What to do if you encounter a coyote

CITY POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

******************************* Notice to the public regarding coyotes in Sault Ste Marie and surrounding areas.

The following information was received from the Ministry of Natural Resources:

In the early morning hours of Monday, July 26, a woman was walking her two dogs, off-leash, on the cross country ski trails in Hiawatha Park.

As she was going through the Coldwater extension of the Red Pine Trail (near the power lines) a coyote was chased into the bush by her dogs.

One of her dogs suffered a bite wound, but is recovering.

The Ministry of Natural Resources would like to advise the public to keep dogs on leashes at all times. 

When using trails it might be advisable to carry a noise maker, such as a whistle and make noise while walking. 

Bear spray would also be effective against coyotes.

But the public is advised to know the limitations, the proper use and where and how to carry it before purchasing bear spray.

The Ministry of Natural Resources has had other calls of cats being taken by coyotes in urban areas.

Cats should be kept indoors. 

The following information was obtained from the Ministry of Natural Resources website - a section called “Coyotes in the Community.”

Information on coyotes is available here.

Do not approach or feed coyotes:

Coyotes are usually wary of humans and avoid people whenever possible. 

However, they are wild animals and should not be approached.

People should not feed coyotes.

Feeding them makes the animals less fearful of humans and habituates them to foods provided by humans.

Aggressive behaviour towards people is unusual for coyotes, but people should always exercise caution around wildlife.

If you encounter a coyote:

Never attempt to "tame" a coyote.

Do not turn your back on, or run from, a coyote.

Back away from the coyote while remaining calm.

Use whistles and personal alarm devices to frighten an approaching or threatening animal.

Secure garbage and minimize attractants on your property:

Properly store and maintain garbage containers to help prevent coyotes and other animals from becoming a problem.

Place trash bins inside an enclosed structure to discourage the presence of small rodents, which are an important food source for coyotes.

Put garbage at curbside the morning of the scheduled pickup, rather than the night before.

Use enclosed composting bins rather than exposed piles.

Coyotes are attracted to dog or cat waste as well as products containing meat, milk and eggs.

Pick ripe fruit from fruit trees and remove fallen fruit from the ground and keep bird feeders from overflowing as coyotes are fond of fruit, nuts and seeds.

Protect vegetable gardens with heavy-duty garden fences or place vegetable plants in a greenhouse. 

Check with your local nursery to see what deterrent products are available.

Consider eliminating artificial water sources such as koi ponds.

Keep pet food indoors.

Keep all pets on leashes or confined to a yard:

Cats and small dogs may be seen as prey by coyotes, while larger dogs may be injured in a confrontation.

To avoid these situations consider the following:

Install proper fencing (see above).

As coyotes are primarily nocturnal, pets should be kept inside at night.

Keep cats indoors and do not allow pets to roam from home.

Walk your dog on a leash at all times. If your yard does not have a fence, use a leash while on your property to keep your dog close to you.

Spay or neuter your dogs. Coyotes are attracted to, and can mate with, domestic dogs that have not been spayed or neutered.

If the public has any questions, concerns or comments they can contact the Ministry of Natural Resources at 949-1231 and speak to Eden Boyko, acting district biologist.

*******************************