While the mere sighting of a coyote is not necessarily cause for alarm, knowing what to do and what not to do when you encounter one can help alleviate concern and reduce conflicts. To help residents better understand coyotes in our community, the Town of Oakville will be hosting two coyote information sessions on Wednesday, September 20 from 2-3:30 p.m. and Wednesday, September 21 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Woodside Public Library.
The town has also launched an improved coyote reporting form. The new easy-to-use form is compatible with mobile devices allowing residents to instantly report a sighting and share on social media to help raise awareness and let others know where the possibility of encountering a coyote may be more prevalent.
“While we continue to raise coyote awareness in our community, there is still a great deal of misunderstanding among residents about coyote behaviour and their role in our urban environment,” said Cindy Toth, director, Environmental Policy. “There are a number of things we can all do that if embraced by the entire community can reduce conflicts.”
The information sessions will provide residents with facts about coyotes and offer steps to ensure a better coexistence with them. Representatives from the town and the Oakville Milton Humane Society will provide information on how to respond to a coyote sighting and help answer community questions or concerns. Registration is not required.
The town’s website offers a number of coyote facts and tips including a coyote hazing video which demonstrates how to maintain a coyote’s fear of humans by being loud, appearing large and shouting.