More coyotes with families are being seen in South Etobicoke and elsewhere as it warms up.
More and more coyotes are being seen as the weather gets warmer and a local councillor is appealing to City council to find humane ways to deal with them.
Ward 2 Councillor Stephen Holyday said the coyotes are not only a concern for Liberty Village, Fort York and Cityplace residents and there has to be a Coyote Response Strategy and staff should examine best practices of other municipalities in dealing with the animals.
Some of the coyotes suspected of being ill are now shot dead or killed by City animal services officers.
“I see a coyote at least once a month in my area,” Holyday said. “We saw a family of them looking through our window at home.”
He said the coyotes can kill or injure pets, like dogs, cats or even attack people.
This woman was chased by a coyote and her pet injured in one Toronto incident. Courtesy photo.
“Most encounters with coyotes occur when people leave out food and garbage intentionally or by accident,” according to a motion before Council by Holyday. “Coyotes and dogs may have negative encounters if people have their dogs off leash, causing a coyote to defend itself and its young.”
Council has agreed to explore the use of technology or other tools for coyote diversion; study the benefits and drawbacks to different approaches to manage the issue and seek input from wildlife experts.
The City said wildlife management should be examined before allowing construction on City-led projects and the Ontario government should conduct an environmental assessment of wildlife, including coyotes, in the redevelopment of Ontario Place.
Other incidents involving coyotes are also voiced by Councilor Ausma Malik and is under consideration by City Council in relation to having animal or bylaw officers patrolling areas of her ward daily and hours will focus at dawn and dusk when most reports of incidents/sightings are received.
Coyotes are known for preying on pets and young children and should never be fed, according to officials.
“Daily evaluation for the necessity, at City staff’s discretion, of further escalation to lethal removal if significant,” she said.
A report on coyote management is slated the Economic and Community Development Committee on May 6.
Etobicoke residents may recall last Canada Day, on July 1, 2024, a number of residents and media reported three or four physical attacks by a group of coyotes on dogs which were being walked by local dog owners in Princes Margaret Park.
Holyday’s motion called for more City monitoring and data collected on coyote attacks injuring pets or people.
Residents are urged to blow whistles; upcycle an aluminum can filled with coins or rocks to startle a coyote when shaken for personal safety.
People can also open and close an umbrella pointed in the direction of the coyote while walking towards the coyote to assist with deterring a coyote.
And green garbage bags– fill with air and snapped down will make you look bigger and the noise will scare the coyote