The Urban Coyote
Each year Mississauga Animal Services receives many reports of Coyote sightings within our City. The sightings range from ravine or fringe areas to heavily populated residential areas. The Coyote has adapted very well to life in our City. They are able to live in close proximity with their human neighbours even though we are known to be their only natural predator. Coyotes are known to frequent certain areas of the City, particularly our Park areas. These Park areas are usually linked by naturalized or ravine areas which allow the coyotes easy access to our residential zones and offer an extended hunting area. Coyotes are not known to cause problems to urban residents and they are very necessary for the control of small rodents. However, to live in harmony with these animals we must learn to understand and respect them.
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
The park-like valleys of the rivers which flow into Lake Ontario have provided an excellent habitat. They can travel great distances via ravines, hydro corridors, highway thoroughfares etc. This allows them to cover large areas within the City while affording them much privacy. Our unique and extensive park systems are bordered by many of these fringe type areas, subsequently, coyotes are often found travelling through largely residential areas. Coyotes prefer secluded locations for den sites, they often choose areas near stream banks or ravines. Their den sites are difficult to locate and the coyote is an expert at keeping the den site hidden. It is not unusual for a coyote to have several den sites and move on a regular basis in an attempt to avoid detection. They will often utilize the den of a groundhog or fox and modify the den to suit their needs. If the den site is discovered the coyote will move her family immediately. The coyote will use this burrow type den site while the pups are nursing as the pups grow and become mobile they often move on to another area that will suit the active lifestyle of the young pups. Once the young are old enough to hunt they will accompany the parents on their hunting excursions, covering vast areas daily. This family unit would constitute the small packs which are often seen within the City.
FOOD ATTRACTIONS
Natural Diet:
Small rodents such as mice, groundhogs and rabbits. Also birds, eggs, snakes, turtles, fish, fruit, plants, carrion and road kill.
Urban Diet:
Since they are opportunistic they have added new food groups to their urban diet.
Garbage:
Which overflows from residential dumpsters or garbage that is carelessly stored outdoors. Often the garbage attracts the smaller rodents causing an over population of mice and rats. This over population of rodents will then attract coyotes and foxes into a residential area.
Outdoor Pets:
Rabbits (confined and helpless in outdoor pens) Cats (allowed outdoors) Livestock (keeping of poultry or other non-pet animals)
WHAT ABOUT MY DOG?
The dog has always been considered a natural enemy by the coyote. However, the coyote is a highly adaptable and opportunistic animal. Therefore, it would not be out of the question for an urbanized coyote to attack a dog. An attack could be caused if a dog is put into a vulnerable situation by an owner, ie: left outdoors unattended, kept outdoors tied or penned, allowed to run at large, walked off leash etc.
WHAT ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY?
Coyotes have adjusted well to living in close proximity to humans. They are generally shy animals and would prefer to avoid confrontations with people. Common sense and the law dictates you never leave children unattended and it is important to teach children about animal safety. By following the steps for prevention and co-existence we can learn to live with wildlife and avoid any negative conflicts.

WHY NOT TRAP AND RELOCATE?  Coyotes are extremely intelligent and almost impossible to live trap.  Subsequently, licenced trappers employ the use of leg hold traps and snares to catch coyotes.  This is not always a suitable option for heavily populated urban centres due to the danger these traps may pose to pets and humans.  Current legislation prohibits the re-location of wildlife from home territories, subsequently, trapped animals must be released in the same area or destroyed.  For over a century coyotes have been persecuted and actively hunted and still they manage to increase in numbers and territory due to their ability to adapt to a changing environment.  Experts agree removal of one animal from an established territory will only create a gap for another animal to fill and depending on food availability that newly established animal may have larger litters.

COYOTE FACTS
Coyotes are generally active during the day with peak hours of activity at dusk and dawn. They may also be active at night especially in urban areas where they feel safer after dark. Sightings within a residential area of the City are normal, however, if the coyote appears sick, staggering, acting drunk or disoriented, paralysed hind limbs, attacking inanimate objects in a frenzied manner: Contact Animal Services at the numbers listed below.
Coyotes are omnivores eating whatever is available such as small mammals and birds, carrion, fruit, and improperly stored garbage.
Coyotes breed in late winter, young are weaned at six weeks. Most young disperse in fall and winter to establish territory.
Coyotes do not form structured packs like wolves.
Coyotes are not considered important rabies carriers, but are susceptible to the virus.
Coyotes are often referred to as wolves or "brush wolves".
Research has shown that the more the coyote is hunted the faster they compensate producing larger litters and increasing their range.
The colour variations of coyotes range from blondes to reds and browns.
Weight and size of coyotes can also vary from 35-45lbs.
A pack of coyotes is usually a group of siblings. Male and female are the basic social unit.
Coyotes are very smart and adaptable.
Coyotes can run for hours at a time.
Coyotes are non-confrontational but very curious and experimental.
Coyotes usually cover a range of 10-15 km. This may expand in harsh winter weather.
Coyotes are very necessary for rodent control.
Coyotes and foxes do not associate.
In Native Lore they were known as the "Trickster".
Coyotes communicate with a broad range of vocalizations.
CO-EXISTING WITH COYOTES
Coyotes are intelligent, adaptable, curious, experimental and most of all opportunistic! As a rule they are also shy, cautious and non-confrontational. They are drawn to places where they can find "easy pickings". They are also creatures of habit and will frequent certain areas in search of food. Hunting in an urban area is a learned behaviour as is hunting domestic pets or coming in close proximity with humans. By using the preventative tips below we can learn to discourage them from our residential areas and avoid any negative interaction or conflicts.
Never feed coyotes! Do not leave any type of food outdoors for any animal including pets. Bird feeders attract birds squirrels and rodents which may then in turn attract coyotes.
Garbage should be stored in sealed steel containers, placed at curb on day of pick up. Dumpsters must be emptied to prevent overflow and kept closed and locked at night.
Never compost meat products. Do not house poultry or livestock in your yard.
Keep companion animals indoors, never let pets roam at large, walk dog on leash at all times! A yard must be enclosed with a solid wooden six foot fence to prevent coyotes from entering.
Stay away from areas you know coyotes are known to frequent especially during key hunting hours of dusk till dawn.
If you must walk in a park area that is known to have coyote activity...
Try to walk in small groups.
Carry a personal audible alarm.
Carry a bright flashlight.
Carry an umbrella you can open and close to frighten them away.
Keep pet leashed at all times!
Avoid key activity hours between dusk and dawn.
If you are approached by a coyote?
Stay calm and wait until they move on.
If threatened, make loud noise or sudden movement to scare them off.
WHEN TO CONTACT THE SHELTER?
If you need advice concerning wildlife within the City of Mississauga, or when you observe an injured, orphaned or sick animal, wild or domestic. If you require follow-up information pertaining to a wildlife problem, contact a Wildlife Representative at 905-896-5862 during office hours or email our Education Officer. For an emergency call 905-896-5858 or 905-615-3000 after hours.
INHUMANE TRAPS, HUNTING AND POISONING ARE ILLEGAL IN MISSISSAUGA
For further information on Wildlife Procedures, please contact the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.