City of Oshawa hosts coyote information session for residents
As sightings and human-coyote interactions increase in Oshawa, the safety of the community remains the City’s top priority. In response, the City is hosting a virtual information session including presentations from Municipal Law Enforcement, Coyote Watch Canada and the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry.
Community members are invited to attend the “Co-existing with Coyotes” virtual information session beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 16. The virtual event will feature a brief overview and information session on living with coyotes in the urban environment, followed by a Question and Answer period in which the City, Coyote Watch Canada and the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry will respond to pre-submitted questions and questions submitted through the chat box during the information session.
How to join:
- Desktop or Laptop Computer: visit https://oshawa.webex.com, enter theaccess code (2331 626 8228) and event password (12345).
- Mobile Device via Webex Meetings: select Join Meeting and enter the access code (2331 626 8228). Users may be asked to enter the event password (12345).
- Listen on your phone: use the toll free phone number 1-833-311-4101 and enter the access code (2331 626 8228) followed by #.
Those choosing to access the virtual information session by calling in toll free via phone must submit questions in advance. All community members are invited to submit questions in advance by Tuesday, February 15 via Corporate Communications by email to [email protected] or by calling 905-436-3311 ext. 5686.
How can I prevent coyotes from visiting my yard?
- Remove food attractants from your yard – secure your garbage, keep pet food indoors, clean up spilled birdseed and fallen fruits.
- Keep your property clean – trim back bushes and weeds, scoop your dog poop, keep your barbecue area clean.
- Secure your home and sheds – seal openings into and under buildings, decks and porches.
- Be a good pet owner – keep your dog on a leash and supervise them when they are outdoors.
- Bring your pets in at night.
What do I do if I encounter a coyote?
- If you feel your safety is imminently threatened, call 9-1-1.
- Stop and pick up small children and pets.
- Slowly back away keeping an eye on the animal. Never run from or turn your back on a coyote.
- Be big, loud and assertive! Yell “Go away!”
- Wave your arms above your head.
- Use aversion techniques such as shaking car keys, snapping a large air-filled garbage bag, popping open an umbrella, throwing an object in the direction of, but not directly at, the coyote.
How do I report coyote sightings?
Community members are encouraged to report sightings to Service Oshawa Online at service.oshawa.ca, by email to [email protected] or by telephone at 905-436-3311. By reporting wildlife sightings, you are helping the City to monitor common locations.
Where can I get more information on coyotes?
Learn more on the City’s Wildlife webpage at www.oshawa.ca/coyotes, including tips to reduce coyote encounters and coyote education resources.
Community members are encouraged to take the free e-learning Coyotes in the Urban Landscape online course at www.coyotewatchcanada.com. Coyote Watch Canada is an all-volunteer not-for-profit community-based wildlife organization that advocates positive human-wildlife experiences with a focus on canids.
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