Expect to see more coyotes and foxes roaming the city

Torontosun.com
Feb. 28, 2022
Kevin Connor

This is the time of year when Torontonians could likely see more coyotes and foxes roaming around.

They are currently mating and more active, and in winter there is less foliage available to provide cover for them to hide.

“Coyotes have become a natural part of the urban landscape in Toronto and are an important part of the ecosystem as they control rodent and rabbit populations,” the City of Toronto states on its website. “They thrive in urban areas because of the abundance of food and shelter available to them.”

“However, residents should always exercise caution around coyotes,” the City adds.

“The City of Toronto has a formal ‘Coyote Response Strategy’ (available through Animal Services). The Coyote Response Strategy lays out a sound systematic approach to dealing with coyote problems. It also gives some background on coyote behaviour, what works and what doesn’t.”

“Residents in the City of Toronto who live on or near ravines and forests -- typical coyote habitat -- should expect to have more coyote sightings during winter months,” the City says.

Coyotes are wary by nature and are comfortable in residential neighbourhoods.

People are advised to mind their pets when outdoors and keep them on a leash.

Residents are advised to never feed coyotes or feed pets outdoors.

If you have a run in with a coyote wave your arms and make loud sounds.

Foxes are most active at dawn and dusk but can be seen sunning during the day.

“Foxes have been successfully vaccinated against rabies since 1989, by the Ministry of Natural Resources across the GTA,” the City says. “The Ministry advises that the removal of foxes from one area will open up territory for unvaccinated foxes to move in and potentially reintroduce the rabies virus.”

Foxes live along the lakeshore, ravines and wooded stream areas.