Keep a safe distance from coyotes and their dens

Did you know coyote pups grow over the summer and leave their dens in the fall? That’s why sightings often increase from September to December as young coyotes venture out to establish their own territory. Some juvenile (yearling) coyotes may remain with the family to help rear next year’s pups. 

Although you may want to approach coyotes out of curiosity or to take a picture, the City of Vaughan is reminding everyone to keep a safe distance. Going near 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. 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, pots and pans banged together, a shaker can (such as a pop can filled with pebbles), a plastic bag (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.

Vaughan Council approved the City’s Coyote Response and Coexistence Strategy (PDF) in 2022, which outlines our response efforts, as well as what residents 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. 

By-law officers are available to speak with and assist residents, conduct property audits to identify coyote attractants and provide education on how to deter wildlife from their properties. 

The City is also offering the following tips on managing urban wildlife in Vaughan. 

Never feed wildlife

Directly or unintentionally feeding a wild animal will increase its tolerance to people and pets. Reconsider having bird feeders on your property as they attract small mammals, which encourage larger wild animals to visit your yard. 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. 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 out waste on collection days, rather than leaving it on the street overnight. Collect and store bins and any uncollected garbage on the same day.

Call the City if you see sick or injured wildlife

If you see a sick or injured wild animal, report it to Vaughan Animal Services as soon as possible: 

• call 905-832-2281, Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• email animal.services@vaughan.ca.

If you’re calling after hours, please call 905-832-2281 and press “0” to reach the after-hours dispatch team. By-law officers are available 24-7 to respond to calls about sick or injured wildlife.

For more information and tips, visit vaughan.ca/AnimalServices.

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