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<\/p>\nMississauga residents can expect to see \u2014 and hear \u2014 more coyotes in the next month or so and city officials urge people to keep themselves and their pets safe if they do come across one or more of the wild animals.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring coyote mating season in January and February, activity is expected to increase across Mississauga, with residents likely to notice more coyote sightings, howling and territorial behaviour,\u201d the City of Mississauga said in a message to the public on Monday.<\/p>\n
Coyotes play an important role in Mississauga\u2019s ecosystem, city officials said, and while the critters typically avoid people, they are more visible during their mid-to-late-winter mating season.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt this time of year, coyotes become more visible and protective of their territory, and residents may hear more howling or yipping as they communicate with one another,\u201d city officials added.<\/p>\n
To keep themselves and their pets safe, residents are encouraged by the city to:<\/p>\n
Keep dogs on short, non\u2011retractable leashes.
\nAvoid den areas and wooded trails after dusk.
\nRecognize and safely respond to coyote \u201cescorting behaviour.\u201d
\nReport sightings using the city\u2019s interactive coyote and fox sightings map, which helps Animal Services officials monitor activity and target any education or response efforts.<\/p>\n
Coyote \u201cescorting behaviour\u201d can include the wild animal following people and\/or their pets from a distance, hunching its back or making vocal sounds \u201csuch as barking or yipping to guide you away from its den,\u201d the city said.<\/p>\n
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When confronted by a coyote displaying such behaviour, people are urged to:<\/p>\n
Stand tall and face the coyote.
\nWave your arms or open your jacket to appear larger.
\nMake noise by clapping, speaking firmly or jingling your keys.
\nBack away slowly and do not run.<\/p>\n
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Ward 10 Coun. Sue McFadden is calling on residents to report any sightings of people leaving food out for coyotes.<\/p>\n
Coyotes are active during both daytime and nighttime hours and they\u2019re easier to spot in winter months as trees and shrubs lose their foliage, city officials noted.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you see a coyote while walking or using local trails, stay calm and give it space. In most cases, the coyote will move away on its own. Slowly leave the area and avoid sudden movements,\u201d the city\u2019s notice to the public reads. \u201cNever approach, feed or try to interact with a coyote. Feeding wildlife is one of the main reasons coyotes lose their natural fear of people and become comfortable around humans.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mississauga Ward 10 Coun. Sue McFadden issued a reminder \u2014 and warning \u2014 to residents this past December about the potential dangers of feeding coyotes and other wild animals.<\/p>\n
Her caution to residents came in the wake of a recent increase in the unsafe \u2014 and illegal \u2014 behaviour<\/a> at a west-end park.<\/p>\n The \u201congoing problem\u201d in the Friendship Community Park area of Churchill Meadows, north of Thomas Street and west of Tenth Line, prompted McFadden to call on residents to report any sightings of people leaving food out for the wild animals.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you see something, say something \u2014 for the benefit of all,\u201d the councillor said in her December newsletter to the community, adding residents can call the City of Mississauga\u2019s 311 line to report the illegal activity.<\/p>\n \u201cFeeding wildlife is not good for you, the animals or the community. And it\u2019s illegal,\u201d the message to residents from McFadden continued. \u201cAnimal Services has noted an ongoing problem of food being left out for coyotes in the Friendship Community Park area of Churchill Meadows.\u201d<\/p>\n In her newsletter, McFadden provided a link to the city\u2019s website and a section on feeding wildlife<\/a>.<\/p>\n Coyotes, especially this time of year, will be more aggressive in protecting their dens, the city says.<\/p>\n Mississauga officials note in their online information that people, under the city\u2019s Animal Care and Control Bylaw, \u201care not allowed to feed wild animals or leave out food to attract wild animals on public or private property \u2026 the maximum penalty for violations of this bylaw is $100,000.\u201d<\/p>\n As far as family pets are concerned, city officials caution that coyotes may see them \u2014 especially dogs \u2014 as threats.<\/p>\n \u201cKeep dogs close, avoid using retractable leashes and never leave pets unattended outdoors,\u201d the city said, adding residents should also \u201ckeep your property clean to avoid attracting coyotes. Secure garbage and green bins, clean up fallen bird seeds and remove any outdoor food sources.\u201d<\/p>\n Animal Services officials at the city say coyotes are especially defensive near their dens and young pups, noting dens are often hidden in wooded areas or near fallen logs.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen walking pets, stay on open, marked paths and avoid walking after dusk whenever possible,\u201d officials added.<\/p>\n Residents who spot coyotes are asked to report the location using the City of Mississauga\u2019s online coyote sightings map<\/a>. Reporting helps Mississauga Animal Services monitor activity, respond appropriately and provide education in areas where needed, officials say.<\/p>\n Those who see a coyote that\u2019s sick, injured or not keeping a safe distance are urged to call Mississauga Animal Services at 905-896-5858.<\/p>\n Ongoing public education effort<\/p>\n City officials have been trying to get people to stop feeding coyotes and other wild animals in Mississauga for many years now, their public messaging campaign ramping up significantly the past three years or so.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Missy-coyotes-1-Dec-2024.jpeg\")
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