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| Photo credit: ©gkuchera, istockphoto |
Coyotes migrated to Ontario from the west more than 100 years ago. Since then, the coyote has adapted well to both rural and urban environments. It performs an important role as a predator in southern Ontario, helping to control the populations of rabbits, rats and mice.
In the country, coyotes are commonly found in open, agricultural land that includes woodlots and areas covered with brush. In cities, coyotes prefer natural green space, such as parks, ravines and stream banks.
Conflicts with coyotes
Coyotes can raise concerns when they
- feed on garbage, compost, fruit or vegetable gardens
- prey on livestock or pets
- come too close to people.
Landowners can take action to manage wildlife on their property.
Conflicts can often be prevented by making changes on your property. For example, removing sources of food by protecting pets and livestock, fencing gardens, and securing garbage and compost, will help encourage coyotes to go elsewhere. Most importantly, never feed coyotes or other wildlife.
For detailed information, refer to these links:
- The Nature of Coyotes
- Encounters with Coyotes
- What Municipalities Need to Know
- Predation and Compensation
- Protecting Dogs from Coyotes
- Wildlife and Protecting Your Property
- Coyote-Proofing Your Property
Lethal action is a last resort
- A landowner may humanely kill or trap coyotes that are damaging or about to damage their property. Trapping regulations and firearm regulations and bylaws must be followed.
- Landowners in central and northern Ontario (roughly north of the Severn River, Bancroft and Pembroke) must report coyotes killed in protection of property to their local Ministry of Natural Resources office.
- You may also hire an agent on your behalf.
- To locate a licensed trapper, contact the Ontario Fur Managers Federation at (705) 254-3338 or by e-mail at furman@furmanagers.com
For more information and assistance, check out:
- Hinterland Who's Who on coyotes
- City of Toronto coyote information
- Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PDF, 238 KB)
- Living with Wolves
Return to Living with Wildlife Species Fact Sheets list
