Coyotes are generally not a threat to humans; however, they can pose risks to pets. They are active both day and night, especially during dusk and dawn, and play a role in controlling rodent and rabbit populations. Urban environments suit coyotes well due to the plentiful food and shelter. They do not hibernate and are often more visible in winter when foliage is sparse. Coyotes scavenge for food, consuming small mammals, birds, and improperly stored garbage.
Keep these tips in mind:
- Never feed coyotes.
- Avoid approaching coyotes, their dens, or their young.
- Do not touch coyotes, even if they seem tame, sick, or injured.
- Keep your dog on a leash.
- If you encounter a coyote, don’t run; instead, make noise to scare it away.
- Properly dispose of garbage and waste before leaving parks.
How to Deter Coyotes
What to do if you see a coyote near your home or property:
- Encourage the coyote to leave by shouting and making assertive gestures.
- Eliminate food sources in your yard and urge your neighbors to do the same.
To prevent coyotes from entering your yard:
- Avoid feeding pets outdoors.
- Store garbage, recycling, and organic waste properly.
- Clear dense brush and weeds to reduce hiding spots.
If you witness someone feeding a coyote, report it to 311, as it violates city bylaws.
Keeping Your Pets Safe
- Keep dogs on a leash.
- Keep cats indoors or supervised when outside.
- If coyotes are in your area, do not let your pets roam in the backyard unsupervised.
When walking your dog in a park:
- Allow off-leash play only in designated areas.
- Walk your dog in high-traffic areas like busy streets, jogging paths, and park trails, ensuring they remain on a leash and under your control.
- Walk during daylight hours.
- Avoid abandoned properties or densely forested regions.
- Keep your dog in sight and refrain from using extendable/flexi leashes.
If you encounter a coyote while walking your dog:
- If you have a small dog, pick it up.
- If that’s not feasible, keep your dog on a short leash and move to a busier area.
- Make yourself appear larger and louder: Jump, wave your arms, and shout “Go away, coyote!”
Items to take with you:
- Flashlights: Bright lights can deter coyotes.
- Umbrellas: The sound and motion of opening and closing can scare them off.
- Whistles: While they may not directly frighten coyotes, they will alert others nearby.
What to Do If You See a Coyote
Coyotes are naturally shy and will flee when confronted assertively. Never run away from a coyote. Avoid turning your back, maintain eye contact, and slowly back away.
To teach coyotes to respect boundaries with humans:
- Be Big: Make yourself look larger and more intimidating. Stand tall, raise your arms, or wave your jacket.
- Be Loud: Create loud noises to scare them away. Use a whistle, stomp your feet, clap your hands, or shout “go away, coyote” to alert others.
- Be Threatening: Display assertive behavior to discourage the coyote. Swing a walking stick, shine a flashlight, or toss a tennis ball or small stone in its direction.
When to Report
Contact 311 if you observe a coyote exhibiting the following behaviors:
- Approaching dogs or people.
- Exploring homes or buildings far from large parks or open areas.
- Limping, staggering, or showing paralysis in hind legs.
- Acting confused around inanimate objects.
- Biting pets.
- If you find an injured or sick coyote.
To report someone feeding a coyote, call 311, as it is against city bylaws. For coyote sightings, call 416-338-PAWS (7297) or email animalservices@toronto.ca.
