Coyote spotted around Newmarket dog park
YorkRegion.com
Aug. 24, 2016
By Chris Simon
Newmarket’s leash-free dog park has an unwanted canine visitor.
The town has been notified of recent coyote sightings around the facility, which is located in George Richardson Park on Bayview Parkway. As a result, staff issued a set of tips for avoiding run-ins with coyotes Wednesday:
- store all garbage in tightly sealed containers to deter coyotes and other animals from your home;
- never leave children unattended;
- educate your kids to avoid approaching or harassing wild animals and unfamiliar domestic pets;
- never let pets run at-large - keep them on a leash while walking, then confined to a fenced yard on your property; and
- do not feed coyotes or leave food outdoors.
Coyotes do not generally pose a threat to human safety, but if approached, stay calm and wait until they move on or make noise as a deterrent if you feel threatened.
The town says changes in land use and agricultural practices in the area, as well as weather and natural food shortages, may be leading to the encounters.
For more information on coyotes, call the Ministry of Natural Resources office at 905-713-7400. If a coyote poses an immediate threat to public safety, call 911.
