WATCH: Recent coyote sightings and reported attacks are raising concern across the GTA. Jennifer Palisoc reports.
TORONTO – Coyote Watch Canada is visiting municipalities across the Greater Toronto Area after recent sightings and coyote attacks.
Earlier this month a Brampton woman was bitten by what she believed was a coyote.
In Burlington, a home security camera caught a coyote attacking a dog that was tied up outside. The dog survived but there are still concerns about coyotes.
Animal control experts in Mississauga, Brampton and Burlington are working with coyote Watch Canada to increase awareness and education in their communities.
“Working in conjunction with them to let people know that coyotes have to know their boundaries. That they can’t be habituated and comfortable around people,” said Tracey Burrows manager of by-law enforcement, licensing and animal services in the city of Burlington.
Coyote Watch Canada says it isn’t typical for coyotes to attack. Something in urban centres is changing, making the animals bolder and less fearful of humans.
“Once people start feeding animals especially coyotes, the proximity and tolerance increases because the risk is worth the reward,” said Lesley Sampson of Coyote Watch Canada.
According to Toronto Animal Services there have been 170 reported sightings of coyotes, since Jan. 2013.
It is not known exactly how many coyotes there are across the GTA. Officials don’t believe there has been an increase in population.
Experts add existence between coyotes and human is possible – just don’t feed them.
“We can be fearful and stay in fear or we can celebrate the presence of these animals in a thoughtful educated and respectful way,” Sampson said.
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