Coyote Information
Co-existing with coyotes
Quick Facts:
* Coyote sightings are normal in Ottawa and the surrounding rural area
* While they are mostly nocturnal, it is not unusual to see coyotes out during the day
* Coyotes will protect their territory and pups from a potential threat (e.g an off-leash dog)
* A coyote’s main diet consists of rodents and rabbits, keeping these populations in check
* They are opportunistic feeders and may prey on small pets left unattended
* Coyotes are normally afraid of people and try to avoid them
* Bold behaviour is unusual but can occur when a coyote has been fed by people, intentionally or not
Prevent coyote visits to your yard:
* Never feed wildlife
* Keep pet food and water bowls indoors
* Keep compost bins and trash cans secure, put trash out the morning of pickup, not the night before
* Clean wild bird seed from your lawn; overflowing feeders attract coyotes, owls, hawks, foxes, cats and dogs for the prey (birds and rodents) that gather in larger numbers
* Clean fallen fruit from the ground
* For their safety (and that of native wild songbirds and small mammals), keep cats indoors, on leash, or in a secure outdoor enclosure
Keep it in perspective:
* Negative interactions with coyotes are rare
* There were more than 500 calls in 2016 to the city of Ottawa regarding dog bites
* Coyotes do not distinguish between a wild animal (e.g. adult rabbit or groundhog) and a domestic pet (e.g. adult cat)
If you encounter a coyote nearby:
* Never run from any canine, including coyotes
* Pick up small animals or kids to be safe
* Be bold and assertive — face the coyote, stomp your feet, make yourself big by waving your arms
* Stand your ground or back away slowly
* Make noise by clapping your hands, shouting loudly (but don’t scream which can mimic an injured animal), using a shake can, whistling
* Throw something (e.g. clump of dirt, rock, stick) toward (not at) the coyote
Understanding true threats:
* A coyote that approaches people aggressively should be reported to the City at 3-1-1. Signs are similar to those shown by aggressive dogs and include agitated barking (unprovoked), raised hackles, snarling, growling, and lunging.
* An injured or mangy coyote is less able to hunt so is often seen in urban areas looking for easy food sources. Call Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary for advice.
Source: Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
More resources:
Coyotes - Hinterland Who's Who
City of Ottawa Wildlife Speaker Series - Coyotes
City Councillor Meehan's Coyote Info Session 2021
