There have been several reports of coyote sightings in the neighbourhood recently.
Join Toronto Animals Services for a Coyote Information Session:
Date: December 3, 2019
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Place: East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Ave.
Lesley Sampson from Coyote Watch Canada and Sara Bowman from Toronto Wildlife Centre will be speaking about co-existing with coyotes in Toronto. Topics will include:
- Coyote behaviour in the urban environment
- Co-existing with coyotes in Toronto
Coyotes:
- generally do not pose a danger to people, but can pose a danger for pets
- are active during the day and at night, particularly dusk and dawn
- help to control rodent and rabbit populations
- thrive in urban areas because of the abundance of food and shelter available
- do not hibernate and may be seen more often during winter months as they are not hidden by foliage
- will eat whatever food is available such as small mammals and birds, and improperly stored garbage
You should:
- never feed coyotes
- always exercise caution around them
Coyotes are naturally timid and flee when confronted aggressively. Never run away from a coyote. The following actions teach coyotes to fear humans.
- Be Big: Stand up and raise your arms in the air. Appear as large and threatening as possible
- Be Loud: Stomp your feet, clap your hands, and yell “go away coyote” to alert people nearby.
- Be Threatening: Throw a tennis ball or a small pebble or stick at the coyote, but only to show the coyote who is boss – not to injure!
- Avoid turning your back, maintain eye contact and slowly back away.
For more info about coyotes, go to: toronto.ca/coyote
Source: Toronto Animal Services