Problem coyotes should only be killed as last resort, expert panel tells City of Toronto

The City of Toronto is facing a series of coyote attacks in downtown neighbourhoods, specifically in the Fort York and Liberty Village areas. This has led to concern among residents and calls for action from the city. In response to these incidents, an expert panel has prepared a report outlining recommendations for enhancing the city’s coyote strategy.

The panel advises that the city should follow best practices observed in other cities, which prioritize non-lethal methods of dealing with coyotes. These methods include deterrence techniques such as “hazing” and the use of deterrents like loud noises to discourage coyotes from entering urban areas. Additionally, city staff should be trained to scare off coyotes using their presence, loud noises, and handheld objects. The report warns against the use of projectiles or bullets, as this could provoke defensive reactions from the animals.

The city has already implemented daily patrols to monitor and deter coyote activity in the affected neighbourhoods. If the situation escalates and poses a threat to public safety, the city will consider further actions. However, the report emphasizes that problem animals should only be destroyed as a last resort, and individual coyotes should be targeted by trained specialists after careful assessment.

To effectively manage the coyote population, the report recommends procuring a company specializing in coyote management to assess the situation and apply appropriate techniques. This includes securing fences, improving lighting, and enforcing bylaws against feeding wildlife and dumping garbage to eliminate food sources for the coyotes.

Despite these recommendations, some residents, like Ruby Kooner, whose dog was killed in a coyote attack, feel that the city’s response is lacking in detail and urgency. They are calling for more concrete actions to address the issue before it escalates further.

The report attributes the increase in coyote activity to factors such as human feeding, condo construction, and the redevelopment of nearby areas pushing the animals into urban spaces. It also notes that aggressive behavior towards dogs is common during the coyotes’ reproductive season.

Moving forward, the city plans to incorporate the report’s findings into its coyote response strategy, with updates expected to be presented to the economic and community development committee later this year. Public education on wildlife interaction and responsible pet ownership will be key in ensuring the safety of residents and deterring coyotes from urban areas.