Vaughan hosts coyote information session
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Join the City on Feb. 1 at 4:30 p.m. at Rosemount
Community Centre
Do you want to
learn more about coyotes – including how to react if you see one, what can inadvertently
attract them to neighbourhoods and how the City of Vaughan is responding?
Then join Vaughan Animal
Services on Wednesday, Feb. 1 for an information session at Rosemount Community
Centre. The meeting will start at 4:30 p.m. and include a presentation from
staff and an opportunity for you to ask questions. Members from the Ministry of
Natural Resources will also be there.
Unable to attend? The City is providing
tips you can use to help manage urban wildlife.
Coyotes
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.
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.
Officers
are available to speak with and assist you, 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/AnimalServices or watch the City’s video.
Never 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 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 waste
out on collection days, 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, go to vaughan.ca/AnimalServices.