In November 2024, a routine walk ended tragically for Ruby Kooner and her dog, Amber, in Toronto, when two coyotes ambushed them. This incident reflects a measurable trend.
According to a June 2024 City of Toronto report, public complaints of coyotes “stalking, snarling and lunging” increased from 73 in 2019 to 218 in the first five months of 2024, a 300% rise in five years.
This article provides a practical response to this documented increase in urban coyote encounters. It outlines a safety system based on the established principle of “aversive conditioning” recommended by wildlife agencies across North America. The goal is to replace anxiety with practical, actionable preparedness.
The Cause: Understanding Coyote Behavior
Coyotes in urban environments are often opportunistic predators whose behavior changes due to human activity. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources notes that coyotes are intelligent and adaptable animals.
The primary cause of increased boldness around humans is habituation, which occurs when coyotes lose their natural wariness. This is frequently caused by:
- Access to unsecured garbage and compost bins
- Intentional feeding by residents
- Presence of rodent prey attracted to uncollected pet waste
As stated in the City of Toronto's Coyote Co-existence and Response Strategy, “co-existence is when humans and wildlife adapt to share space.” This guide provides the tools for humans to uphold their part of that equation by establishing clear boundaries.
The Safety System: Tools for Deterrence
This kit is designed to facilitate hazing: the use of deterrents to re-instill a coyote’s natural fear of humans. The tools are categorized by their primary function.
1. Audible Deterrents
A 120+ Decibel Whistle (e.g., Fox 40 Sonic Blast)
A high-pitched whistle is effective for startling coyotes at a distance. It should be used when a coyote is sighted but not yet approaching.
A Personal Air Horn
This serves as a higher-intensity audible deterrent for situations where a coyote displays more assertive behavior.
2. Visual and Physical Deterrents
A Compact, Auto-Open Umbrella
The sudden opening of an umbrella alters your silhouette, making you appear larger and more threatening. It is considered a highly effective visual hazing tool.
A Sturdy Walking Stick or Hiking Pole
This tool extends your reach and can be used to wave in a wide arc to assert your space without making contact with the animal.
3. Protective Equipment
Coyote-Protective Vest for Dogs (e.g., CoyoteVest®)
These vests are designed with spike strips (vibrissae) and durable materials to protect a dog’s neck and back. They are a proactive measure for owners of small dogs.
The Protocol: Step-by-Step Guide for an Encounter
The following actions are recommended by wildlife management groups such as Coyote Watch Canada and the City of Toronto.
1. Stop and Assess. Do not run. Running can trigger a chase response. Hold your leash securely.
2. Haze Assertively. Yell loudly and deeply. Use commands like "Go Away Coyote!" Make yourself appear larger by waving your arms or opening your umbrella.
3. Escalate Your Deterrents. Use your whistle or air horn. If necessary, throw small objects like a water bottle or pebbles near the coyote to startle it.
4. Retreat Slowly. Back away while continuing to face the coyote. Do not turn your back until the animal has fully disengaged and left the area.
5. Report the Encounter. Note the time, location, and specific coyote behavior. Report detailed incidents to local animal services. This data is critical for officials to identify and manage habituated animals that pose a continued risk.
Addressing Practical Concerns and Limitations
Objection: "This seems like overkill for my neighborhood."
Response: The intensity of your preparedness should match your local environment. A walk in a ravine or large park at dusk warrants more readiness than a midday walk on a busy street. The core principles of awareness and having a deterrent remain consistent.
Objection: "What if the coyote doesn't run away?"
Response: If a coyote does not respond to consistent hazing, it may be severely habituated. Your goal shifts from hazing to retreat. Continue facing the animal, maintain hazing if safe to do so, and slowly move to a secure area (a vehicle, a building). This specific behavior, failure to retreat must be reported to animal control with precise details, as it indicates an animal that may require professional intervention.
Objection: "Carrying all this is impractical."
Response: The kit can be streamlined. A single multi-tool like an air horn can serve as an audible deterrent. A whistle can be clipped to a leash. The objective is to have at least one effective tool accessible, not to carry every item on every walk.
Conclusion
Coexistence requires proactive measures from residents. This includes securing trash, removing outdoor food sources, and leashing pets in coyote-prone areas.
The strategies outlined here are not theoretical; they are applied practices based on wildlife management principles. Your safety and the safety of your pet depend on preparedness and clear-headed action.
Your next step is simple: Choose one deterrent. Before your next walk, attach a whistle to your leash or place an air horn in your pocket. This single action transforms you from a passive observer into a prepared participant, effectively shifting the dynamic of any potential encounter.
Comments
Post a Comment