Coyotes

Coyotes generally do not pose a danger to people, but can pose a danger for pets. Coyotes are active during the day and at night, particularly dusk and dawn. Coyotes thrive in urban areas because of the abundance of food and shelter available. Attracting wildlife by having accessible food sources in private or public spaces alters their natural foraging and hunting behaviours and increases encounters between people, domestic pets and wildlife. Coyotes do not hibernate and may be seen more often during winter months as they are not hidden by foliage. Coyotes will eat whatever food is available, such as small mammals and birds, and improperly stored garbage.

Remember these tips:

Never feed coyotes. Our best approach for a safe and harmonious coexistence with coyotes is to avoid conditioning them with food.
Keep pet food and water bowls indoors. Pet food will attract coyotes to your yard.
Store garbage, recycling and organics properly. Keep trash cans covered and use wildlife-proof lids.
Do not allow a large amount of bird seed to remain on your lawn. Birdseed also attracts rabbits, squirrels and rodents, which are prey for coyotes.
Do not approach coyotes, their dens or their young.
Do not touch coyotes, even if they appear tame, sick or injured.
Keep your dog on a leash.
If you see a coyote, do not run but make some noise to scare it away. More tips are listed below.
Dispose of garbage and waste before leaving parks.

View the Coyotes in the Urban Landscape information module to learn more about coyote behaviour and how both animals and people can remain safe. The information module was created by the City of Toronto in partnership with Coyote Watch Canada.

How to deter coyotes

If you see a coyote near your home or on your property:

Encourage the coyote to keep moving by shouting and gesturing assertively.
Remove any food sources from your yard and encourage your neighbours to do the same.

To stop a coyote from coming into your yard:

Avoid feeding your pets outdoors.
Store garbage, recycling and organics properly.
Remove dense brush and weeds to minimize hiding spots.

Keeping your pets safe

Keep dogs on a leash.
Keep cats indoors or supervised when outside.
If coyotes are in your area, do not let your pet out into your backyard alone.

When walking your dog in a park:

Walk your dog in areas of high pedestrian traffic such as popular streets, jogging and park trails, keeping your dog on leash and under your control at all times.
Walk during daylight hours.
Avoid walking along abandoned properties or densely forested areas.
Keep your dog in sight, avoid using an extendable/flexi leash.

If you encounter a coyote while walking your dog:

If your dog is small, pick the dog up in your arms.
If it's not possible to pick up your dog, keep your dog on a short leash and move to an area with more activity.
Be big and loud: Jump up and down, wave your arms, yell “Go away coyote!”

Items to bring with you:

Flashlights: Bright light has been known to deter coyotes.
Umbrellas: The action and sound of opening/closing will deter a coyote.
Whistles: May not scare coyote directly but will alert other pedestrians in the area.

What to do if you see a coyote

Coyotes are naturally timid and flee when confronted assertively. Never run away from a coyote. Avoid turning your back, maintain eye contact and slowly back away.

The following actions teach coyotes to maintain normal boundaries from humans:

Be Big: Make yourself appear large, imposing or as threatening as you can. For example, stand up, if possible, raise your arms in the air, wave your jacket.
Be Loud: Making loud sounds or noises can help to scare a coyote away. For example, blow a whistle or air horn, stomp your feet, clap your hands, snap open a large plastic or garbage bag, open and close an umbrella, yell “go away coyote” to alert people nearby.
Be Threatening: Display assertive behaviour to scare the coyote away. For example, swing your walking stick or cane, shine a flashlight on the coyote, throw a tennis ball or a small pebble or stick in the direction of the coyote to scare it away.

Coyote seasonal information

January and February: courtship and mating season
Spring to fall: den selection followed by pup rearing
April and May: birth of pups
Juveniles or yearlings may disperse from their home range at any point during their lifetime