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The City of Ottawa has closed the Lalande Conservation Park in the east Ottawa community of Orléans as part of its response to a teen being attacked by a coyote last week.
Coun. Catherine Kitts had said the incident occurred June 3. CHEO, the children’s hospital in Ottawa, confirmed a boy was treated for injuries consistent with a coyote attack.
The city said staff had been monitoring an active coyote den in the area and was following up on the report to determine the next steps.
It said it had been closing paths, putting up signs, reaching out to residents and sending extra bylaw patrols to the area.
On Wednesday, the city said it closed the park on Tuesday and was talking with the province to see if it could get a rules exemption to relocate the coyotes.
It said it’s working on backup plans with experts and partners if that is not allowed. In the meantime, it said it has installed trail cameras and sent staff there to tell people to stay away.
“Protecting public safety remains the City’s priority as it responds to a complex situation in a residential area where people, pets and wildlife are in close proximity,” it said.
WATCH | The situation earlier this week:
City monitors coyote den after attack in Orléans
The City of Ottawa is warning people to be on the look out at Lalande Conservation Park in Orléans after a teenage boy was attacked by a coyote last week. David Fraser has the details.
The city said general sightings of coyotes can be reported to 311 so they can be tracked. If a wild animal poses a risk to public safety, the city said residents should call 911.
Residents are generally advised to respect warning and access restriction signs and avoid wooded areas after dark, the city said.
The city encourages residents to take the following precautions in an encounter with “aggressive wildlife”:
Never approach or attempt to touch the animal.Do not turn your back or run from the animal.Back away slowly while remaining calm.Stand tall, wave your arms, and make loud noises.Carry a flashlight when walking at night.
If a resident suffers scratch or bite by a wild animal that breaks they skin, they should contact Ottawa Public Health, the city said.