THUNDER BAY — Melissa Miller initially thought she had spotted a stray dog that might need help getting home.
As she was driving in the Kingsway/Brock Street area of Thunder Bay last week, Miller saw the animal on a sidewalk a short distance from her car.
So she rolled down the window and called out to it.
The canine started loping toward Miller, then abruptly turned into a yard.
It was only later that she learned her encounter had actually been with a coyote.
"I thought it was a loose dog. Then after I showed my boyfriend and posted it on Facebook everyone was saying 'that's a coyote.' It freaked me right out," Miller said.
"From the comments on Facebook, apparently there's a family of three living in the area. Behind the train tracks there's a bit of a forest, and they kind of hang out there."
Miller lives in the Kingsway area.
To date, she hasn't been made aware of any incidents involving coyotes attacking small dogs or people in the neighbourhood.
However, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says they are wild animals, and should never be approached.
Although coyotes find their way to residential areas where they may tear open garbage and come into conflict with pets, the ministry says they are usually wary of humans and will avoid contact whenever possible.
The ministry warns against feeding coyotes because this makes them less fearful of humans.
The ministry also recommends the following:
- never approach or touch a coyote
- do not turn your back on, or run from, a coyote
- back away from a coyote while remaining calm
- stand tall, wave your 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
Coyote Watch Canada also recommends protecting small children and pets by picking them up immediately if you encounter a coyote.
