Man attacked by coyote while jogging on seawall in Stanley Park

Conservation Officers are investigating a coyote attack in Stanley Park after a man was bitten while jogging along the seawall on Wednesday night.

According to the BC Conservation Officer Services (BCCOS), the attack occurred at approximately 7 pm, as the victim was running along the seawall, southeast of the Lion’s Gate Bridge, just past the four-kilometre mark.

The jogger suffered a bite to his right calf and was treated for his injury in the hospital.

BCCOS said officers attended the area following the incident, and were back in the area on Thursday, but so far, the coyote has not been found.

“Coyote sightings in Stanley Park are not unusual but coyotes pursuing people is not normal behaviour,” the BCCOS said. “This likely indicates the animal(s) have been fed.
It is illegal to feed dangerous wildlife, such as coyotes.”

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In light of this latest incident, the public is being asked to avoid the area. “If you are jogging along the seawall, there is a risk you may encounter an aggressive coyote,” the BCCOS said.

Should someone encounter a coyote, the BCCOS said the best response is to “make yourself as large as possible, face it, wave your arms, yell, and throw sticks, stones or other objects” at the animal.

Park users are also being urged to familiarize themselves with these safety tips, and report any encounters and any information regarding feeding coyotes to the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.