraging for food with adult coyotes. Then the group usually spreads out and moves into a broader area, typically in mid-summer.

Trail users are urged to do the following:

• dogwalkers should keep their pets on a leash at all times
• walkers should keep to trails that are clearly defined
• back away and leave the area if a coyote is spotted

The province says coyote sightings don’t need to be reported, but signs of aggression should be reported to Forests, Fish and Wildlife.

Signs of aggression include:

• baring of teeth
• growling
• raised hairs on the back
• lowered head and hard stare while actively moving towards someone nearby

Anyone who faces an aggressive coyote shouldn’t run and should instead make themselves larger by raising and waving their arms or holding up a stick and making loud noises, then back away slowly to leave the area.

For more P.E.I. news, visit our dedicated provincial page.