Coyote sightings increase in Oshawa
Community members urged to report coyote sightings to Service Oshawa
A recent increase in sightings of coyotes has been reported in various areas of Oshawa. The safety of our community is our top priority, and the City of Oshawa is monitoring the situation closely. In response to the sightings, a number of measures have been put into action.
The City’s response includes:
- collaborating with Durham Regional Police Services (DRPS), Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and Coyote Watch Canada on best practices for response and messaging
- coordinating site visits in recent common sighting areas with a Coyote Watch Canada Canid Response Team Representative. Coyote Watch Canada is a federal not-for-profit wildlife organization that provides educational programming, a first-response team, on-site field investigation, private, municipal- and provincial-level consultation and digital mapping programs.
- monitoring sighting locations and installing fencing and signage in affected common areas to discourage interactions. The community is asked to please respect the posted signage, to not approach wildlife, and to report coyote sightings to Service Oshawa.
If you see it, report it!
The City uses sighting reports to monitor common locations and determine when neighbourhood specific communications and prevention methods are required.
Community members are urged to report sightings to Service Oshawa by:
- telephone to 905-436-3311
- online at service.oshawa.ca
- email to [email protected]
By reporting wildlife sightings, you are helping the City to monitor common locations.
If at any time you feel a coyote poses an immediate threat or danger to public safety, please call 9-1-1 immediately.
Additional information and resources on urban wildlife are available on the City’s wildlife webpage at Oshawa.ca/Coyotes.
What do I do if I encounter a coyote?
Residents who live near typical coyote habitats including ravines and forests, are reminded to be attentive and are reminded to avoid wooded areas, particularly at dawn and dusk.
If you encounter a coyote:
- Stop and pick up small children and pets.
- Make yourself big, wave your arms above your head.
- Be loud and assertive.
- Slowly back away, keeping an eye on the animal. Never run from or turn your back on a coyote.
- Do not attempt to feed the coyote as per the Nuisance By-law
How can I prevent coyotes from visiting my yard?
To prevent encounters and ensure that community members and pets remain safe, following are tips for wildlife proofing your property:
- Remove food attractants from your yard - secure your garbage, keep pet food indoors, clean up spilled bird seed and fallen fruits.
- Keep your property clean - trim back bushes and weeds, scoop your dog poop, keep your barbeque area clean.
- Secure your home and shed - 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.
Learn more
Learn more on the City’s Wildlife webpage at Oshawa.ca/Coyotes, including tips to reduce coyote encounters. Community members are encouraged to take the free e-learning course Coyotes in the Urban Landscape online at CoyoteWatchCanada.com.
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