Established 2002
Wildlife in The Village
February 2024 Update on Coyotes in The Village.
by Carol Perrin
Coyotes in The Village
PLEASE REMEMBER TO…
NEVER FEED COYOTES. The few documented cases of coyote-inflicted wounds on humans occurred as a result of humans making food accessible to wildlife. The best way to protect our pets and ourselves are to keep them wild and wary of people.
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NOTE: The town of Niagara-on-the-Lake Animal By-laws (item 85) prohibits feeding or attracting any animal or animals on or near your property. (See page 23 item 35 in Town bylaws and note the fine of $250)
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February 2024 Update on Coyotes in The Village.
by Carol Perrin
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REMOVE BIRDFEEDERS. Birdseed not only attracts birds, but rabbits, squirrels, and rodents, which are prey for coyotes. Avian bird flu is also an ongoing threat to domestic animals.
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DO NOT LEAVE PET FOOD OUTDOORS. Keep pet food and water bowls indoors. Pet food will attract coyotes to your yard.
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SECURE TRASH CANS & COMPOST BINS. Use trash cans with wildlife-resistant (clicking) lids, and use proper green bins for compost. Whenever possible, place your bins in the laneway the morning of the pick-up rather than leaving them out the night before.
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SCOOP YOUR PETS’ POOP. Animal feces attracts rodents, which then attract other wildlife coyotes.
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KEEP PETS UNDER STRICT CONTROL. Coyotes are most active between the hours of dusk and dawn. Keep all dogs on short leashes and accompany them for walks. Keep pets indoors at night or enclosed in kennels. Coyotes prey on small domestic animals as they consider them to compete for the same food source.
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Sighting
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Should You See a Coyote (sighting) from a comfortable distance, just enjoy it (and report it).
If the Coyote is Too Close (encounter/interaction) for your comfort please follow these tips:
​STOP. Pick up children and small pets. Put dogs on a short leash and keep them next to you.
WALK AWAY. Widen the gap, leave or walk away but NEVER RUN.
ACT BIG. If a coyote approaches, wave your arms in the air, clap your hands sharply, pop an umbrella, snap a plastic bag/garbage bag, or shout “Go away!”. NEVER SCREAM.
REPORT. REPORT. REPORT. It is very important to report your sighting or encounter to the local authorities:
Report to Town
PREVENT. Never approach or feed any wildlife especially coyotes. Secure garbage/compost bins, dog food and fallen fruit.
Anyone in an emergency situation with a coyote, such as a coyote cornering humans or showing signs of potential rabies, should call 911 immediately.
What the Town of NOTL is doing
The Town Council, at the Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, April 25, 2022, the following By-law has been approved. Any infractions can be reported on the town site and will be followed up by the By-law Officer.
“No person shall feed or permit the feeding of a wild or domestic animal or leave or permit any food or item that can be consumed for sustenance, to be left, or attractants of any type or in any form out of doors in such a manner as to attract, or be accessible by, a wild animal, feral or stray or owned domestic animal on private or public property.”
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Letter from the Town about Coyotes
VCA Newsletters - Special Editions
Resources available to you
Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake:
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Recommended Facebook pages to follow
Local Newspaper Articles
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April 12, 2022 - The Advance newspaper article on coyotes in The Village and an interview with the VCA President Mona Babin. Read the full story.
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April 7, 2022 - The NOTL Local newspaper included an interview with VCA President, Mona Babin about coyote concerns in The Village and neighbourhood. Read the full story.
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Video
Timmins Today produced the following very informative interview with Lesley Sampson of Coyote Watch Canada.
(at the 7 minute mark of the video)