Coyote spotted running through streets in downtown Toronto
A coyote was spotted roaming around a downtown Toronto neighbourhood on Monday morning.
The coyote was seen running along Queens Quay near the CN Tower, in the city’s Harbourfront community at around 9 a.m.
In videos captured by CTV News’ Adrian Ghobrial, the coyote is seen meandering nearby pedestrians on the sidewalk and bike lanes before dashing across the street moments before a truck and streetcar drive past.
Toronto Animal Services confirmed to CTV News Toronto they have received sighting reports and noted that residents may spot coyotes more frequently at this time of year.
"Coyote mating season also falls during January and February, which can lead to coyotes being more active and visible," the emailed statement reads. "It's quite normal for residents to see or encounter more coyotes in parks and green spaces across Toronto as they begin their search for a possible mate."
The City adds coyotes are typically shy and don’t pose a danger to people, but they can be unsafe for small pets. Pet owners should pick up their pets and carry them in their arms, or keep them on their leashes.
The City advises anyone who sees a coyote in a park or open area, or sees someone feeding wildlife to call 311.
Feeding coyotes is also prohibited, as feeding them can lead to public safety issues.
“Most interactions with coyotes were the result of a nearby, regular food source, primarily from people leaving food out or garbage behind in parks,” the City said.
“Feeding coyotes may cause them to expect food from people, becoming conditioned to approach closer for a food reward, and creating problems for both wildlife and our neighbourhoods.”
Residents who encounter a coyote are urged against running away. Instead, when a coyote comes too close, the City says to maintain eye contact, and try making yourself big and loud by waving your arms and shouting at it.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
'Increased fire activity' expected for Fort Nelson, B.C., blaze
A wildfire near Fort Nelson, B.C., that forced thousands to flee their homes grew almost 800 hectares overnight Saturday, according to officials.
Blinken delivers some of the strongest U.S. public criticism of Israel's conduct of the war in Gaza
Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday delivered some of the Biden administration's strongest public criticism yet of Israel's conduct of the war in Gaza, saying Israeli tactics have meant "a horrible loss of life of innocent civilians" but failed to neutralize Hamas leaders and fighters and could drive a lasting insurgency.