Stop feeding coyotes or you may face fines

The City of Toronto wants people to stop feeding wildlife, specifically coyotes, after reports people are leaving food out for animals in Colonel Samuel Smith Park in Etobicoke.

In 2021, Toronto received more than 3,600 reports of coyote sightings in the city. Most of the coyote interactions were the direct result of having a regular food source from people leaving food for the animals.

“Feeding coyotes and wild animals increases their presence and causes them to lose their fear of people, creating problems for both wildlife and our neighbourhoods,” reads the release from the city.

Although most coyotes don’t pose a threat to people, they can however be a danger to pets.

“It is not uncommon for coyotes to injure or kill cats and small dogs,” says the city. The Star has previously reported on the dangers of feeding coyotes, and an increase in coyote sightings in the city after a 10-year-old girl and her Yorkshire terrier were chased by a coyote in the Warden Woods area last summer.

People who live near green spaces, ravines and other areas where coyotes exist, should keep a close eye on their pets. They should keep cats indoors and only allow dogs offleash in designated off-leash areas, advises the city.

To minimize coyote encounters, Toronto is urging residents to avoid leaving any kind of food outside, including pet food.

“Coyotes are a natural part of the urban landscape in Toronto and an important part of the ecosystem, as they control rodent and rabbit populations,” reads the release.

It is normal to see coyotes during this time of the year. Coyote mating season occurs during the January and February months, which means the animals will be more active and visible near ravines and parks.

If you encounter a coyote

The city suggests people generally avoid approaching coyotes, their den or their young, even if they appear tame, sick or injured.

But if you do happen to encounter one, the city says people can try do the following to help protect themselves and their pets.

Don’t run. Avoid turning your back, maintain eye contact and slowly back away.

Make yourself appear as large or imposing as possible. Try raising your arms in the air or flapping your jacket open.

Make loud sounds, try stomping, clapping or use a horn or whistle if available.

You can also try snapping plastic bags open and closed, and yelling about the coyote to alert other people nearby.

Be assertive. Swing a walking stick, shine a flashlight or if available, throw a ball or pebble in the direction of the coyote in order to scare it away, says the city.

If your pet is attacked by a coyote

An attack or bite on another animal is not grounds for removal of the coyote.

The city says that if the coyote is injured or sick, Toronto Animal Services will investigate and determine whether the coyote can recover on its own or needs to be captured and brought to a wildlife rehabilitation facility. Once it has recovered, the coyote will be returned to the area from where it was captured.

People who feed or attempt to leave food for wildlife can face a $365 fine. The city wants residents who see someone feeding a coyote to call 311.

Coyote sightings can be reported to Toronto Animal Services by calling 416-338-PAWS (7297) or emailing animalservices@toronto.ca.