City of Burlington Reminding Residents it’s Mating Season for Coyotes
*Please see below a news release issued by the City of Burlington.
Burlington, Ont. — Feb. 14, 2024 — This week, the City is launching its coyote education campaign. This includes tips for residents on managing coyote sightings and encounters during mating season as well as coyote-related by-law updates. Residents are welcome to participate in educational opportunities. Attend a free coyote awareness pop-up session in February and March or book a yard audit for your property to help coyote-proof your space and learn about coyote attractants.Coyotes tend to be more visible during daylight hours at this time of year because they are looking for food and a mate. The City is sharing the following tips to educate residents on what to do if they encounter a coyote:
- Stop and pick up small children and pets
- Use hazing techniques - shout loudly and wave your arms high in the air
- Back away slowly while remaining calm
- Never run or turn your back on a coyote
- Never offer food to a coyote
Hand and ground feeding wildlife on private or public property is prohibited by the City’s Animal Control By-law (60-2005).The City’s Lot Maintenance By-law (49-2022) requires waste, compost, pet food and animal food be stored in a clean and well-maintained manner so as to not attract rodents, vermin, insects, pests or wildlife, or create a health and safety hazard, save and except as permitted under the City’s Animal Control By-law.Contraventions of By-law 60-2005 or By-law 49-2022 may be subject to a fine.By-law amendment updateEarlier this week, the City amended its existing firearm discharge by-law. Previously, the by-law did not exempt wildlife professionals from discharging a firearm. The by-law amendment now allows wildlife professionals hired by the City to discharge a firearm without the need for an Animal Control By-law Officer trained in firearms to be present. Without an amendment, the City of Burlington would be required to ensure that any hired Animal Control By-law Officers are trained in firearm discharge. This is not a necessary prerequisite to the role as it is not a part of normal duties for an Animal Control By-law Officer.This amendment is not meant to make the use of firearms more common, and it does not change the City’s position on using firearms to manage wildlife. As much as possible, the City of Burlington's approach to coyotes in the community is to leave them alone. Coyotes play an important role in balancing the ecosystem in southern Ontario, helping to control the populations of rabbits, rats, and mice. Burlington’s Animal Control Services do not manage wildlife populations through the killing or trapping of animals. The City continues to place a focus on education to help build the community's understanding about coyotes, their behaviour and preventing situations that may cause conflict. The City’s Council approved Coyote Response Strategy provides guidelines on preventing and managing conflicts with coyotes, with an education-first approach.Educational opportunitiesResidents can request an audit of their yard for coyote attractants by Animal Control staff by contacting Service Burlington via email (city@burlington.ca) or phone (905-335-7777).Additionally, Animal Services are continuing to host educational pop-up sessions. Through February and March, Residents can drop by Central Library to learn about coyote-proofing their property, and what to do if they see a coyote. Whistles used for hazing coyotes are also available for free. Dates and details regarding pop-ups in February and March are available at burlington.ca/coyoteThe City is asking residents to report coyote sightings using the form at burlington.ca/coyotes.Burlington is a city where people, nature and business thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at burlington.ca/subscribe and follow @CityBurlington on social media.
"The City continues to place a focus on education to help build the community's understanding about coyotes, their seasonal behaviour and how to avoid attractants on public and private property. Through our Coyote Response Strategy, we use proactive, education-based measures to prevent potential conflicts and preserve the delicate balance of our ecosystem." -- Kerry Davren, Director of Bylaw Compliance, City of Burlington
Links and Resources
- Lot Maintenance By-law (49-2022)
- Animal Control By-law (60-2005)
- Learn more about living with coyotes at 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