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
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.