THUNDER BAY — Even a single coyote sighting can cause a stir, but the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) says it has received a low number of coyote-related calls this winter in the Thunder Bay-Ignace District.
Many of the calls they did receive were related to sightings reported in one Thunder Bay neighbourhood.
The MNR said in a written statement that it received multiple reports of an unconfirmed coyote sighting in the Northwood area in mid to late February.
These public reports described the coyote as healthy, according to the MNR.
Northwood resident Ashley Winter posted to Facebook saying she encountered a coyote while driving home with her daughter as far back as Jan. 24.
In a written statement she said a coyote was spotted on Redwood Avenue near St. Francis School, heading towards Dalhousie Street.
“We thought it was a loose dog, so we decided to follow. While on Dalhousie, we realized it wasn’t a dog,” said Winter.
“We then noticed the coyote in Dalhousie Park. That’s when I got my phone to take the video.”
Winter was not the only resident who saw a coyote in the area.
Another resident posted to Facebook saying they'd observed a coyote on Ryerson and onto Fanshaw Street closer to Feb. 28.
When the district office followed up with callers who reported the animal, they indicated that the coyote had not been seen again, suggesting it was likely passing through the area.
Nonetheless, the MNR asks people to always exercise caution around wildlife.
If residents encounter a coyote, officials recommend they:
- Never approach or touch a coyote.
- Don't turn their back on or run from a coyote.
- Back away from the coyote while remaining calm.
- Stand tall, wave their hands and make lots of noise.
- Carry a flashlight at night to scare off coyotes.
- If a coyote poses an immediate threat or danger to public safety, call 911.
The MNR added that if people see a coyote, keep their distance as the animals will most likely avoid people and keep dogs leashed when walking in areas that coyotes or other wildlife might inhabit as they may consider off-leash dogs a threat or prey.
It also reminds the public that they should not feed coyotes as the typically shy animals may become bolder around people after repeated access to human food sources.
Residents can find more information about preventing and managing coyote interactions on the Ontario website.
