Living in harmony with urban wildlife
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Never feed wildlife – it is against the law
Vaughan is home to many types of wild animals, including coyotes which are currently in their mating season. With understanding and some simple precautions, you can learn to safely co-exist with the wild animals who share our backyards.
Here are some simple tips to help manage urban wildlife.
Do not 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 encourage larger wild animals to visit yards. Do not leave food out for animals.
Be wildlife aware
Know your wildlife neighbours. Enjoy outdoor surroundings but keep a safe and respectful distance from wild animals.
Do not invite unwanted houseguests
Keep your home properly sealed to exclude wildlife. Remove things that may attract them by securing garbage/compost containers, picking up dog feces and cleaning outdoor grills.
Be a responsible pet owner
Free-roaming pets are vulnerable to a multitude of dangers. Almost all conflicts between wildlife and domestic dogs occur when dogs are off leash or left unattended. Dangers include, conflict with racoons, skunks and birds of prey, among others. Always keep dogs on a leash when outdoors or accompanied when in your secured back yard and keep cats indoors or in a secure outdoor enclosure.
Coyotes
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 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.
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 Township of King communities.
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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