Wildlife safety

Understanding coyote behaviour

Coyotes are currently the largest resident mammal on PEI and thrive in forest and agricultural habitats. Coyotes are territorial animals and generally live in small family groups. Coyotes are opportunistic carnivores with a diet consisting of small mammals, rodents, birds, fruits and berries.  Coyotes are most active at dawn and dusk but it is not uncommon to see them during the day. 

In the spring, while coyotes are rearing young, adults may be less tolerant of humans and domestic animals sharing their space. When a human approaches a den site, adult coyotes may demonstrate enhanced curiosity and may even escort you away from this site.

Late summer is a time of transition for Eastern coyotes. The young are approaching adult size as the summer ends, becoming more independent as they hone their hunting and foraging skills and explore areas further away from their den. Throughout the fall, young coyotes leave their natal ranges to search for their own territories and mates, testing out hunting techniques and exploring new areas. During this time, coyotes in PEI National Park may approach humans and domestic animals with curiosity as they encounter them for the first time. Generally, this type of behavior is not aggressive and the young coyote will flee with the slightest noise or movement in their direction.

As winter breeding season approaches, adult male coyotes become very protective over their home territories, as this space is associated with the availability of breeding females. During this time, adult male coyotes are very intolerant of other canines within their territories and may demonstrate bold, or even aggressive, behavior towards domestic dogs.

It is important for visitors to be aware that coyotes are part of the natural PEI National Park ecosystem, and that sightings and encounters may occur more frequently this time of year throughout the trail systems. 

Taking Precautions in Coyote Habitat 

• Be alert – be aware that coyotes may be in the area, pay attention to your surroundings and look for signs of coyote presence (tracks, scat etc.) 
• Never approach a coyote - If you observe a coyote, make sure to give it a wide birth or go back the way you came. Approaching a coyote could initiate defensive behaviours from the animal. 
• Never feed a coyote – providing food for a coyote either directly, or indirectly puts humans and domestic animals at risk as it is likely that animal will continue to associate humans with food, thus increasing the risk for negative interactions. Always dispose of food/refuse in proper waste bins. 
• Keep pets on a leash - Dogs, specifically can attract the attention of coyotes as they may be perceived as a conspecific threat. By keeping your dog on a leash, you will prevent your dog from instinctually chasing or approaching the coyotes, thus decreasing the potential for injuries to your pet. 
• Protect Children - although rare, coyote attacks on humans, especially young children, have occurred and can be fatal. Never leave children unattended in areas known to be frequented by coyotes. Make sure to discuss coyote safety with your children. 
• Hike with a friend – Avoid hiking alone. Coyotes are much less likely to approach a group of people. Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. 
• Avoid hiking at dawn and dusk – Avoid hiking when coyotes are most active. 
• Carry Deterrents – A walking stick, small air horn or pepper spray can act as good deterrents if approached by a coyote.  For pepper sprays, check the expiry date and ensure you know how to properly use before attempting to administer. 

If you are approached by a coyote, it is important to react in the following way:

• Always keep dogs on a leash.
• Do not run. Back away slowly.
• Act big: wave arms and sticks above your head.
• Make lots of noise.

Please report coyote sightings in the park to Parks Canada Dispatch at 1-877-852-3100.
Learn more about what to do when encountering coyotes (PDF, 181 KB).

From December to March, it is seal pupping season in Atlantic Canada. This means you might encounter several different seal species on our shores while walking on the beach.

Some species will give birth on beaches. You can usually tell a seal pup is quite young by the presence of fluffy fur! Mother seals will intensively feed their young with their rich milk for a period of time after birth. However, it is not uncommon for weaned seal pups to be left on the beach until they are ready to seek out food on their own. Sometimes for multiple days in a row.  Seal pups need space and rest, please do not approach or disturb them during this important life stage.

If you happen upon a seal on the beach, here are a few things to remember:

• Harbour seals, harp seals, grey seals, and hooded seals all call the waters around PEI home. While seals spend most of their time in the water, it is completely normal for them to come ashore to rest.
• Do not try to “herd” the seal back into the water. This may interrupt natural and necessary resting phases for the animals.
• Keep as much distance as possible from the animal. It is important to remember that seals are wild animals and can act aggressively if they feel threatened. 
• If you see evidence of injury or illness, including wounds, crusty eyes or malnourishment, call Parks Canada’s Dispatch Line: 1-877-852-3100 

All kinds of wildlife--small and large--live on the beach and visit from offshore. This is one of the reasons keeping your dog on a leash while in PEI National Park is so important…for the safety of the wildlife AND your pet!