Living with coyotes and wildlife

Wild animals, including coyotes, live in our parks, trails and green spaces. Coyotes help control rodent populations and usually avoid people. We can coexist safely by following a few simple rules.

On this page:

  1. Don't feed wildlife
  2. If you see a coyote
  3. When to report a coyote
  4. Protect your pets
  5. Protect your property
  6. Relocation

Don’t feed wildlife

Feeding wild animals may seem harmless, but it causes problems:

  • animals lose their natural fear of people and start expecting food
  • food left outside can attract rodents such as rats
  • small animals like rabbits attract larger animals, including coyotes
  • leftover food and garbage can also attract coyotes
  • human food is not healthy for animals

Under our animal control bylaw, you can't feed wildlife if it causes a problem.

If you are concerned about people feeding wildlife, email municipalenforcement@waterloo.ca or call 519-747-8785.

If you see a coyote

Keep your distance, and a coyote will likely avoid you. You don’t need to report a coyote unless it is an immediate threat to public safety.

Coyotes live in parks, trails and green spaces. They are more visible during:

  • winter mating season – January to February
  • finding dens and raising pups – April to June
  • young coyotes leaving the den – September to October

Follow these steps to stay safe:

  • stay calm and keep your distance
  • never approach or feed it
  • do not run – slowly back away while waving your arms and making noise
  • keep dogs on a 6 foot leash 
  • pick up small pets if coyote is near
  • carry a flashlight to scare off coyotes at night

When to report a coyote

Only report coyote sightings if there is an immediate safety risk:

  • call 911 only if a coyote is an immediate threat to public safety – direct contact has happened or is about to happen
  • call the Humane Society at 519-745-5615 if you find a dead coyote or other wildlife
  • visit the Ministry of Natural Resources website for tips on preventing and managing conflicts with coyotes.

Protect your pets

While coyotes generally avoid humans, they can be a risk to pets.

Reduce risks:

  • always walk dogs on a leash
  • keep cats indoors
  • keep dogs inside at night
  • watch pets outdoors, even in fenced yards
  • feed pets inside
  • store pet food indoors
  • clean up after your dog – coyotes are attracted to waste

Protect your property

If coyotes visit a neighbourhood, it’s probably due to an available food source.

Make your property less inviting to coyotes:

  • never leave food outside
  • store garbage, compost and pet food in secure containers
  • clean up fallen fruit and spilled birdseed
  • close gaps under decks and sheds with wire screening
  • use motion sensor lights

Relocation

In Ontario, coyotes cannot be relocated more than 1 kilometre. Relocating is also not effective — new coyotes will quickly move into the area. The best approach is to coexist safely and prevent conflicts.