Sharing Vaughan’s outdoors with urban wildlife
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Tips for living in harmony with coyotes, foxes,
raccoons and more
As spring has
sprung, you may come across some of the many critters that live in Vaughan when
exercising outside. The City of Vaughan is reminding you of the simple actions you
can take to stay safe and enjoy the outdoors peacefully.
Here are some tips to keep in
mind to help you live in harmony with Vaughan’s wildlife.
Be wildlife aware
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 unlawful to disturb or to cause distress to wildlife, and
subject to a $900 fine.
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.
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. Feeding or leaving items in parks that 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 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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