As coyotes are naturally wary of people, they don’t pose a high safety risk to humans. However, coyotes tend to watch and shadow residents unless they’re disturbed from doing so. To encourage coyotes to move away from you and the area, consider the following when you encounter a coyote:
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Stay calm and do not turn your back or run.
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If a coyote approaches you, stand tall, wave your arms, clap, yell, make startling movements or throw an object at it to scare it away.
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If possible, open an umbrella, use a flashlight or activate an audible alarm to startle it away.
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Do not feed coyotes or leave food for them in their spotted areas, as it encourages them not to fear humans and rely on people for food.
Trapping and relocating coyotes
Coyotes play an essential role in urban ecosystems. They help control rodents and other wildlife populations. Removing coyotes would cause a population increase of these animals.
When a coyote is removed from an area, this allows transient coyotes to claim the territory. Mated coyote pairs hold territories and keep other coyotes out.
Snare traps are illegal and pose a big risk to public safety. In addition, trapping or relocating coyotes will not resolve issues or reduce sightings and encounters.
If you encounter coyotes in your neighbourhood, reporting your sightings and allowing the City to address them is best.