BRAMPTON, ON (January 30, 2024) – Brampton is home to a range of wildlife, such as beavers, geese, deer, rabbits and coyotes. Although coyotes can be seen all year round, there are some seasons where there is more coyote activity. Beginning at the end of January through to the end of February, coyotes are in mating season. In this season, it is more likely to hear coyotes communicating or encounter a coyote as they seek a mate. To continue to keep residents safe, Brampton Animal Services is sharing helpful information and tips about how to continue to safely share the community with coyotes.
What is a coyote?
Coyotes are small, wild canines weighing about 30 to 40 pounds, with thick blonde, red or brown fur. They thrive in rural areas and do well living in ravines, valley lands and wooded areas in large cities. Coyotes are generally shy and non-confrontational; they can be seen all year round.
Why are there coyotes in Brampton?
Coyotes are not a new species in Ontario. All major cities across North America are home to them.
Coyotes have benefitted from landscape changes that sprawl has brought and human activity, including clearing land for development. Cities and suburban areas provide access to coyote prey such as mice, rats, rabbits, and squirrels, and enough places to shelter in for rest and denning. However, many residents may never see a coyote as they prefer to stay unnoticed and away from potential threats such as people, dogs and cars.
Are coyotes dangerous?
Coyotes are naturally timid animals. Typically, they like to avoid people and confrontation, which has made them suitable for urban environments.
Most coyote sightings are of coyotes who are focused on finding sources of food and water, a mate and protecting their families by patrolling against threats. They are mostly concerned about keeping other coyotes away. Because dogs are similar to coyotes, they will be treated as competition or a threat.
Understanding how to share our community with coyotes
Coyotes are wary of humans and tend to avoid contact as much as possible. It is important to be respectful of their habitats and exercise caution if a coyote is seen. Approaching them is strongly discouraged.
Key tips to remember:
- Keep pets on leashes.
- Always supervise your pets outdoors, even in your backyard.
- Do not feed wildlife.
- Dispose of waste properly and avoid littering.
- Do not leave pet food bowls or water bowls outdoors.
- Remove clutter from your yard.
- Keep cats indoors.
Brampton’s Coyote Sighting Map
The City of Brampton’s interactive Coyote Sighting Map is a tool for the community to stay informed about when coyotes are in the area and prevent coyote encounters. Residents and visitors are encouraged to use this tool to stay safe when planning activities in nature and to report coyote sightings.
Steps to take if you encounter a coyote
- Stay calm: It might feel difficult, but if you’re in the community and are approached by a coyote, remain calm.
- Do not run away: Running away from a coyote may encourage them to follow you.
- Make yourself loud and large: If a coyote continues to approach you, make gestures and use objects to startle the coyote into running away – do not chase or touch the animal.
- Call 9-1-1: Seek help if scaring the animal fails to avert danger.
How to make your property coyote safe
- Don’t feed coyotes or other wildlife: Feeding coyotes, intentionally or non-intentionally, can lead coyotes to associate humans with food, ultimately leading to negative interactions between coyotes, people and household pets.
- Take care of your home: Keep coyotes out of your home area by ensuring you have a solid, tall fence around your backyard. Remove any food sources, such as unused fruits or vegetables, pet food, or birdseed, on the ground. Maintain your garbage containers. Do not let your garbage overflow and store containers in a safe area, as they might attract small rodents, and in turn larger wildlife. Use motion-sensitive lights so your yard is less attractive for wildlife at night.
- Prevent potential coyote denning sites: Cut down overgrown vegetation and maintain the property, close off any openings that can be used as dens and lights on properties.
Of the coyote sightings in Brampton in 2023, there were no incidents of coyotes biting humans and two incidents of coyotes biting a dog.
Contacting Brampton Animal Services
When in doubt, call Brampton Animal Services. Animal services is always available to educate and inform, rescue, and respond to all inquiries about wildlife in Brampton. They can be reached at 905.458.5800.
If you see a deceased or injured coyote, call Brampton Animal Services. Animal Control is on the road Monday to Friday from 7 am to 11 pm and on Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 8 am to 6:30 pm and is available after-hours for emergencies. If you see a coyote or other wild animal presenting an immediate threat to public safety, call 9-1-1.
Visit www.brampton.ca/animalservices for more information and resources.