Markham neighbourhood on high alert after second York Region coyote attack

Reports on social media suggest a dog received 30 stitches following coyote attack

Yorkregion.com
June 25, 2019
Jeremy Grimaldi

It’s not just Newmarket that’s on high alert since a coyote attacked a little girl, 3, in her backyard last week; Markham, too, is concerned.

Residents surrounding Markham District High School, near Hwy. 48 and Hwy. 7, have been mounting an awareness campaign after a St. John Ambulance therapy dog was attacked by a coyote behind the school.

Following this incident, there have been a number of social-media reports suggesting one dog received 30 stitches as a result of an area attack and pet owners have been tracked by coyotes in the streets surrounding the school.

The initial incident occurred after dinner on June 13 when Isabel Monita and her husband were walking their goldendoodle Fresco behind MDHS, near Church Street, when the couple began hearing growling and snarling sounds from behind them.

When they turned, they saw Fresco, who was off leash at the time, chasing a coyote, tail between its legs, back into the bush near Mount Joy Creek.

Moments after the dog was recalled and put on the leash another coyote reared its head and the pair began following them.

“I started yelling and flailing arms but they wouldn’t stop and they continued to inch towards us,” the mother of one said.

Despite continuing the march forward, the coyotes eventually stood their ground after the couple continued to yell and flail their arms, Monita said.

After rushing Fresco, 7, to the emergency clinic, he was treated for the puncture wounds in his leg and Monita decided to take action.

She not only called her councillor but the OSPCA and Coyote Watch Canada.

Unfortunately, the school secretary would not let Monita put up signs around the school or in a picnic-table area where dog owners often congregate on school grounds.

“She said (the school) knew about it,” she said about the interaction, explaining that she was dismissive to their concerns. “There are children playing on soccer fields around, if they will attack dogs then nothing will stop them (from attacking children).”

Instead Monita put signs up all around the school and has been stopping anytime she sees pet owners in the area to explain the threat posed to animals and humans alike.

“People are getting very angry and I don’t want to see someone put poison out,” she added, explaining that she believes there is a den of young the coyotes are protecting. “We’ve encroached on their space. We should cordon off the area and maybe when the pups are old enough, they will move on.”

Her efforts to identify the individuals who said one dog was treated for 30 stitches and others were followed through nearby streets have gone unanswered. She said one is too traumatized to speak about the ordeal.

Ward 4 Coun. Karen Rae said residents are fearful and they are looking to strike the right balance in the ongoing battle between civilization and nature.

“It’s upsetting for everyone…but there has to be a balance where we are safe and they get to live,” she said. “Some want them relocated but I’ve been told that’s not easy and if you do they will come back or another set will move in.”

She said the City of Markham is mounting a public awareness campaign with signs and visits by staff.

Markham has since sent out staff to investigate and educate residents in the area.

“Officers investigated the area on Friday afternoon and found a family of coyotes living in the forested area behind the school,” wrote Christy Lehman, Markham’s licensing and animal services co-ordinator. They educated residents in the area about co-existing with the coyotes and safety precautions to use, the major one being to keep their dogs on a leash.  They attended the area several times throughout the weekend and continued to educate any residents in the vicinity.”

York Region District School Board spokesman Licinio Miguelo has since decided to send out letters home to parents and mount signs by the OSPCA.

The Ministry of Natural Resources said the situation is unfortunate but not unusual.

"Pet owners can protect their pets by keeping a close eye on their animals even in fenced-in areas, and by keeping dogs leashed in areas occupied by wildlife," said Jolanta Kowalski. "The public is urged to report aggressive or fearless coyotes immediately, and to call 911 if there is a threat to safety."

A goldendoodle was set upon by a pack of coyotes in October 2018 near Hamilton.

What to do if you encounter a coyote, wolf or fox
If you see a coyote, wolf or fox, keep your distance and the animal will most likely avoid you.

If you encounter an aggressive animal:

• never approach or touch a wild animal
• do not turn your back or run from a wild animal
• back away from the animal while remaining calm
• stand tall, wave your hands, and make lots of noise
• carry a flashlight at night
• if a wild animal poses an immediate threat or danger to public safety -- call 911

How to make your property uninviting:

• use flashing lights, motion sensors and noise makers
• put up two-metre high fence that extends at least 20 centimetres underground
• install a roller system to the top of your fence so animals can’t gain a foothold
• How to prevent conflicts with dogs
• keep dogs inside at night
• clean up after your dog -- coyotes are attracted to dog feces
• spay and neuter your dogs -- coyotes are attracted to, and can mate with, domestic dogs that have not been spayed or neutered

How to protect livestock:

• where possible, bring your livestock into barns or sheds at night
• use guard animals, such as donkeys, llamas and dogs
• if livestock has been killed by predators, you may be eligible for compensation through the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program

Lethal action:

• as a last resort, a farmer may humanely kill or trap wolves, coyotes or foxes that are damaging or about to damage their property
• if you are using a firearm, you must follow certain regulations and local bylaws
• landowners may also hire an agent to act on your behalf

How to report a wolf or coyote death:

If you live in central and northern Ontario, you must report wolves and coyotes killed in protection of property to your local Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry offices.