Report from the Ministry of Natural Resources
Thanks to Chad for also sending in this report.
Co-existing with Coyotes
Coyotes are well adapted to inhabiting green belts in urban areas. While the presence of coyotes in residential areas is welcomed by some, other residents are concerned about their pets and public safety. This fact sheet offers some information about these animals and addresses some of the common concerns regarding coyotes.
DISTRIBUTION AND GENERAL BIOLOGY
The coyote is a small relative of the wolf. Adults average in weight between
30 and 40 lbs. (females are smaller than males). Coyotes originated in the prairies of North America, but are now found throughout most of North America, excluding the boreal forest and arctic tundra regions of Canada. Coyotes arrived in Ontario at the turn of the century and have since become well established throughout the agricultural and developed areas of the province. Habitat in Ontario includes marginal farmlands on the edge of the Canadian Shield, highly developed mixed farming areas, swamplands, parks and the edges of cities and towns. Coyotes are very adaptable and can do well in any area that includes forest edges. They even inhabit the natural valley lands, ravines and parks of large urban centres such as the City of Toronto.
Coyotes are opportunistic feeders and will consume a variety of foods, including meat, carrion, fruits and vegetable matter. The majority of their diet consists of small rodents, rabbits, mice and moles. Coyotes may prey on livestock and larger wildlife, including white-tailed deer. In residential areas coyotes are also known to prey upon domestic cats and small dogs.
ABUNDANCE
During the last decade, there have been more sightings of coyotes, as well as an increased occurrence of livestock loss claims and complaints from the public related to coyotes. This suggests that there may have been a temporary increase in the number of coyotes during the first half of the 1990s. This increase may be attributed to a number of factors.
• A series of mild winters during the early 1990s is believed to have resulted in an increase in easily accessible prey food. Coyote populations normally fluctuate with the abundance or scarcity of natural food. When food supplies are limited, they experience a lower rate of reproduction. Due to their adaptability and opportunistic feeding habits, as well as the effects of mild winters, coyote populations are believed to have increased during the early part of the decade.
• Residential development continues to expand into areas where coyotes are already established.
• The harvest of coyote populations through hunting and trapping has been reduced. Coyotes have no natural predators. They are hunted for sport, and are hunted and trapped for their pelts. Urban expansion into rural areas, lack of access to private lands, and municipal bylaws restricting discharge of firearms and the use of traps have significantly reduced the opportunities to hunt and trap coyotes in many areas. Low fur prices in recent years have also made it less desirable to hunt and trap coyotes for the fur industry.
COYOTES AND THE LOCAL ECOSYSTEM
The coyote is a natural part of the ecosystem in agricultural and rural as well as urban residential areas. Its presence in these areas is met with mixed reactions from the public. Some residents welcome coyotes as part of their local fauna and enjoy seeing and hearing their nocturnal vocalizations, while other residents are concerned about the safety of their pets and families. In many cases, concerns stem from simply seeing the animals.
For farmers the coyote can be very beneficial in controlling rodent pests that may cause damage to crops, orchards, tree nurseries and farm machinery which may be damaged by groundhog holes.
SAFETY CONCERNS
Many residents in areas of new urban development have specifically expressed concerns for the safety of their pets and children if they see coyotes. It is likely that coyotes were present in these areas before development and, as a result, residents in these new areas are now occasionally seeing the animals.
In rural areas, coyote problems typically relate to predation of livestock, such as sheep, poultry and calves. In suburban and urban areas, coyote concerns include damage to garden crops, raiding of garbage and possible preying on domestic pets such as cats and small dogs.
It is important to note that there are only a handful of documented cases of coyotes attacking people throughout North America. The Ministry of Natural Resources is unaware of any in Ontario.
Concerns have also been expressed about rabies. All warm-blooded animals are potential carriers of the rabies virus. Coyotes are not main carriers of the disease among wild animals, and represent less than one per cent of all diagnosed rabies incidents in wild animals in Ontario over the past 40 years. Exposure through domestic dogs and cats represents over 50 per cent of human exposure to rabies.
RESPONSE TO CONCERNS
Public Safety
In the event that a coyote, dog or other wild animal is presenting an immediate threat to public safety, residents are encouraged to call the local police who can take care of the problem. MNR staff can offer information about wildlife and dealing with nuisance problems.
Removal of Animals
In many cases landowners would like coyotes, as well as other wild animals, removed from their neighbourhoods. Research has demonstrated that wildlife relocated from one area to another typically returns or becomes a nuisance elsewhere. It is also inevitable that other animals will move in to the area.
Protection of Property
The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and Regulations allow landowners to kill, capture or harass a number of wildlife species, including coyotes, on their own lands where the animal has damaged, or landowners believe the animal may be about to damage, their property. Landowners may act on their own, or they may use an agent who is authorized by the regulations or the ministry. More than just the mere presence of an animal is required in order for the provisions to apply.
The animal may be shot or trapped. However, these activities may be prohibited by municipal bylaws in some areas. Safety must be practised, as landowners or agents acting on their behalf may incur civil or criminal liability if public safety is jeopardized. Only a farmer on his own land or a licensed trapper may use a body-gripping or leg-hold trap. The Ministry can provide landowners with the names of trappers that provide nuisance animal removal services in their area. The cost associated with removal of animals is the responsibility of the landowner.
Many wild animals have adapted to living in urban environments. The combination of suitable habitat conditions and lack of natural predators will continue to result in coyotes being a natural component of the local ecosystem. Through education and a few simple precautions, the public can protect itself from potential conflicts with coyotes and other wildlife.
PREVENTING COYOTE PROBLEMS
Keep all pets on leashes or confined to your yard
• Allowing pets to roam at large increases the risk of injury by wild animals, other domestic animals, and automobiles.
• In many cases, it may be unlawful to allow pets to run at large (municipal bylaws, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act).
Secure garbage and pet food
• Properly stored and maintained garbage containers will prevent raccoons, skunks, cats and dogs or coyotes from becoming a nuisance.
• Proper waste management will also discourage the presence of small rodents, which are an important food source for coyotes.
• Removing pet food left outside will prevent coyotes and other animals from being attracted to your property.
Do not approach or feed coyotes
• Coyotes are wild animals, but can become less fearful of humans as a result of frequent contact.
• There may be more contact between coyotes and humans if coyotes are fed or otherwise encouraged to stay near residential areas.
• Educate children not to approach or harass any wild animals or unfamiliar domestic pets. This will reduce the risk of bites or exposure to wildlife-transmitted diseases.
Use motion-sensitive lights in yards or gardens
• Well-lit yards or the use of motion-sensitive lighting will make your property less attractive for coyotes and other nocturnal wildlife.
Exclusion
• Use of fencing low to the ground and high enough to prevent coyotes from jumping over will keep them out of your yard. An outside electric “hotwire†near the bottom, supported 6 to 8 inches away from the fence, will provide further security from coyotes and other wildlife.
Frightening
• The use of whistles, personal alarm devices or commercially available pepper sprays can be used to frighten an approaching or threatening animal.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Ministry of Natural Resources
Guelph District Office
GUELPH (519) 826-4955