After fatal dog attack, residents say coyotes make Markham's Mintleaf Park their home

At least 2 have taken up residence for the spring, summer, says couple

Yorkregion.com
Aug. 16, 2021
John Cudmore

Coyotes provided a reminder that they have a presence in a Markham neighbourhood after an apparent attack Aug. 13 on family dog.

The fatal attack on an eight-pound Yorkie occurred Friday evening as it was being walked on-leash by its owners left Mintleaf Park users alarmed, although not particularly surprised.

According to media reports, the dog and its family from Montreal were visiting family members in the neighbourhood.

The 13-year-old dog’s body was reportedly recovered afterwards, abandoned by the brazen coyote.

Coyotes have been spotted regularly in the park and on streets in recent months., according to Eric Young and Brooke Davis who live across the street from the park.

“It’s crazy,” said Young, a lifelong Markham resident. “I see one over there all the time. Usually they mind their own business.

“I’ve seen where they have snuck up on a family and they didn’t even see them. I took a bat over in case I needed it to scare (the coyote) away.”

Davis said at least two coyotes have been using the park as a hangout.

“They’ve been there the whole spring and summer,” said Davis. “You have to keep an eye on them. The big one isn’t scared of people at all. The little one sometimes just lays there in the grass watching.”

The couple, who have three pre-teen children, said a neighbour reported losing a cat earlier this summer, possibly to a coyote.

Area resident Tony Volpe said he has encountered the wild animals in the park in the past.

“It’s not the first in the area I’ve heard of,” said Volpe, as he walked his large 2-1/2 year old Golden Lab, Charlie, Sunday morning on a path encircling the park. “I’ve heard stories from neighbours with dogs that have been attacked so coyotes are clearly around here.”

A resident in the area for 20 years, Volpe said he has come face-to-face with the animals.

“I’ve seen a lot and run into them here, pretty close sometimes,” he said. “I can see concerns people would have, especially those with small dogs.”

Young and Davis said they even saw a young person trying to get close enough to shoot a video of one of the coyotes.

“When we see them we warn others and give them a heads up.”

An attempt to reach the City of Markham for comment Aug. 15 was unsuccessful.