Coyotes pose little threat to residents

Info session promoted facts on the wild animals, despite tense disruptions

Coyotes pose little risk to Toronto residents, a community information session heard Monday, despite persistent fears and misinformation.

An average year sees just 2.4 Canadians bitten or scratched by coyotes, Nathalie Karvonen of the Toronto Wildlife Centre told the meeting — a figure dwarfed by the number of people who drown in bathtubs (18) or are hit by lightning (200) — and only one human death has ever been attributed to a coyote attack in Canada.

In the U.S., you’re more likely to be killed by a flying champagne cork or a golf ball, Karvonen told the packed room at the Roding Community Centre in North York.

The meeting turned tense when a man who identified himself as “John” confronted Eva Bobak, a wildlife specialist from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

“Let me go on and say something before you fool these people,” he said, adding that he’d called the city before about the issue of coyotes in Roding Park. Using expletives, he accused Bobak of trying to trick dog owners and parents of small children.

“I thought this meeting was going to be, ‘Let’s get rid of these coyotes,’ ” he said.

The outburst prompted another man to stand up, clutching a tiny dog in his arms.

“My dog is a victim. He’s been bit in the ear,” he told the crowd.

The meeting became rowdy as people urged the first man to let Bobak speak and to save his questions for the end of the presentation. When he refused, Councillor Maria Augimeri jumped in.

“Sir, if you’re intent on disrupting my meeting, get out,” she said.

Shortly after, two uniformed police officers arrived to keep watch from the back of the room.

The meeting also heard about the curious case of a man who has been spotted feeding coyotes in Roding Park and who allegedly became belligerent when approached.

Feeding wildlife in the city can result in fines of up to $5,000. So how can Torontonians adapt to sharing their spaces with coyotes? Don’t feed them, the meeting was told — either directly, by giving them food, or indirectly, by leaving trash or other edible items out. Don’t attempt to tame them. Don’t leave dogs or cats outside overnight and be aware that coyotes can climb chain-link fences. Don’t leave pets on long leashes, especially in areas coyotes are known to frequent. Karvonen even suggested building or buying an outdoor enclosure to keep pets safe outside.

If confronted by a coyote, a person should back away slowly and make themselves look big. An adult should position themselves between small children and the animal. Deterrents such as umbrellas, canes or air horns could also help.

“Anytime you’re concerned for your safety, call 911,” Bobak said.

A second information session will be held April 12 in Etobicoke.