Port Coquitlam is home to many wild animals, not just bears! Learn more about keeping your home and our wildlife safe.
Port Coquitlam’s Solid Waste Bylaw requires residents and businesses to secure garbage, green waste and other items that attract bears and other wildlife (e.g. coyotes, cougars and raccoons). The bylaw applies to all properties, regardless of whether they receive City waste collection.
Learn more about Bear Safety.
Coyotes are well-adapted to urban environments and can live almost anywhere. Coyote attacks on humans are rare — however, they often view pets as prey or threats and some may act aggressively towards humans.
- Do not feed them
- Do not leave out attractants at your home (such as garbage, fallen fruit, etc.)
- Keep your pets either protected with fencing, supervised or kept indoors, especially at night
- Keep dogs on a leash and under control at all times
If you encounter a coyote:
- Do not run or turn your back
- Make yourself appear large, maintain eye contact and speak in a low firm voice or shout
- If with children or pets, pick them up or keep them close
- Report aggressive coyotes to BC Conservation at 1-877-952-7277
Cougars are widely distributed throughout BC and conflicts may occur at any time of the year. Occasionally, they may be observed in urban settings. If they are passing through, it is important they do not find prey items that may encourage them to stay.
- Keep your pets indoors, especially at night. Cats and dogs that are left to free-range can become easy prey targets.
- Feed your pets indoors. Uneaten pet food can attract cougars and other cougar prey species such as rodents (rats, squirrels) and raccoons.
- Avoid feeding or attracting other wild animals that may be prey for cougars. Fallen seed from bird feeders can attract rodents which are potential prey for cougars. Deer should never be fed.
If you encounter a cougar:
- Keep calm, never run, and do not turn your back. Back away slowly.
- Make yourself look as large as possible and back away slowly, keeping the cougar in view, and allowing a clear exit for the cougar.
- Pick up children and small pets immediately. Older children should be kept close and in front of you so that you can ensure they remain calm and don’t try to flee.
- Report cougar sightings in urban areas or aggressive cougar behaviour to BC Conservation at 1-877-952-7277