City of Barrie addresses concerns over coyote encounters
Coyotes are no strangers to neighbourhoods in Barrie, with more sightings and encounters reported all the time.
The intelligent and adaptive canines usually avoid human interaction, but the City of Barrie believes some are becoming more adventurous because they are being fed.
This can pose a significant risk to pets, with many residents claiming coyotes have sized up or even injured their pets, leaving many wondering why the City isn't taking action to be rid of the wild animals.
However, the City of Barrie maintains that coyotes are an integral part of urban ecosystems, playing a crucial role in controlling the populations of rabbits, rats, and mice.
Understanding coyote behaviour can help prevent conflicts.
Coyote activity often peaks during specific times of the year, such as mating season from January to February, den selection and pup rearing from March to May, and scattering of pack members from September to December.
To deter coyotes from approaching homes and pets, the City says residents should take proactive measures, including securing garbage bins, removing attractants like pet food, and keeping pets leashed.
Pet owners, in particular, should take extra precautions.
While coyotes typically avoid humans, they may view small pets as prey or engage in confrontations with larger dogs.
The City says keeping pets leashed, especially during walks, and ensuring they're indoors at night are essential safety measures.
Residents are also encouraged to carry noise-making devices such as whistles or umbrellas when walking pets, as these can help scare off coyotes if encountered. Additionally, promptly cleaning up after pets and spaying or neutering them can mitigate potential conflicts.
The City of Barrie urges residents to report sightings of sick or injured wild animals to Enforcement Services at 705-739-4241.
In emergencies where public safety is at risk, dial 911 immediately.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From AI running wild to collapsing ecosystems, government report outlines future disruptions
From collapsing ecosystems to artificial intelligence running wild, a new Canadian government report outlines 35 disruptions that could rattle the country in the coming years.
B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton hospitalized after prison attack
British Columbia serial killer Robert Pickton was attacked and sustained life-threatening injuries in a Quebec prison Sunday in what officials described as a 'major assault.'
opinion Tom Mulcair: With Trudeau spiralling, Mark Carney waits in the wings
In his latest column for CTVNews.ca, former NDP leader Tom Mulcair argues that if there's an unofficial frontrunner in the eventual race to replace Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader, it has to be former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney.
Toronto Blue Jays fan struck by 110 m.p.h foul ball offered tickets, signed baseball by team
The Toronto Blue Jays have offered tickets and a signed baseball to a fan who says she was struck in the face by a 110 m.p.h (177 km/h) foul ball at Friday’s game.
OPP continues to investigate boat collision north of Kingston, Ont. that left 3 people dead
Ontario Provincial Police continue to investigate a long weekend fatal boat collision on Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont.
Matthew Perry's death is being investigated over ketamine level found in actor's blood, reports say
An investigation has been opened into the death of Matthew Perry and how the “Friends” actor received the anesthetic ketamine, which was ruled a contributing factor in his death.
Police in Ontario say suspects charged in armed home invasion near Toronto part of 'larger criminal network'
Police in Ontario say a group of suspects charged in an armed home invasion north of Toronto last year were driving a vehicle stolen in a carjacking in Calgary just one month earlier.
Air turbulence: When can it become dangerous?
Flight turbulence like that encountered by a Singapore Airlines flight on Tuesday is extremely common, but there's one aspect of severe turbulence an aviation expert says can lead to serious injury.
Orphan orca's extended family spotted off northeast side of Vancouver Island
Members of a killer whale pod related to an orphan orca calf that escaped a remote British Columbia tidal lagoon last month have been spotted off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island.