Coyotes are commonplace in our communities and according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, this is largely because people feed them either intentionally or unintentionally.
- Coyotes are an important part of our ecosystem. They help control rodent and rabbit populations.
- They are active during the day and night but prefer to hunt after dusk or before dawn
- Coyotes are normally shy and will try to avoid human contact. However, they will watch or follow humans out of natural curiosity. A coyote’s instincts tell it to run from aggressive actions.
- If food is scarce, coyotes will occasionally prey on outdoor, off-leash or unattended pets
View an interactive map of coyote sightings or submit your own coyote sighting.
Protecting your pets from coyotes
- Keep a close eye on pets when you let them in your yard
- Go outside with your pet when they’re in the yard
- When walking your pet, keep them on a five-foot leash
If you encounter a coyote
- Stay calm and wait until it goes away
- Do not turn your back or run. Like dogs, coyotes chase anything that runs.
- If a coyote approaches, stand tall, waive your arms, clap, yell, make startling movements or throw an object at it to scare it away
- Startle the animal by opening an umbrella, using a flashlight or activating an audible alarm
If you see an aggressive, sick or injured coyote, call 905-896-5858.