What to do if you encounter a coyote in your neighbourhood
Oshawa residents are reminded that coyotes live in and around our urban environments. Coyotes can adapt to urban environments and lose their fear of humans often due to food sources readily available in our neighbourhoods.
Aversion conditioning is a method that helps to move an animal out of an area and create a fear of humans, deterring them from our neighbourhood spaces such as playgrounds, parks and trails.
The City of Oshawa offers important aversion and safety tips on what to do during a coyote encounter and more information on wildlife proofing your property.
What do I do if I encounter a coyote?
- Do not feed it!
- Stop and pick up small children and pets.
- Never run from or turn your back on a coyote.
- Be big, loud and assertive! Yell "Go away!"
- Wave your arms above your head.
- Slowly back away keeping an eye on the animal. Never run from or turn your back on a coyote.
- Use aversion techniques such as shaking car keys, snapping a large air-filled garbage bag, popping an umbrella, throwing an object in the direction of, but not directly at, the coyote.
- If you feel your safety is threatened, call 9-1-1.
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 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 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.
If you see it, report it!
The City uses sighting reports to monitor common locations and determine if neighbourhood specific communications should be sent.
Community members are encouraged to report sightings to Service Oshawa online service.oshawa.ca, by email [email protected] or by telephone 905-436-3311. By reporting wildlife sightings, you are helping the City to monitor common locations.
Learn more
Learn more on the City’s Wildlife webpage at www.oshawa.ca/coyotes, including tips to reduce coyote encounters, so that residents, pets and wildlife can co-exist safely.
Community members are invited to take the free e-learning course Coyotes in the Urban Landscape online at www.coyotewatchcanada.com.
Stay connected
For more information, visit www.oshawa.ca/coyotes and follow Oshawa Animal Services on Facebook.
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