‘Do not feed coyotes’ Brantford residents warned after spike in coyotes sightings

The city of Brantford says there has been a recent spike in reports of coyote sightings and residents are being warned to be on the lookout.

The city says coyotes have been spotted during both the daylight and evening hours.

“Feeding coyotes makes them less fearful of humans and habituates them to foods provided by humans which can lead to aggressive behavior,” said the city of Brantford in a tweet.

Officials have offered the following tips to help keep residents safe.

Deter coyotes from your property

Availability of water, shelter and food sources like garbage, pet food, and birdfeeders make residential areas attractive to coyotes. Be sure to make your property uninviting to a coyote:

• Store garbage and pet food in a place coyotes cannot access.
• Clean up after your dog. Coyotes are attracted to dog feces.
• Use flashing lights and motion sensors.
• Pick ripe fruit and seed from trees and remove fallen fruit from the ground.
• Protect vegetable gardens with heavy-duty garden fences or place vegetable plants in a greenhouse.
• Consider putting up a fence.
• Clear away bushes and dense weeds near your home where coyotes may find cover and small animals.
• Close off spaces under porches, desks and sheds. Coyotes use these areas for denning and raising young.

Encounters with Coyotes

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has specific guidelines related to safety tips and preventative measures that residents should adhere to if and when coyotes are sighted in urban areas. If you encounter an aggressive coyote, there are several things you should know and do:

• Never approach or touch a coyote.
• Pick up small children and pets.
• Do not turn your back on, or run from, a coyote.
• Back away from the coyote while remaining calm.
• Stand tall, wave your hands and make lots of noise.
• Carry a flashlight at night to scare off coyotes.

To report a coyote sighting within the City of Brantford, residents can use the online form.

If you see a sick or injured coyote, please contact the Brant County SPCA at 519-756-6620.

If a coyote poses an immediate threat or danger to public safety, call 911.