Coyote spotted in Yorkton, residents advised to stay alert

WATCH: A coyote has been spotted in Yorkton. The fire department is advising residents to stay alert.

It was a busy weekend for a coyote in Yorkton.

Logan Flats was especially quiet on Monday. As strong winds blew through the tall grass, only a few lawnmowers could be spotted.

The reason for the lack of activity was a four-legged visitor, spotted by locals over the weekend.

Upon receiving multiple reports about a coyote in the Logan Flats area, the Yorkton Fire Protective Services issued an advisory for residents.

“These are all wild and open lands,” said Chief Trevor Morrissey. “The concern we are having is that [coyotes] were coming out of a den that is in the area and following people.”

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The chief noted that coyotes have been known to approach residents – with some coming as close as six feet.

The fire service is currently working closely with other agencies to apprehend the animal.

“I just want everybody to know that we do respect all animals, and we respect wildlife,” Morrissey noted. “But we also do have an obligation to the citizens of Yorkton. So, we’re trying to find that balance here where we want to protect everybody and we want to preserve our wildlife.”

The fire chief added that his service’s objective is to handle the issue as humanely as possible – using traps and relocation.

He expects to have a solution ready within 24 hours.

“We do want to deal with this before there is either an injury or a more serious threat to a member of the public,” he added.

Until the animal is apprehended, Morrissey asks residents to stay away from the area, especially with pets.

“If they decide to go in the area [and encounter the coyote], make some noise and leave the area immediately in a smooth, efficient manner, don’t rely on your pet to protect you.” He emphasized that in public, dogs should be on leash by law.

Chief Morrissey urges anyone who crosses path with the animal to report the encounter to the Bylaw Services at (306)-786-1725.

CTV News did reach out to the Yorkton Wildlife Federation for comment and is awaiting a response.