Edmonton in talks about using plastic bullets to combat aggressive coyotes in the city

There have been increasing reports of aggressive coyotes in Edmonton. The City is now tackling whether coyotes need to be shot by park rangers using plastic bullets.

Dr. Colleen Cassady, a professor at the University of Alberta says, “I think this is a great development, the rangers really need another tool for their toolkits. 

The plastic bullets would not kill the coyotes. That’s why the founder of the Edmonton Urban Coyote Project supports the method. Professor Cassady says it’s safer and a more humane way to deter the animals in Edmonton. But some believe there are better ways.

Dr. St. Claire defended that the intention is not to kill the animal but to let them understand the danger of approaching a human.

“The goal is to nip that progression in the bud and teach those coyotes to be more wary around people before they become highly aggressive,” explained Cassady.

This type of conditioning is used in national and provincial parks, particularly for bears and elk.

Shooting coyotes is illegal for Edmonton. Experts say the best way to deter the animals is with intimidation by shouting, running towards them aggressively, or throwing items from tennis balls or items that could hit the animal.

The City’s park rangers used non-lethal plastic bullets 40 times since November. 

CityNews reached out to the City of Edmonton for comment but has not heard back at this time.