Back to SearchBurlington, Ont.—Jan. 31, 2023— The City of Burlington is reminding residents about steps they can take to reduce the risk of conflict with coyotes in the winter months when the animals may be more visible.
Coyotes tend to be more visible at this time of year because they are looking for food and a mate which means they can be more active during the day.
Residents can prevent coyotes from visiting their properties by following some simple precautions:
- Clean up around or remove bird feeders which attract rodents, one of the coyote’s main food sources.
- Store garbage, compost and pet food securely, in a place coyotes cannot access.
- Install flashing lights, motion sensors and/or noise makers outside your property.
- Make sure spaces around/under decks and sheds are closed off.
Residents can request an audit of their yard for coyote attractants by city Animal Control staff, please email animalshelter@burlington.ca.
Residents are reminded to report their concerns about direct or indirect feeding of wildlife to Animal Control at animalshelter@burlington.ca. Hand and ground feeding wildlife on private or public property is prohibited by the City’s Lot Maintenance Bylaw (49-2022) and is subject to a fine. Backyard bird feeders are exempt under the City’s Lot Maintenance Bylaw (49-2022) but they must be well maintained to avoid fines.
Pet owners are reminded to keep dogs on leash at all times when walking in parks or green spaces and to keep cats indoors.
What to do if you see a coyote
If you see a coyote, keep your distance and the animal will most likely avoid you. If a coyote approaches:
- Stop. Pick up small children and pets
- Stand still
- Make yourself appear larger by waving your hands in the air
- Make noise by shouting “GO AWAY,” clapping your hands or blowing a whistle
- Use hazing techniques, such as popping open an umbrella, shaking your keys or throwing an object near the coyote
- Slowly back away. Never run from, or turn your back on, a coyote
The City is asking residents to report coyote sightings using the form at burlington.ca/coyotes.
Municipalities are responsible for taking appropriate actions to manage resident coyote sightings, encounters and attacks. The City has a Council approved Coyote Response Strategy in place that provides guidelines on preventing and managing conflicts with coyotes..
Burlington is a city where people, nature and businesses thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at burlington.ca/subscribe and follow @CityBurlington on social media.
Quote
Nick Anastasopoulos, Director of Building and Bylaw
“Coyotes tend to be more visible at this time of year because they are looking for food and a mate which means they can be more active during the day. The increased visibility provides a good opportunity to remind residents there are things we can all do to help make sure coyotes remain wild animals and wary of humans.
Coyotes are very timid animals that prefer to avoid humans but they may put on warning displays if they perceive a threat to their territory. For this reason, I would caution dog owners to keep their pets on leash at all times.”
Links and Resources
- Lot Maintenance Bylaw (49-2022)
- Animal Control Bylaw (60-2005)
- Learn more about living with coyotes at www.burlington.ca/coyotes
- Read the Council approved Coyote Response Strategy that includes an escalation process to deal with various levels of coyote interactions with residents and pets.
- Report a coyote sighting online at burlington.ca/servicerequest
- Watch a video about how to wildlife proof your property
-30-
Media contact:
Carla Marshall
Communications Advisor
Subscribe