Coyotes, Crows and Flying Ants: All of Your Vancouver Wildlife Questions, Answered

Sure, Vancouver is a bustling metropolis—but it’s also home to a teeming population of wildlife. And, no, we’re not just talking about the teens swarming out of Kits High: we’re calling out the coyotes, flying ants, bunny rabbits and murders of crows with whom we share a postal code. If you’ve ever been curious to get to know your furry neighbours a little better, look no further than our City Informer column, which regularly digs up dirt on Vancouver’s free-roaming bestiary. Here, we’ve compiled all your wildlife wonderings in one handy place so that next time you’re hiding from a gang of flying ants, you’ll have some fun facts to think on.

Why are there anti-beetle signs all over the westside?

The short answer: Trouble-making Japanese beetles are destroying our agriculture and the government is trying to contain their spread. Read the long answer here.

Why do crows fly over Vancouver every night?

The short answer: They’re commuting home to Burnaby. Read the long answer here. 

Why do flying ants swarm Vancouver every summer?

The short answer: It’s mating season, baby! Read the long answer here.

Why is Jericho Beach riddled with bunnies?

The short answer: Fickle pet owners started ditching their domesticated rabbits here, and they bred like… well, you get it. Read the long answer here. 

Why are the Stanley Park coyotes so aggressive now? 

The short answer: The pandemic wasn’t easy on coyotes, either. Read the long answer here.