Don’t feed the coyotes, Mississauga residents told

Mississauga residents can expect to see more coyotes during the colder winter months, and they’re being urged not to feed the wild animals.

Animal Services workers with the City of Mississauga took to social media today (Feb. 18) to alert residents to the potential increased presence of coyotes during the winter mating season.

Officials are also telling people how to protect their house pets from the wild animals.

“Winter season is mating season for coyotes. During this time (January and February), residents may see or encounter coyotes more frequently in their neighbourhood, including in parks and trails as coyotes wander to find their mate,” City officials said in a news release.

“Coyotes play an important role in an urban ecosystem as they help control rodents and other wildlife populations. They become attracted to communities because of food and shelter.”

Animal Services workers say residents can safely coexist with coyotes at any time of the year with the proper awareness and understanding of how to stay safe.

“Wildlife feeding is the main cause of bold coyote behaviour,” the City says. “When a coyote becomes dependent on food people provide, they tend to lose their fear of people and are not afraid to approach them. Residents are reminded to not feed, leave food out intentionally or approach any wildlife including coyotes. All wildlife should obtain their food naturally.”

As mating season ends around March, residents should also be aware of denning season (March and April) in the spring when coyotes begin to raise their pups, officials say.

Residents are encouraged to do a number of things to keep coyotes and other wild animals/critters off their property, including:

• making sure your garbage and recycling is not accessible to wildlife
• cleaning up any spilled bird seed which can attract smaller wildlife, which can then attract coyotes
• always supervising your pet when they’re out in the yard

Animal Services offers the following tips to protect your pets:

• when walking your dog, keep them on a short leash at all times (an off-leash dog could be seen as a threat to other animals)
• supervise your pet when outside, whether in your own backyard or walking them; coyotes may use any opportunity to prey on unattended pets
• stay on marked trails. Wandering off the path can potentially lead you and your pet to encounter a coyote’s home or territory
• keep cats indoors

Should residents encounter a coyote, they are advised to:

• stay calm until it goes away. Coyotes are generally afraid of people, however they can become territorial when competing for a mate
• do not turn your back and run. Coyotes will chase anything that runs
• stand tall, wave your arms and make as much noise as possible (clapping, yelling, blowing a whistle etc.)
• scare them off. Open up your jacket and wave it if you’re wearing one or open an umbrella if you’re carrying one

Residents can report coyote sightings using the City’s online sightings map. The map helps Animal Services target areas for patrols and community outreach.

If you see a coyote that is sick, injured or not keeping a safe distance, call Mississauga Animal Services at 905-896-5858.