Item - 2013.LS23.3

The Coyote Response Strategy aims to reduce negative interactions between humans, their pets and property, and coyotes.

Coyotes have adapted well to life in the city.  Although coyotes have posed little threat to humans, encounters have sometimes led to property damage and confrontations with pets. One main reason for these conflicts is people feeding coyotes, whether deliberately or inadvertently.

Research and experience have demonstrated that the most important actions that cities like Toronto can take to reduce direct public interaction with coyotes are education and the removal of coyote attractants such as food.  Other methods have proven either ineffective or unsafe for urban environments.

Toronto Animal Services' Coyote Response Strategy (the Strategy) is based on these best practices. It involves investigating and determining appropriate responses to coyote issues, including public education, information sharing, and in specific circumstances, removal of the coyote(s).  The report recommends that Council adopt the Strategy as the guiding policy for coyote management in the City of Toronto.

Toronto Animal Services (TAS) will continue building partnerships with community groups and coordinating with emergency responders to strengthen its ability to address issues with coyotes before conflict situations arise.

Legal Services was consulted in the preparation of this report.