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Coyote sighting rise as mating season sets in

February 26, 2021   ·   1 Comments

By Fatima Baig

Orangeville is known for its coyote sightings, but there has been an increased presence during their mating season, which is between Feb. and March, so the sightings have increased even more than usual.

Amanda Taliana is one of the many Orangeville residents who has recently encountered coyotes, 

“We had coyotes in my area 4th Ave and 3rd Street. They tend to walk up and down 4th all the way up to First Street and then come back, go down Crimson court, then back to 4th Avenue towards the Home Depot to go home to Island Lake.”

Taliana’s first experience encountering a coyote was when she saw a man walking his dog next to one.

“My first experience with one the other day was at 4th Avenue and First Street at 9:30 in the morning. A gentleman walking his German Shepherd held his dog back with all his might, But the coyote just ignored them,” she recalled.

All of Taliana’s coyote sightings have been after 1 a.m.

Taliana isn’t the only Orangeville resident who has seen an increase in the presence of coyotes, locally.

Chris McCoy, a local resident, has identified 17 different coyotes on her trail camera this fall alone.

According to coyoteesmarts.org, when you see a coyote lounging in a yard or approaching people, you should be as big and loud as possible. Do not run or turn your back. Wave your arms, clap your hands, and shout in an authoritative voice. Make noise by banging pots and pans or using an air horn or whistle. These sounds can also alert the neighbors. Throw small stones, sticks, tennis balls or anything else you can lay your hands on. Spray with a hose, if available, or a squirt gun filled with water and vinegar. Shake or throw a “coyote shaker which can be built by filling a soda can with pennies or pebbles and sealed with duct tape.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry stated they had received two calls regarding individual coyotes in the Town of Mono and Alliston in recent weeks. Still, no calls have been reported regarding coyotes directly within the Town of Orangeville. In both of these instances, attractants were found to be a factor in drawing coyotes to the area. In many cases, landowners can discourage coyotes from entering their property by not feeding wildlife and taking specific actions to limit or eliminate attractants that could be appealing to the coyote.

If you see a sick, aggressive or injured coyote report it to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry at 1-877-847-7667 or Caledon Animal Services at 905-857-5208.

If you feel unsafe or a coyote presents and immediate threat to public safety, please call 9-1-1 or the local authorities. The Dufferin OPP can be reached at (519) 925-3838 or the Orangeville OPP detachment can be reached at 519-942-1711.

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