Coyote still at large after person bitten in Westlake Park

Thestar.com
June 1, 2022

The City of Toronto said an individual was bitten by a coyote in Westlake Park over the weekend. The coyote still remains at large according to the city.

The incident happened near Weston Road and Black Creek Drive on May 28.

In a news release, the city said “coyotes generally do not pose a danger to people and a bite to a human is abnormal behaviour.” Toronto Animal Services (TAS) were on site over the weekend to assess the area.

The city is urging residents to use caution when visiting the park and neighbouring areas.

In response to the incident, the city said staff have sent out educational materials to nearby residents about urban coyotes and ways to deter them.

The city said they will post signage at the entrance of the park to warn residents that coyotes are in the area. An area has been fenced off while TAS investigates the recent incident.

To avoid incidents like this the city suggests that individuals should never feed coyotes, properly dispose of waste at home and in parks. Also, when encountering a coyote do not run, but make noise to scare the coyote away.

It is also suggested to not approach coyotes, their dens or children and to never touch coyotes even when they appear tame, sick or injured. More tips are available on the city’s website.