Keep a safe distance from wild animals and their dens or nests

Warmer weather is in the forecast, and that means you may see more of Vaughan’s urban wildlife out and about. Although you may be tempted to approach them out of curiosity or to take a picture, the City of Vaughan is reminding everyone to keep a safe distance from animals and their habitats. 

Going near dens is not safe for you or the animals living in them. It is illegal to disturb or cause distress to wildlife and is subject to a $900 fine.

Here are some other tips to safely cohabitate with urban wildlife.

Coyotes

It’s pup season, which means you may start to see more young coyotes in the community. Coyotes typically give birth between April and May, with the average litter size around four to seven pups. Family size varies depending on habitat, available food sources and human impact. Sightings and encounters with coyotes normally increase in the spring while they are protecting their den – this is normal. 

The City understands their presence can become a challenge in residential areas and can also seem 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.

Animal Services officers are available to conduct property audits to identify coyote attractants and provide education on how to deter wildlife from your property. For more information and tips, visit vaughan.ca/coyotes. 

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. 

Never feed wildlife

Directly or unintentionally feeding wild animals (like leaving food in parks) will increase their tolerance to people and pets – and is also subject to a $500 fine! 

And reconsider having bird feeders on your property as they attract small mammals, which encourages larger wild animals to visit your yard. 

Be a responsible pet owner

Always keep dogs on leashes when outdoors if you’re not in a safe, enclosed backyard. 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 dogs occur when they 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. Put waste out the morning of your collection day, 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, visit vaughan.ca/AnimalServices or watch the City’s video on coexisting with wildlife.

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