Help

Coyotes are an increasing presence in suburban and urban areas. They do remarkably well at finding ways to live near humans, often without being detected. Coyotes are intelligent, social animals and fascinating creatures. They are a natural part of the wildlife of many regions, though their range in eastern North America is expanding. Although the versatility of coyotes often places them in conflict with humans, they are, like all animals, simply trying to survive and reproduce.

Coyotes sometimes target domestic pets and small livestock as prey. When living in areas with coyotes it is important to remember that it is primarily your responsibility, as an animal owner, to keep your animals safe. Well-constructed fences will protect livestock and fowl and keeping pets in the safety of your home will prevent them falling prey to coyotes. Coyote "control" measures, including poisoning and shooting, generally fail to reduce coyote populations in the long run because their reproductive rates will increase in response to predation.

As with all animals, the best measure of control is to restrict access to food sources. Do not leave pet food, garbage, or table scraps where wild animals can get to them.

The following sites provide useful information on coyote behavior, ecology, and on coexisting with coyotes. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in these sites but we have chosen them for their quality and breadth of coverage.

Urban Coyote Fact Sheet

http://www.spca.bc.ca/Factsheets/coyote_alert.htm

Coexisting with coyotes

http://www.vcn.bc.ca/spes/urbanwildlife/coyo_faq.htm

City Wildlife, City of Toronto Animal Services

http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/animal_services/wild.htm

Humane Ways to Live with Coyotes

http://www.api4animals.org/doc.asp?ID=62