I’ve received several inquiries this week about what to do when coyotes are spotted in our villages – especially when concerns arise for children and small pets. While living alongside wildlife is part of our rural lifestyle, it’s important to stay aware of what to look for and how to reduce the chance of unwanted encounters. Coyotes are more visible during the winter and early spring months as food becomes harder to find, and they may be drawn closer to homes in search of easy sources of food. Residents can help discourage this by ensuring there are no attractants on their property, such as unsecured garbage, fallen fruit, backyard bird feeders, or compost materials containing meat, dairy, or eggs.

If you call 311 to report the sighting, staff will use the information to monitor the situation. More active intervention is rarely triggered and only in extreme cases when an animal becomes brazen – such as approaching people directly. Coyotes cannot be safely relocated. For any incident involving immediate danger, please call 911.