City policy on coyotes - bites - attacks - risk to public safety - wildlife sightings

News Release - March 18, 2025: Expert wildlife panel reports back on City of Toronto approach to coyotes in Fort York and Liberty Village

Coyote Safety and Management in Toronto

Coyotes are a natural part of Toronto's urban landscape and play an important role in controlling populations of rodents and rabbits. Their presence in the city is largely due to the abundance of food and shelter. While they are generally shy and wary of humans, residents should still take precautions when encountering them.

Coyote Behaviour and Urban Adaptation

Coyotes thrive in urban areas, particularly around ravines, forests, and green spaces. Winter months tend to see more coyote sightings due to several factors:

  • Less Foliage: In winter, it's easier to spot coyotes in parks and ravines as trees and shrubs shed their leaves.
  • Quieter Neighbourhoods: Coyotes feel more comfortable in residential areas during the winter when fewer people are outside.
  • Mating Season: Coyotes are more active during their mating season in January and February, which may increase sightings.

While it is uncommon for coyotes to approach children, they may target unsupervised pets, particularly cats and small dogs. It is always advisable to supervise children and pets when outdoors.

Steps to Minimize Coyote Encounters

Residents are advised to follow these practical steps that will help to minimize negative encounters with coyotes:

  • Do not feed wild animals. Feeding coyotes or other wildlife can harm both the animals and the community.
  • Avoid feeding pets outdoors. This attracts coyotes and other wildlife.
  • Secure your garbage. Ensure all trash is inaccessible to animals. Place garbage at the curb only on the morning of pick-up.
  • Consider composting wisely. Use green bins for food waste instead of outdoor composters.
  • Supervise pets. Keep dogs on a leash and ensure cats are indoors or closely supervised when outside.
  • Maintain your property. Remove dense brush or weeds to reduce potential coyote hiding spots

 

What to Do If You Encounter a Coyote

If you encounter a coyote, the following actions can help deter it:

  • Make yourself appear larger. Wave your arms aggressively and make loud noises.
  • Throw objects. Toss items near the coyote (but not at it) to scare it away.
  • Back away slowly. If the coyote does not retreat, slowly back away without turning your back or attempt to run away.

 

Reporting a Coyote that has bitten or attacked a human or animal

To report a coyote bite or attack, you can submit a services request below or by calling 311.

Note: If a coyote has attacked/bitten an animal or human, remains aggressive and does not leave the site despite deterrent efforts, please call 911.

 

Report Unusual Coyote Behaviour

Examples of situations where you should call 311 include:

  • Approaching, lunging at animals or people
  • Limping or staggering, or with paralyzed hind legs
  • Acting confused or attacking non-living objects
  • Engaging in aggressive behaviour towards pets
  • Denning on your property or that of a neighbour
  • An injured or sick coyote, or a coyote displaying unusual behaviour
  • Abandoned pup, sick or injured coyote
  • Note: Always remember do not handle coyotes

 

Report a Coyote Sighting

To report a coyote sighting including a coyote exploring a home or building far from a large park or open area, you can be submitted a report below, or by calling 311.

 

Dog harassing – chasing a coyote

If you witness a dog harassing or chase a coyote and wish to report this, you can submit a service request below, or by calling 311.

Please note: Service requests concerning dogs harassing coyotes will be collected to inform effective proactive compliance actions and strategies. Instances of dogs reported harassing coyotes will not be investigated unless owner information is provided. Data obtained from complaints lacking owner information will be used to guide proactive compliance initiatives.

 

Learn More About Coyotes

The City of Toronto has a formal "Coyote Response Strategy". The Coyote Response Strategy lays out a sound systematic approach to dealing with coyote problems. It also gives some background on coyote behaviour, and what works and what doesn't.