Springtime is breeding season for coyotes, as it is for many other animals. By and large, coyotes coexist mostly uneventfully with people and domestic animals. However, emerging evidence suggests that the coronavirus crisis is having consequences on coyote behaviours.
 
The decrease in human activity may be driving coyotes into areas they would usually avoid, such as now-deserted town centres. Additionally, the decrease in restaurant, café and takeout meals is reducing the availability of discarded human food, which attracts coyotes and/or their rodent prey.
 
As a result, several concerning incidents have occurred. A person on a local COVID-19-related social media platform said he and his dog were pursued two blocks by a coyote in the Oakridge area Sunday, until they got safely home.
 
News reports say that a dog was killed and a cyclist was pursued by coyotes in the Fraser Valley in recent days.
 
As a result, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service has issued a warning and advice for people to protect themselves and their pets.
 
Preventative measures include:

• Picking up after your dog and keeping dogs on a leash.
• Not feeding pets outside. If needed, cleaning up any pet food immediately after feeding.
• Not leaving any small pets out unattended for long periods of time, particularly at night.

 
If you experience a worrying encounter with a coyote (or a wolf), the service advises: 

• Make yourself look as large as possible - if sitting, stand for example.
• Wave your arms and throw objects at the wolf or coyote.
• Shout at the wolf or coyote in a loud aggressive voice.
• If the wolf or coyote continues to approach don't run or turn your back. Continue to exaggerate the above gestures and slowly move to safety.

 
Call the Conservation Officer Service Call Centre at 1-877-952-7277 if a wolf or coyote poses an immediate threat or danger to public safety.

If your pet has been injured or has come in contact with a wild animal, call the RAPS Animal Hospital, which is open during this crisis with special protocols in place, at 604-242-1666.

We hope that you and those you love – humans and other animals – are staying healthy at home and maintaining social distancing. We want you to know that RAPS is doing our best to continue services to the animals.
 
Here is a summary of our actions and activities.
 
At all RAPS facilities, best practices in proscribed sanitization and social distancing have been implemented.
 
RAPS Animal Hospital 
 
The RAPS Animal Hospital is open as an essential service to care for animals. Staff are still working hard, with scrupulous attentiveness to sanitizing and limiting interaction with the public.
 
For families financially affected by coronavirus or facing challenges for any other reason, we offer No-interest Wellness Payment Plans.
 
For the protection of staff and the public, we are practicing social distancing. We are requesting you to please call us to determine whether your pet needs to be seen now or later. We are accepting all emergency and urgent cases. If you book an appointment, call us when you arrive and stay in your car. A staff member will come to receive your pet. A veterinarian will call you to discuss treatment plans and, again, a staff member will meet you at your car to sign necessary permissions. Call the hospital at 604-242-1666 or book online.
 
Stay home and order in for your pup or kitty! Order your animals’ foods, litter, treats and toys and have them delivered right to your door.
 
RAPS City of Richmond Animal Shelter
 
We are fostering as many animals as possible into homes to reduce burden on limited staff at the Shelter.
 
The Shelter is closed to the public, except by appointment for emergencies such as surrenders and strays.
 
RAPS Cat Sanctuary
 
The RAPS Cat Sanctuary is closed to the public. 
 
Limited staff and volunteers, working in shifts and maintaining social distancing, are delivering the individualized care the residents need and expect.
 
RAPS Thrift Stores
 
The Thrift Stores are closed, but stay tuned for our online store!
 
Advice for animal guardians
 
Companion animals cannot contract or transmit COVID-19. However, just as we are not shaking hands, petting should be limited only to members of the household. When out walking, don’t let others pet your dog and blow kisses at other pets from a distance.
 
Follow RAPS social media channels for fun and amusing ideas for keeping your pets happy and entertained.
 
Can you help?
 
Everything we do is possible only because of your support. 
 
More than ever … your support is needed and deeply appreciated. With the thrift stores closed and the hospital largely limited to urgent cases, our revenues are down – just as demand for services like our Pet Food Bank and No-interest Wellness Payment Plans are about to spike.
 
If you are in a position to help, we would be enormously grateful.
 
We encourage online donations through CanadaHelps to minimize administrative processing demands and eliminate cash transmissions.
 
If you’re staying at home more – as we know you are! –consider contributing some of money you are saving on social activities!
 
We are in perpetual need of pet food and other supplies. Consider making an online purchase from our wish lists for the Shelter and Sanctuary!
 
On behalf of the people of RAPS, but especially on behalf of the animals … Thank you for your continued support.