Alice Kent, a resident of Christie Pits, has a weekly routine of leaving her back door open for her cleaner every Tuesday evening. However, one particular day took an unexpected turn when she discovered a baby coyote lounging on her bed, mistaking it for a fox. This incident sheds light on the rise in human-coyote encounters in Toronto, with nine reported incidents of coyote bites since 2020, prompting Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik to propose an urgent action plan.
Recent events, including a child being attacked in Whitby, Ontario, have sparked concerns and discussions about managing coyote populations. Kent, initially amused by the coyote pup, quickly became apprehensive about the potential dangers it posed, especially considering its skin condition, mange. Promptly contacting 911 and the Toronto Wildlife Centre, Kent sought help in handling the situation.
The response team, including the Toronto Wildlife Centre and local police, successfully captured the coyote pup, which was known to be part of a sick family suffering from social sarcoptic mange. After assessing its condition and providing necessary treatment, the pup was released back into the area. Kent had previously encountered coyote pups on her property, following advice from the Wildlife Centre on how to deter them.
Nathalie Karvonen, the executive director of the Toronto Wildlife Centre, emphasized the importance of not feeding coyotes to prevent habituation and suggested practical measures to discourage their presence. While acknowledging concerns about coyotes, Karvonen also highlighted the need to dispel unnecessary fears, emphasizing the Wildlife Centre’s focus on tracking only sick coyotes in Toronto. The exact number of coyotes in the city remains uncertain, requiring substantial research to determine accurately.