As winter draws near, Brampton Animal Services is reminding residents about the ongoing coyote dispersal season. With increased wildlife activity during this period, understanding dispersal patterns and taking proactive steps can help ensure safe coexistence.
Understanding Coyote Dispersal Season
Dispersal season, which runs from October through February, is a key stage in a young coyote’s life. Around six to nine months of age, juvenile coyotes venture out from their family groups to establish new territories, reducing overcrowding and maintaining ecological balance. During this time, coyotes may become more visible as they search for food, shelter, and new areas to call home.
The absence of foliage in winter makes coyotes easier to spot, and their tracks in the snow reveal their presence. Although most active at dawn and dusk, limited food availability and shorter daylight hours can increase daytime sightings in urban areas.
Preventing Coyote Encounters: Food Disposal Matters
Proper food disposal is crucial to avoid attracting coyotes. These animals are opportunistic feeders and will take advantage of unsecured garbage, outdoor pet food, birdseed, and compost. Brampton’s by-law prohibits feeding wildlife, as providing food can diminish coyotes’ natural fear of humans and heighten the risk of conflict.
What to Know About Coyotes
Coyotes are small, wild canines, typically weighing between 30 to 40 pounds, with blonde, red, or brown fur. They adapt well to urban and rural areas, often inhabiting ravines, valley lands, and wooded spaces in cities like Brampton. While coyotes are generally shy and avoid confrontation, they play a vital role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
Why Coyotes Are in Brampton
Coyotes are not new to Ontario. Urban sprawl and human activity have created environments conducive to coyote survival, offering abundant prey and shelter. Despite this, many residents may never see a coyote due to their tendency to remain hidden from potential threats such as people, dogs, and vehicles.
Safety Tips for Families and Pets
- Leash Your Pets: Always keep dogs on a short leash, especially in parks or trails where coyotes are often seen.
- Secure Food Sources: Avoid leaving pet food, birdseed, or garbage outside. Store waste in secure containers and clean up food scraps.
- Supervise Pets Outdoors: Always watch pets outside, particularly during dawn and dusk.
- Be “Big and Loud”: If you encounter a coyote, make yourself look larger and make noise to scare it away.
- Report Unusual Behaviour: Contact Brampton Animal Services if you observe aggressive or sick coyotes.
Handling Coyote Encounters
If approached by a coyote, stay calm and do not run. Make yourself large and loud to scare it off. Report any encounters or aggressive behaviour by calling 3-1-1 or 9-1-1 in case of an immediate threat.
Aversion Conditioning Techniques
Residents can use aversion techniques like loud noisemakers or water bottles to safely deter coyotes. This method reinforces coyotes’ natural caution around humans.
Stay Informed with Brampton’s Coyote Sighting Map
The City of Brampton’s Coyote Sighting Map is an interactive tool that helps residents stay aware of local coyote sightings, allowing them to plan activities accordingly.
Brampton Animal Services’ Role in Community Safety
Brampton Animal Services is dedicated to fostering coexistence between wildlife and residents. Their efforts include:
- Conducting aversion conditioning to maintain coyotes’ natural wariness of humans.
- Monitoring and responding to coyote sightings and conflicts.
- Enforcing wildlife feeding by-laws and enhancing public awareness about coexistence.
Contact Information
For more details or to report a sighting, call Brampton Animal Services at 905.458.5800. Animal Control operates Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 11 PM, and on weekends and holidays from 8 AM to 6:30 PM. For emergencies involving aggressive coyotes, call 9-1-1.