Why the other options are wrong:

• recent attacks on pets in rural communities.: The report is about urban sightings near Calgary, not attacks in rural communities.
• construction delays affecting Calgary suburbs.: Construction is mentioned as one cause, but the story is about coyotes, not construction delays.
• a new wildlife protection law introduced in Alberta.: No new wildlife protection law is mentioned in the report.

Correct Answer: around dawn and dusk near city edges.

Why this is correct: The report says most sightings are occurring at dawn and dusk. The highest number of reports come from the northwest and southeast edges of the city.

Why the other options are wrong:

• exclusively during the winter months.: The sightings are happening in spring, not exclusively in winter.
• only inside downtown Calgary parks.: The sightings are on the edges of the city near suburbs, not only inside downtown parks.
• during the middle of the afternoon.: Dawn and dusk are the most common times, not the middle of the afternoon.

Correct Answer: habitat loss and easier access to food.

Why this is correct: Officials say the increase is linked to a mild winter and construction near green spaces, which reduced natural habitat. Also, residents attract coyotes by leaving pet food outside or not securing garbage bins.

Why the other options are wrong:

• coyotes migrating from other provinces.: Coyotes migrating from other provinces is not mentioned in the report.
• a growing coyote population from hunting bans.: Hunting bans are not discussed as a reason for more sightings.
• increased reporting through a new phone app.: A new phone app for reporting is not mentioned anywhere.

Correct Answer: make noise and appear confident.

Why this is correct: Laura McKenzie, the wildlife specialist, said that making noise and maintaining eye contact usually causes coyotes to retreat. These simple actions help people stay safe.

Why the other options are wrong:

• offer food to distract the animal.: Offering food would make the problem worse - officials say coyotes become bold when they get food from people.
• run away as quickly as possible.: The advice in this report is to make noise and maintain eye contact, actions that usually cause coyotes to retreat. Running away is not the advice given in the report.
• call the RCMP immediately.: Calling the RCMP is not mentioned as advice for coyote encounters.

Correct Answer: cautiously informative and reassuring.

Why this is correct: The report gives facts and practical advice without causing panic. It notes that no serious attacks have been reported and that simple actions usually make coyotes retreat. A public education campaign is also planned. This is informative and reassuring.

Why the other options are wrong:

• humorous and light-hearted.: The report is serious about safety, not humorous or light-hearted.
• critical of the city's slow response.: The report does not criticise the city for responding too slowly.
• alarmist and urgent.: The tone is calm and helpful, not alarmist or urgent.