City reminds residents that Coyote sightings are normal this time of year

Feb 5 2019, 12:44 am

If you happen to cross paths with a coyote in the city this winter, don’t stress.

The city is reminding residents who live near ravines and forests – typical coyote habitat – can expect an increase in coyote sightings during this time of year.

Residents are also reminded that coyotes are active day and night but prefer to hunt after dusk or before dawn.

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To keep you and your pet safe this winter, the city recommends the following:

  • Avoid feeding them. Feeding wild animals, including coyotes, is detrimental and can create problems for the neighbourhood.
  • Avoid feeding pets outdoors.
  • Ensure that all household garbage is inaccessible to animals.
  • Place garbage out on the morning of the scheduled pickup, rather than the night before.
  • Always supervise pets – keep dogs on a leash and keep cats indoors or supervised when outside.

According to the city, when a coyote is injured or sick, Toronto Animal Services will investigate to determine whether it can recover on its own or be captured and brought to a wildlife rehabilitation facility.

In accordance with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, the coyote will be located back into the area from which it was captured when it has recovered.

Coyotes have become a natural part of the urban landscape in Toronto and are an important part of the ecosystem as they control rodent and rabbit populations. They thrive in urban areas because of the abundance of food and shelter available to them.

DH Toronto StaffDH Toronto Staff

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