COURTNEY McCLURE,
The Standard
NORTH DURHAM: You may have noticed coyotes prowling around many areas in North Durham. Usually, this is not an issue as most coyotes will flee when they see a human or another animal.
A coyote sighting was reported about a week ago in the Scugog area.
The Uxbridge-Scugog Animal Shelter has issued an alert for residents to stay vigilant. Here are a few things you can do to co-exist with coyotes.
While you’re outside, remain aware of your surroundings, keep your pets leashed and don’t feed any wild animals you see. Feeding wild animals can condition the animal and make them rely on you for food. Frequently feeding coyotes or other wild animals may also increase their tolerance toward humans. They may appear more in public places like parks and outside people’s homes.
Use sealed compost bins and garbage bags to deter wild animals. Don’t leave your pet’s food sitting outside.
If you have a fruit-bearing plant on, around or near your property, pick the ripened fruit. If there is any rotten or otherwise discarded fruit laying on the ground, pick it up and dispose of it. This can help keep wild animals, like coyotes, away from your property and home.
Motion-sensitive lighting and a motion-activated sprinkler system can make your lawn look less attractive to pesky animals like coyotes.
If you have gaps or spaces beneath your front or back porches, close them off using chicken wire or anything else that’s available to you. Coyotes like using these specific areas for shelter.
There are some quick facts you should also know about coyotes.
Adult coyotes keep their families safe by securing and defending their territory and also by frequently moving around.
Coyotes are very protective of their young and may attack if they feel threatened. For example, if you take a walk in a coyote-populated area, you should keep your dog leashed for the entire walk.
Coyotes consider other canines, like domesticated dogs, to be threats and will likely respond defensively, especially if they are near a den.
Use common sense when outside. Don’t wear earbuds and put away personal, electronic items like your cellphone.
To learn more quick facts about coyotes and how to co-exist with them, please visit coyotewatchcanada.com.