Toronto resident Samantha Pegg was out for a walk Friday morning by the rail tracks train tracks near Queen Street West and Gladstone Avenue when she spotted a rare sight for the city — a family of coyotes. Pegg captured footage of the two full grown coyotes and three pups on her phone.
According to Toronto Animal Services, there have been nearly 400 coyote sightings reported to 311 so far in 2018.
If you encounter a coyote, Toronto Animal Services recommends taking the following steps to avoid confrontation.
- Flashlights: Bright light has been known to deter coyotes
- Umbrellas: The action and sound of opening/closing will deter a coyote
- Whistles: May not scare coyote directly but will alert other pedestrians in the area
- Be big and loud: Jump up and down, wave your arms, yell “Go away coyote!”
The city has recommendations of how to respond to urban coyote sightings on their website. They are typically non-confrontational with humans, but you should call 311 if you observe any of the following behaviours.
- approaching dogs or people
- exploring a home or building far from a large park or open area
- entering a barn area where large animals are confined
- limping or staggering or with paralyzed hind legs
- acting confused attacking non-living objects
- fighting or attacking pets
Image via Flickr/John Flannery