Tips on Managing Urban Wildlife

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.