Enjoy the outdoors – peacefully – with urban wildlife
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Tips for living in harmony with coyotes, foxes, raccoons and more
Spring is in the air, which means Vaughan’s wildlife will be coming out of hibernation and – like many of you – enjoying the sunshine and warmer weather. To live in harmony with the animals that share our backyards and parks, it is important to take some simple precautions so everyone can stay safe while spending time outdoors.
Here are some tips to keep in mind to help you live – peacefully – with urban wildlife.
Be wildlife aware
Know your surroundings while enjoying nature – keep a safe and respectful distance from wild animals.
Never feed wildlife
Directly or unintentionally feeding a wild animal will increase tolerance to people and pets. Reconsider bird feeders as they attract small mammals, which encourage larger wild animals to visit your yard.
Coyote sightings in cities and rural areas are common and should not be cause for alarm. The City understands that 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 still: 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.
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. 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, and collect and store bins and any uncollected garbage on the same day.
As a precautionary measure in response to COVID-19, the Vaughan Animal Shelter is closed to the public; adoption and pet recovery services are available by appointment only. Book your appointment by calling 905-832-2281 or emailing animal.services@vaughan.ca. Vaughan Animal Services continues to operate and serve Vaughan, Richmond Hill and the Township of King.
To report a sick or injured wild animal, please call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281. For more information, go to vaughan.ca/AnimalServices.
To receive the City’s latest COVID-19 updates as they happen, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels.
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