2 recent coyote attacks in Burlington being investigated

The City of Burlington is investigating two recent coyote attacks on people in south-central Burlington.

The city said in a news release that it has tracked and located the suspected coyote, while engaging with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Halton police, and a licensed wildlife trapper for a coordinated, urgent response to eliminate the coyote."

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said they are devastated by this news and are leaving no stone unturned to ensure this doesn't happen to anyone else."

We have secured the services of a trapper to track and euthanize the coyote identified. It is very unusual for coyotes to attack, so we are also looking to understand what prompted this particular coyote to attack a person," she said.

The city is responsible for taking actions to manage resident encounters with coyotes and take appropriate action on municipal property, the release said. On the rare occasion that a coyote attacks a person," there is a council-approved protocol to prioritize and deal with the coyote in question.

Anyone who sees a coyote is encouraged to let the city know by submitting an online report or calling 905-335-3030. Reporting coyote sightings, or potential problems related to overgrown building sites, garbage or someone intentionally or accidentally feeding a coyote, helps the city monitor the location and activity of coyotes in the community.

As listed, here are five things residents can do to help deter coyotes:

1. Never feed coyotes

Feeding coyotes, directly or indirectly, teaches them to depend on human handouts and can cause them to become too familiar with humans. This familiarization can lead to aggressive behaviour around people and pets.

2. Never leave pets unattended

Coyotes may see pets as a threat to their territory and may attack, especially when there is a den site nearby. Always keep dogs on a short leash (less than six feet long) when walking outdoors and avoid retractable leashes. Make sure your cats and dogs are not unattended, especially at night, even in your fenced backyard.

3. Keep a tidy property

Residential neighbourhoods are an ideal coyote habitat with access to water, shelter and food sources like garbage, pet food, fruit tress and birdfeeders. Make sure your property is tidy and clear of garbage, food, brush, long grass and wood piles which are ideal den sites for coyotes or other wild animals that attract coyotes.

4. Inspect your property

Make sure spaces around and under decks, sheds and similar structures are closed off with wire screening that extends at least 20 centimetres under the ground.

5. Consistently haze coyotes

Deterring coyotes takes vigilance. Consistent efforts by the entire community to haze coyotes can help to re-instill their fear of humans and discourage unwelcome behaviour.

Use one or more of these hazing techniques every time you see a coyote to help move it out of a residential area:

• Yell loudly
• Wave your arms and make yourself look as big as possible
• Use air horns, whistles, bang pots
• Throw small rocks, large sticks, cans and/or rubber balls at the coyote
• Spray the coyote with water from a garden hose or a water gun filled with vinegar.