Never feed wildlife – it’s against the law!

From raccoons and coyotes to skunks and birds, Vaughan is home to many types of urban wildlife. By taking some simple precautions, we can all live in harmony with the animals that share our backyards and parks and keep everyone safe. It starts with not feeding wildlife.

Directly or unintentionally feeding a wild animal will increase its tolerance to people and pets. Feeding animals or leaving food items in parks to attract wildlife is against the law and subject to a $500 fine.

Here are some tips to keep yourself safe and wildlife away:

• Reconsider bird feeders as they attract small mammals – like mice or squirrels, which encourages larger wild animals – like foxes or coyotes – to visit your yard. Birds gathering at feeders can also contribute to avian disease transmission (like trichomonosis, salmonellosis and avian pox). 
• 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 collection days, rather than leaving it at the curb overnight. Collect and store bins and any uncollected garbage on the same day.

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 against the law to disturb or cause distress to wildlife and is subject to a $900 fine.

Coyotes

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.

For more information and tips, visit vaughan.ca/AnimalServices or watch the City’s video.

To report a sick or injured wild animal, contact Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or Vaughan Animal Services at animal.services@vaughan.ca.

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