Don't feed the coyotes in Aurora: Ministry of Natural Resources

Several reports of coyote conflicts in Aurora

Yorkregion.com
June 26, 2019
Teresa Latchford

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry continues to respond to a number of reports of coyotes in Aurora.

An investigation is ongoing following a report from an Aurora family of a coyote in their backyard who attacked their three-year-old toddler. Video surveillance shows the coyote sniffing around the backyards of the Leslie Street and St. John’s Sideroad area neighbourhood just seconds before two young children enter the yard to check on a tree sapling the family had planted earlier that day.

The video then shows a boy running to a backyard with his little sister on his heels. The coyote just observes the boy but dashed at the girl with mouth open, knocking her to the ground before continuing on.

Her mother confirmed she only received a five centimetre scratch and did not require shots at the hospital where she was examined.

“Ministry staff have also been responding to other reports of coyotes in this general area of Aurora, which may be related to individuals feeding coyotes,” MNRF Aurora district wildlife technician Tessa Molina said. “Removing food sources that attract coyotes is one of the most important ways landowners can prevent encounters. People should never feed coyotes as this makes them less fearful of humans and habituates them to food provided by humans.”

She also advised the public should report aggressive or fearless coyotes immediately and call 911 if there is a threat to safety.

Police are the first responders in matters of public safety.

“When the MNRF is notified of an incident, such as the one in Aurora, our role is to provide information and resources to help individuals and municipalities in managing human-wildlife conflicts,” she added. “The ministry provides advice on what to do if you encounter a coyote, wolf or fox, including information on actions that can be taken to respond to a problem animal and how landowners can enlist the help of an agent, for example a trapper.”

Information on preventing conflicts with wildlife, preventing and managing conflicts with coyotes, what to do with wild animals are causing damage to personal property and rules for municipal animal control is all available online at ontario.ca.

“It’s important to note that all actions taken in efforts to manage nuisance wildlife must be done in accordance with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, and other legislation and local bylaws,” she said.

Ministry staff will continue to provide landowners and municipalities with information and advice on preventing and managing conflicts with coyotes.

What you can do to prevent coyote visits:

• Keep properties free of attractants like unsecure garbage bins, putting garbage curbside in the morning of pickup rather than the night before;

• Eliminating possible denning sites like the openings under decks;

• Eliminating sources of drinking water, for example koi ponds;

• Avoid feeding birds during times of the year when there are a lot of natural food sources available (April 1 to Nov. 30, as bird seed attracts small rodents which attract coyotes in urban areas;

• Protecting vegetable gardens with heavy-duty fences or placing plants in a greenhouse.

If you encounter an aggressive animal:

• Never approach or touch it;

• Do not turn your back or run from it;

• Back away from the animal while remaining calm;

• Stand tall, wave your hands and make lots of noise;

• Carry a flashlight at night;

• Do not approach it to get a better look, entice it to come closer or harass it;

• Do not feed it;

• Leave room for it to escape;

• Call 911 if a wild animal poses an immediate threat or danger to public safety;

• Be cautious and keep your distance.

Protect your pets by:

• Keeping dogs inside at night;

• Cleaning up after your dog as coyotes are attracted to dog feces;

• Spay or neuter your dogs as coyotes are attracted to, and can mate with, domestic dogs.