Coyote sightings on the rise in Newmarket during mating season

More than 20 reported sightings in past three months, town advises safety precautions be taken

Newmarkettoday.ca
Feb. 16, 2022
Joseph Quigley

The Town of Newmarket is asking residents to take steps to prevent encounters with coyotes with their mating season underway.

After recent sightings around the community, citizens are advised to take steps to keep safe during the coyote mating season that runs from late January to March.

“Coyotes are more active in the community during mating season,” the town said on social media Feb. 15. “Prevent encounters by removing food attractants from your property, using motion sensor lights, keeping pets on a leash, and picking up after them.”

The municipal coyote tracker indicates more than 20 reported sightings in town over the past three months, most recently Feb. 12 in the Magna Centre area. Locals have also reported coyote sightings around Newmarket on social media.

“All up and down Eagle St,” one resident wrote about a sighting Feb. 1. “Counted about eight to nine coyotes, they were communicating to get everyone together .... Beautiful creatures not harming anyone, just doing their thing.”

The town suggests garbage be stored in sealed containers. Also, prevent your pets from running at large, clean up after dogs as droppings can attract coyotes, and neuter your dogs.

“Keep your pet on a leash when walking and confined to a fenced yard on your property,” the town advises. “This is especially important during the denning season (April to June) and the dispersal period (September to October) when coyote pups are leaving the den.”

When encountered, stay calm and wait for the coyote to move on, back away slowly and never run or turn your back on a coyote.

The town said it is difficult to relocate them, with traps posing a danger to pets and humans. Instead, its approach is to let them be.

“Coyotes have adjusted well to living in close proximity to humans and following the above-noted precautions can help residents co-exist with these animals as the Town of Newmarket's approach to living with coyotes is to leave them alone,” the town said.

Still, the town said you can call the police via 911 if a coyote poses an immediate danger to public safety. You can also report a coyote sighting to the town via an online form.

More resources are available through the municipal website.