Mississauga residents may be seeing and hearing more coyotes over the next few weeks. The City of Mississauga says sightings tend to rise during the animals' mating season, which runs through January and February, as coyotes become more visible and more protective of their territory.

Residents may also notice more howling and yipping at this time of year as coyotes communicate with one another. Bare trees and shrubs make the animals easier to spot in winter, and they are active both day and night.

If you meet a coyote

The city's advice is to stay calm, give the animal space and leave the area slowly without sudden movements. In most cases, the coyote will move on by itself.

Never approach, feed, or try to interact with a coyote.

— City of Mississauga

Coyotes are especially defensive near their dens, which are often tucked into wooded areas or near fallen logs. A coyote guarding a den may show what the city calls escorting behaviour: following people from a distance, hunching its back, or barking and yipping to steer them away. If that happens, the city says to:

  • Stand tall and face the coyote

  • Wave your arms or open your jacket to look larger

  • Make noise by clapping, speaking firmly or jingling keys

  • Back away slowly, and do not run

Protecting pets

Coyotes may see dogs as a threat. The city recommends keeping dogs close on non-retractable leashes, never leaving pets outside unattended, sticking to open, marked paths and avoiding walks after dusk where possible.

Food is the bigger issue. Feeding wildlife is one of the main reasons coyotes lose their fear of people, the city says. Residents are asked to secure garbage and green bins, clean up fallen bird seed and remove outdoor food sources. Feeding wild animals or leaving out food to attract them is against the city's Animal Care and Control By-law, which carries a maximum penalty of $100,000.

In December, Ward 10 Coun. Sue McFadden asked residents to report anyone seen leaving food out for coyotes, after Animal Services flagged an ongoing problem of food being left out around Friendship Community Park in Churchill Meadows. Those reports can be made through 311.

How to report a sighting

Sightings can be logged on the city's online coyote and fox sightings map, which helps Mississauga Animal Services track activity and focus its education work. A coyote that appears sick or injured, or is not keeping a safe distance, should be reported to Animal Services at 905-896-5858.