One of my favourite things about summertime is Stittsville is sleeping with the windows open and hearing howling coyotes in the distance.
Up until a few weeks ago, I’d never seen one. Then one day while driving down Huntmar, I saw a pair of small coyotes hanging out in the field north of the Arcadia subdivision.
Since then several neighbours have shared photos they’ve taken of coyotes around Stittsville, very close to residential subdivisions including Fairwinds. (One person recently reported seeing a dead coyote on Hazledean Road near Johnwoods.)
We had some company follow us on the walk this morning. Photos don't show how close he was to us! @LokiDoberdog #suburbanwildlife #coyote pic.twitter.com/VrXD3oTlQ4
— Ruth Campbell (@campbellru24) February 23, 2017
https://twitter.com/amanda_viney/status/835143034094432259
Coyotes prey on rodents and small mammals, fruits, grasses, vegetables and garbage. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), if you see a coyote you should:
- never approach or touch a wild animal
- do not turn your back or run from a wild animal
- back away from the animal while remaining calm
- stand tall, wave your hands, and make lots of noise
- carry a flashlight at night
- if a wild animal poses an immediate threat or danger to public safety — call 911
The MNR also suggests that you keep your dogs at night, spay/neuter your dogs (coyotes are attracted to, and can mate with, domestic dogs). Coyotes are also attracted to dog feces, so there’s yet another reason to pick up after your pet.
LET US KNOW: Have you had an encounter with a coyote? Add a comment below or email feedback@stittsvillecentral.ca
https://twitter.com/Stowecology/status/836417503530217472
A dated story, but there was a coyote in my backyard this morning in Timbermere, near Kittiwake Park! I was just about to put my dog out to do his thing, when the outside motion sensor light was triggered and a big coyote ran past. This in a backyard surrounded by chain link and 15ft cedars.