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Coyotes usually avoid people, but it’s not uncommon to spot a coyote within the city limits. Please supervise small children and dogs playing outdoors, and keep cats inside.
If you see a coyote
- Do not approach or touch a coyote. Keep your distance and a coyote will likely avoid you.
- Do not turn your back or run from a coyote. Stay calm and back away.
- Stand tall, wave your hands and make a lot of noise.
- Carry a flashlight to scare off coyotes at night.
- Do not let your pets chase a coyote.
If a coyote becomes aggressive or poses an immediate danger to public safety, please call 911.
Avoiding conflicts with coyotes
Coyotes are important predators in Southern Ontario; they help control populations of rabbits, rats and mice. In the country, coyotes are commonly found near farm land, woodlots, and areas covered with brush. In cities, coyotes prefer natural green space like parks, ravines, and stream banks.
Coyotes can raise concerns when they:
- feed on garbage, compost, fruit or vegetable gardens
- prey on livestock or pets
- come too close to people
Protect your property from coyotes
Remove sources of food by protecting pets and livestock, fencing gardens, and securing garbage and compost. Most importantly, never feed coyotes or other wildlife. Feeding them makes the animals less fearful of humans and habituates them to foods provided by humans.