Residents of Timmins, Ontario, are on high alert following a series of concerning coyote encounters this week. The incidents, which involved the animals attempting to approach both people and their dogs, have prompted urgent advice from provincial authorities.
Close Encounters Prompt Safety Warnings
On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, multiple reports came in detailing bold behaviour from coyotes in different areas of the city. A pair of coyotes tried to approach humans and dogs in separate incidents, signalling a shift from typical wary animal behaviour to more assertive and potentially dangerous interactions.
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) has been notified and is actively advising the community. The core message from officials is clear: do not let pets roam freely, especially at dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active. "We don't want pets to end up as wildlife food," was the stark warning echoed in community discussions, highlighting the real risk unattended small animals face.
Understanding and Mitigating the Risk
The increase in sightings and bold encounters is not entirely unexpected for Northern Ontario communities, especially as seasons change and natural food sources may become scarcer. However, the proactive approach of the animals towards leashed dogs is a significant escalation that demands public attention.
The MNRF offers several key pieces of advice for Timmins residents:
- Always supervise pets when they are outdoors, especially smaller dogs and cats.
- Keep pets on a leash during walks and avoid known areas of recent coyote activity.
- Never intentionally feed coyotes, as this erodes their natural fear of humans.
- Secure garbage, compost, and pet food indoors to avoid attracting wildlife.
- If you encounter a coyote, make yourself appear large, make loud noises, and back away slowly—never run.
Community Response and Coexistence
While the situation is causing understandable concern, the goal is not to eliminate coyotes but to promote safe coexistence. Coyotes play a vital role in the local ecosystem by controlling rodent populations. The current focus is on managing human behaviour to reduce attractants and prevent habituation.
The incidents on Wednesday, October 18, serve as a critical reminder for all residents in Northern Ontario communities to remain vigilant. By following the MNRF's guidelines, the public can help ensure the safety of their families and pets while respecting the wildlife that shares the landscape. The ministry continues to monitor the situation and urges residents to report aggressive or threatening coyote behaviour directly to their local office.
