Coyotes

Wildlife, including coyotes, fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Natural Resources - NOT the City of Thorold.
The information provided on this webpage is meant purely for educational purposes.
The information provided on this page is provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Coyote Watch Canada. Links to the websites for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Coyote Watch Canada are listed at the bottom of this webpage.

When coyote sightings increase, many times these sightings are due to humans intentionally or unintentionally providing a food source.

Keep pet food and water bowls indoors. Pet food will attract coyotes to your yard.
Keep trash cans covered.
Put garbage out the morning of collection (not the night before)
Pick ripened fruit and clean all rotted fallen fruit off the ground.
Do not allow a large amount of wild bird seed to remain on your lawn. Bird seed not only attracts birds, but rabbits, squirrels, and rodents, which are prey for coyotes.
Keep pets under strict control. Coyotes are most active between the hours of dusk and dawn. Therefore, leash all dogs and accompany them for walks. Keep pets indoors at night or enclosed in kennels.
Keep cats indoors. Letting cats roam can actually draw coyotes into the area.
Be a good visitor when outdoors - "leave no trace." Carry out leftover food, garbage and dog feces.

Always be prepared and aware of your surroundings when enjoying the outdoors. If a coyote is near:

Pick up small children and pets
Never run from or turn your back on a coyote
Slowly back away
Wave your arms above your head
Be BIG and LOUD! Yell "Go away!"
Use hazing techniques such as shaking car keys, popping an umbrella, throwing an object in the direction of the coyote.
Carry a flashlight at night

You can report coyotes to Coyote Watch Canada by calling 905.931.2610.

Reporting coyotes is for tracking purposes only - NOT the removal of coyotes.
For trapped, injured or distressed coyotes, please contact Niagara Region Animal Services (NRAS).
NRAS does NOT trap and release urban wildlife, including coyotes.

Feeding wild animals may do more harm than good.

Animals can become dependent on artificial food sources
Animals can lose their natural fear of humans and pets, becoming more prone to conflict
'Food-conditioning' wildlife impacts their natural foraging and hunting behaviours and may lead to an increase in proximity tolerance to people
Wild animals may gather in large numbers when they are being fed — this concentration of animals in one area can spread parasites and disease and cause destruction of natural habitat
Feeding animals near roads increases their risk of being hit by vehicles

Feeding wildlife may attract "unwanted" animals to your property
Animals will learn to associate humans with food, and can become a problem to neighbours
Habituated animals can become aggressive
Feeding animals near roads increases the risk of motor vehicle accidents, resulting in property damage, injury or death

Resources

The information provided on this webpage is meant purely for educational purposes

Please refer to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Coyote Watch Canada for additional information on coyotes.

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