Durham police is reminding the public to be vigilant and proactive when encountering coyotes after several incidents have been reported.
A young child was recently injured by a coyote in Whitby, according to Mayor Elizabeth Roy. “Like many in our community, I was concerned to hear about a young child who was recently injured by a coyote in Whitby. My thoughts are with the child and their family, and I’m wishing them a full and quick recovery.”
Mayor Roy reminded residents that Whitby already has strong coyote monitoring mechanisms and a public coyote sightings dashboard.
Be Safe: Durham Police
Durham police said community members, including pedestrians and pet owners, are urged to exercise caution when using public spaces, particularly when accompanied by small children or pets. Coyotes are most active during the early morning and evening hours and may become aggressive if they feel threatened.
If a coyote exhibits aggressive or unusual behaviour, please report it to your local authorities. If there is an immediate threat to public safety, call 9-1-1, police advised.
Pup Rearing Season
People may notice increased coyote activity at this time of year as coyotes raise their pups and become more active across neighbourhoods, said an Oshawa statement.
To minimize encounters, residents and property owners are encouraged to wildlife‑proof their property and eliminate potential denning areas and attractants, it said.
If you suspect a coyote den is nearby, the city advised reporting it and avoiding the area.
Below are some safety tips from Oshawa.
How can I prevent coyotes from visiting my yard?
- Keep your dog on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length
- Remove food sources: secure garbage, keep pet food indoors, clean up bird seed and fallen fruit.
- Keep your yard tidy: trim vegetation, pick up dog waste, and clean your outdoor cooking area.
- Secure buildings: seal gaps under decks, porches, sheds, and your home.
- Protect pets: leash dogs, supervise them outside, and bring pets in at night.
What do I do if I encounter a coyote?
- Stop and pick up small children and pets.
- Stand still, never run from or turn your back on a coyote.
- Make yourself big, wave your arms above your head.
- Be loud and assertive.
- Slowly back away, keeping an eye on the animal.