Recently, a concerned parent has reached out to inform the school about coyotes and/or foxes wandering though the adjacent ravine next to the school. These situations occur on occasion and it's important to speak with your children about what to do if they see a fox or coyote in the neighbourhood or wooded ravine. Please see the link below for more information.
Taken from www.vaughan.ca
Tips on what to do if you are approached by a fox or coyote.
More information from Vaughan Animal Services:
BACKGROUND
Coyote
sightings in urban areas are becoming more common throughout the province.
Eastern Coyotes are a normal and important part of our diversified ecosystem,
providing a necessary prey/predator balance that helps to control rodent
overpopulation. These canids are most active between dusk and dawn, but can be
seen at any time of day in a city. They are more active during their mating
season, which runs from late January to March, with pups being born in the
springtime.
Coyotes are
typically wary of humans and tend to avoid people whenever possible. Coyotes
who are not wary of humans or exhibit approaching behaviours have most likely
been food conditioned through direct feeding or indirect feeding, such as
leaving pet food outside near homes.
CURRENT SITUATION
Recently, the
City of Vaughan has received multiple reports of a coyote approaching people
directly and exhibiting (food) demanding behavior. This activity has been noted
in the vicinity surrounding Agostino Park (Rutherford Rd and Peter Rupert Ave/Confederation
Pkwy). It is imperative that people not provide food or attractants that will
further encourage coyotes to approach humans.
Vaughan is both
an urban and rural community. There is a vibrant wildlife population that we
share our backyards and city with. Wildlife activity and sightings tend to
spike in the spring and fall.
Increasing
concern over public health and safety resulting from interactions with wildlife
prompted Vaughan Animal Services to launch a wildlife service. In September
2016, the City began responding to calls about sick and injured wild animals.
Often the best
way to prevent issues with wildlife is to make small changes on your property
and in your actions. For example, removing food sources, water and shelter will
encourage wildlife to go elsewhere. If you see a coyote, do not approach it or
feed it. Keep cats indoors and keep dogs on leashes at all times.
QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
·
Does
the City of Vaughan track the coyote population?
o
The
City does not track the coyote population, but does accept sighting reports.
·
Would
the City consider culling the animals?
o
The
City does not support culling of animals. Attempts to capture coyotes are
typically not successful, unless the animal is in very poor physical or medical
condition.
·
Why
can’t you trap and relocate coyotes?
o
Trapping
programs are not an effective solution to coyote or other wild animal
populations and are not recommended by the Ministry of Natural Resources and
Forestry. Coyotes will not easily enter into a trap. Also, due to their status
as a rabies vector species, they cannot be relocated any distance greater than
one kilometer.
·
What
should I do if I see a coyote?
o
Unless
the coyote is acting abnormally, there is no need to report it. Residents
should not approach or feed the animal. Be sure to keep your pets on a leash
and don’t allow them outside unattended.
·
What
do I do if a coyote approaches me?
o
Pick
up any small dogs or children. Never run or turn away from the animal. Simple
aversion techniques will send a clear message that the coyote is not welcome.
Wave your arm(s) above your head, stomp your feet and clap your hands. Surprise
gestures work best. Be assertive as you slowly back away, while maintaining eye
contact.
o
Coyotes
are extremely curious and intelligent animals and will watch people and events
nearby.
·
What
does aversion conditioning (“hazing”) mean?
o
Hazing
is an aversion technique used to ward off wild animals, and is a very effective
deterrent to safely move a coyote away. Consistently negative associations will
make it less likely that coyotes return to the same area in future, but only if
coupled with food removal.
o
Some
examples of hazing include:
§
Be
big and loud. Yell in a firm voice, but do not scream. It is recommended to
choose an appropriate message to strengthen your personal conviction, such as
“Go Coyote Go!”
§
Bang
pots
§
Spray
a water hose (in warmer months)
§
Throw
objects toward, but not at the coyote
§
Use
a shake can filled with coins or pebbles (or shake car keys)
§
Pop
open an umbrella or a large garbage bag
·
What
if the coyote is acting aggressively?
o
If
a coyote is acting aggressively, do not approach it and call Vaughan Animal
Services at 905-832-2281. In the event of immediate threat to public safety,
call 911 without delay.
o
Coyotes,
like domestic dogs, may chase something or someone who runs away from them.
Never turn your back and run from any canid.
·
What
is the normal diet of coyotes?
o
Although
coyotes are carnivores, their foraging and hunting behaviour is described more
accurately as opportunistic omnivores. The coyote’s diet consists mainly of
rodents, rabbits, fruit, insects, eggs, and human-sourced food. Feeding
Wildlife By-Laws are in effect in Vaughan to prevent any intentional or
unintentional feeding of stray or wild animals.
o
Coyotes
do not see humans as potential prey.
·
What
can I do to protect my pets?
o
Keep
cats indoors and supervise small dogs when outdoors. While walking your dog,
always keep it on a short leash and remain aware of your surroundings. Ensure
that all pet vaccines are kept up to date, especially rabies, and ensure that
your pets are spayed or neutered. Always clean up after your pet, as coyotes
can be attracted by domestic animal feces.
·
What
can I do to safeguard my property?
o
Do
not leave any type of food outside, such as compost, pet food or bird seed.
Keep trash cans covered and inaccessible. Bird feeders are not recommended
because they attract rodents and other small wildlife, which in turn attract
coyotes. Ensure fences do not have any holes to dissuade unwanted visitors, but
be aware that coyotes can jump fences to enter backyards.
For more
information, please contact Vaughan Animal Services at 905-832-2281 or animal.services@vaughan.ca, or
visit www.vaughan.ca/animalservices.
