Aurora resident spots 'large coyote' in broad daylight, approaching residents' backyards

YorkRegion.com
Sept 30, 2017
Ali Raza

An Aurora resident spotted what she believed is a coyote in broad daylight “almost in the neighbour’s backyard".

On Sept. 30, it was unusual sighting for Karie-Marie Koruna, who lives in the Mattamy subdivision off Thomas Phillips Drive near St. John’s Sideroad. Koruna said she had never seen one in the neighbourhood before.

“There’s so much construction in the area, so it may have been seeking out food,” she said. Koruna said the coyote fled before entering a neighbour’s backyard, she added that she didn't want to vilify the animal, but to make families aware.

The neighbourhood is home to a lot of children and pets, Koruna added, and some houses don’t have backyard fences. She quickly posted a photo of the animal on Facebook to inform other families in the area.

The town of Aurora says the chances of negative encounters with coyotes is “extremely low,” but if encountered, the town recommends using whistles or personal alarm devices to frighten the animal, according to a tip sheet posted on the town's website.

Do not let dogs chase coyotes and do not stop until it leaves the area. Don’t turn your back on or run from a coyote, the town adds.

To prevent coyotes from approaching your property, remove any food attractants, store all garbage in tightly sealed containers and use motion sensitive lights to deter them.