Residents of Liberty Village and Fort York are expressing growing alarm over increasing coyote attacks, sparking urgent calls for city officials to take decisive action. Recently, numerous pet dogs have been attacked by coyotes, leaving owners fearful during their daily walks.
The outbreak of coyote incidents has prompted local residents to gather and voice their concerns. Many are worried about the safety of their pets and themselves, fearing encounters with these increasingly aggressive animals. Ruby Kooner, one resident, has shared her traumatic experience, noting, "We are terrified when we are going on walks." Her pet Amber tragically died following complications from wounds inflicted by coyotes.
Reports indicate at least 13 attacks on dogs occurred over just nine days, alarming the community. Residents have witnessed coyotes hunting pets on leashes, leading to calls for city intervention. "Every walk is just terrifying because I have to be hyper-alert all the time,” said Johanna Fox, reflecting the common sentiment among those walking dogs through the area.
This escalation of coyote incidents reportedly correlates with the recent Ontario Place redevelopment, which may have destroyed habitat and food sources for these animals. Chris Glover, NDP MPP for Spadina-Fort York, asserted, "These coyotes have lost all fear of humans. Normally, coyotes would keep their distance. They are now actively hunting the dogs on leashes as prey. It's a real danger.”
These attacks have prompted residents to demand urgent action from city officials. At a community gathering, they called for enhanced safety measures, including monitoring patrols and the humane relocation of coyotes from residential areas. “What we’re asking for is relocation. Find a humane solution,” Kooner urged, stressing the need for continuous patrols to deter aggressive coyotes.
Incidents of coyote aggression have been on the rise, with residents sharing chilling accounts of encounters. Nadia, another resident, recounted how her beloved dog, Chico, was seized by a coyote during their walk near Dan Leckie Way. Despite her best efforts to rescue him, she found Chico’s remains days later under the Bathurst Street bridge.
Even attempts to deter coyotes using loud noises and assertive behavior have not yielded consistent results. Madhumitha Balasubramani described her own frightening standoff with a coyote. Despite screaming and making herself appear larger, the animal approached her and her dog, leading to her needing assistance from nearby residents to scare the coyote away. “The coyote did not care,” Balasubramani stated, highlighting the growing boldness of these animals.
The city has addressed these concerns, confirming 34 complaints about coyote encounters recently, with four incidents categorized as interactive, involving attacks on dogs leading to injuries. Carleton Grant, the city’s executive director of municipal licensing, reiterated their commitment to monitoring coyote activity and educating residents on how to coexist safely with wildlife.
Yet many residents feel these measures are insufficient. They argue for more comprehensive strategies to address the problem, especially considering the coyote behavior has changed drastically recently. “We shouldn’t be just letting this happen and waiting around,” Balasubramani reiterated.
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources also expressed its involvement, working alongside city officials, yet it remains constrained by policies against relocating coyotes beyond one kilometer due to concerns about pathogen spread. Glover is exploring the potential of exceptions but admits the current regulations may hinder effective solutions for the neighbourhood.
Residents like Kooner worry about the immediate future. The increased interactions with coyotes are being viewed as endangering not just pets but also children and their own safety. “This is out of control,” Fox added, reflecting the desperation felt within the community.
With mating season approaching, the perception of danger could escalate even more, warranting immediate action from city officials. “We are entitled to enjoy our greenspaces and feel safe,” said Genia Elkind, another resident. “This situation is unacceptable, and we are calling for change.”
The residents of Liberty Village and Fort York are now faced with the reality of sharing their neighbourhood with these bold coyotes. They continue to urge city officials to prioritize the safety of their community and take meaningful steps to protect both pets and people from future coyote attacks. The feeling of fear looms large, and residents remain steadfast, demanding actionable solutions to restore safety to their lives.