Be wildlife aware …
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and other tips for sharing our community with coyotes,
foxes and other animals
The days may be
colder, but urban wildlife – including coyotes, foxes, raccoons, squirrels and
more – are still enjoying life here. This is normal, and with these tips from
the City of Vaughan, you can be more confident and live peacefully with urban
wildlife.
Know your surroundings while
enjoying nature – keep a safe and respectful distance from wild animals and
their dens. Going near wildlife dens is not safe for you or the animals living
in them. It is unlawful to disturb or cause distress to wildlife and is subject
to a $900 fine.
Coyote sightings in cities and
rural areas are common and should not be cause for alarm. The City understands
their presence can become a challenge in residential areas, and they can also
be intimidating to some people.
If you encounter a coyote,
keep your distance and keep pets on a short leash. If the coyote approaches you
directly:
- stop: pick up children and small pets, if necessary.
- stand your ground: never run from a coyote, fox or domestic dog.
- make yourself big: wave your hands above your head.
- be loud and assertive: shout, stomp your feet and clap your hands.
- use a noisemaker: it could be your voice, a party horn, pots and pans banged together, a shaker can (such as a pop can filled with pebbles), a plastic bag (pull it out of your pocket and snap it around), or an umbrella popping open and closed.
- slowly back away: be assertive as you leave, so the animal knows it is not welcome.
The Council-approved Coyote
Response and Coexistence Strategy (PDF) outlines the City’s
response efforts, as well as what you can do to help avoid or reduce
interactions with coyotes. The actions outlined in this strategy are designed to
increase your knowledge and understanding of how coyotes behave and how to
manage their behaviour to reduce or eliminate conflicts.
Officers
are available to speak with and assist you, conduct property audits to identify
coyote attractants and provide education on how to deter wildlife from your
property. Vaughan Animal Services is also hosting an information session on coyotes at Rosemount Community Centre on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at
4:30 p.m.
Never feed wildlife
Directly or unintentionally
feeding a wild animal will increase its tolerance to people and pets. Reconsider
bird feeders as they attract small mammals, which encourages larger wild
animals to visit your yard. Birds gathering at feeders
can also contribute to avian disease transmission (like trichomonosis,
salmonellosis, and avian pox). Feeding animals or leaving food items in
parks to attract wildlife is subject to a $500 fine.
Be a responsible pet owner
Always keep dogs on leashes when
outdoors and keep cats indoors or in a secure outdoor enclosure. Free-roaming
pets are vulnerable to a multitude of dangers and is subject to a $500 fine.
Almost all conflicts between wildlife and domestic dogs occur when dogs are off
leash.
Do not invite unwanted houseguests
Keep your home properly sealed
so wildlife stays outdoors. Remove attractants by picking up dog feces,
cleaning outdoor grills and securing recycling and compost bins. Only put waste
out on collection days, rather than leaving it on the street overnight. Collect
and store bins and any uncollected garbage on the same day.
To report a sick or injured
wild animal, please call the City at 905-832-2281. For more information, go to vaughan.ca/AnimalServices.