There is no denying the majority of people, not all mind you, would prefer there were no coyotes in our community.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry delegates the authority to municipalities for oversight of wildlife, however the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act outlines what actions the city can take.
Municipalities have the authority to remove wildlife from their property if it is determined to be posing a threat or imminent danger to residents. However, the city cannot relocate an animal farther than a one-kilometre radius from where they are found, as this is in contravention of the Act. This means the coyotes would most likely find their way back to their original den, as they wander this distance from their den regularly.
Furthermore, should the city have legitimate cause to intervene it must be through humane destruction of the animal with this option only available in severe cases.
In the event you encounter a coyote you should do the following:
- Carry a whistle/noisemaker and an umbrella with you when walking and open it at them.
- Be BIG and LOUD! Yell “Go away!” Wave your arms above your head, stomp your feet, and clap your hands.
- Slowly back away.
- Maintain eye contact.
- Don’t run.
There is an abundance of information available online at these helpful links:
https://www.coyotewatchcanada.com/site/home
It is also illegal to feed wildlife. If you suspect someone is please contact Markham’s Contact Centre at 905-477-5530 or customerservice@markham.ca. A By-law Enforcement officer will investigate.
I know Thornhill residents feel strongly about this issue and wish more could be done. If there is to be a change in how municipalities are permitted to respond, it must be at the provincial level through revisions to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. Please contact our Thornhill and Markham-Thornhill Members of Provincial Parliament.