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The coyote (Canis latrans) are not a new
species in Ontario, having migrated here over a century ago, however,
their sightings in urban areas has been on the rise over the past few
years. As urban sprawl has increased throughout the years and humans begin
to impede on natural habitats, coyotes have learned to adapt very well to
life in the city.
Coyote facts:
- In cities their preferred
habitat is natural green spaces such as parks, ravines and river and
stream banks
- Coyotes are omnivores and
will often eat what is available to them including garbage if
improperly stored
- Coyotes vary in colour,
including blonde coloured fur, brown and red
- Adult female coyotes
weigh between 13 to 16 kg while males average between 16 to 18 kg
- Coyotes often mate for
life and the average litter size is five or six pups
- Rabies is very rare in
coyotes and coyotes may actually help reduce the number of rabies
cases in Ontario since they prey on foxes, a species more likely to
carry the disease
- Coyotes are often wary of
people and will try to avoid people whenever possible
Co-existing with
coyotes:
- Always secure garbage and
compost in sealed containers with locking lids and store in an
enclosed structure
- Put garbage out the
morning of its scheduled pickup
- Never feed or try to tame
a coyote
- Do not let pets chase a
coyote or roam at large. Always keep dogs on a leash.
What to do if
you come across a coyote:
- Keep your distance.
Coyotes will most likely avoid you if you do not bother it
- Back away, maintain eye
contact while remaining calm
- Never turn your back or
run from a coyote
- Raise your arms above
your head and make loud noises to scare it off
Ontario is home to over 30,000 plant
& animal species. Coyotes are just one of those species that contribute
to Ontario’s healthy ecosystem. The key to humans and coyotes co-existing
lies in us understanding the species and learning to share the natural
world with them.
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