The Town of Oakville is excited to reopen our doors as soon as we can safely do so. All public health guidelines remain in effect.
Thu, 15 Aug 2019
Coyotes are found in urban areas throughout Canada, including Oakville. They may be more visible during the spring and summer pupping season. Negative experiences with coyotes can be avoided by knowing what to do when you encounter one.
It is important to have full control over your dog so that they do not run toward, away from, or otherwise engage the coyote. Pick up and carry small dogs. The coyote may shadow you to make sure you leave the area.
Keeping up a coyote’s natural fear of humans is the best way to avoid negative experiences. Haze the coyote by yelling, stomping your feet, waving your arms, popping an umbrella, flashing a flashlight, tossing sticks or other small items at the ground near the coyote and anything else that will frighten the coyote off. If the coyote freezes, or runs a little way away and turns to watch you again, continue hazing until he or she leaves the area entirely. Then calmly and assertively walk out of the area. Never run away as it can trigger the coyote’s instinct to chase.
If you encountered a coyote on your normal route, consider changing your route for a short time especially around dawn and dusk. Share these tips with your neighbours. If the entire neighbourhood embraces hazing, the coyote will be more likely to avoid people.
If you have concerns about someone feeding coyotes, contact ServiceOakville at 905-845-6601.
Report sightings, noting any overly brazen, unusual, or aggressive behaviour on the town’s coyote reporting form at oakville.ca. Contact the Oakville Milton Humane Society at 905-845-1551 if you encounter a coyote you believe to be sick or injured.
Learn more at our Coyote page or the Coyote Watch Canada website.