If you live in Brackendale and have a cat or dog that wanders around, be careful.
Conservation officers have fielded several calls recently regarding the loss of cats and dogs in the area, and warn residents to be on the lookout for predators.
"Residents should be aware that these wild animals are out there and their pets could fall victim to a bear or coyote," said Conservation Officer Chris Doyle.
Three weeks ago, Doyle reported an incident on Axen Road where a coyote had killed a dog, and earlier in the summer another dog death was reported on Finch Drive. Recently, a cat was also killed by a coyote on Eagle Run Drive.
"We've had a number of incidences of coyotes attacking dogs this year," said Doyle. "They'll go for smaller dogs and house cats. Coyotes are predators and cats and dogs are pretty easy prey."
Several Brackendale residents have spotted coyotes simply strolling around the community.
Doyle also noted that coyote activity has been above average in Squamish this year, due in part to an increased coyote population in the area. Because coyotes are not a public safety threat and do not damage public and private property, conservation officers do not set traps.
Although there have been numerous calls fielded from residents concerned with trouble coyotes, due to the fact that there have been so many bear problems this year, they are not considered a high priority by COs.
