The City of Markham has put down coyotes that were linked to a series of recent attacks and encounters near Mc Cowan Road and 16th Avenue.
The city reported that these animals showed “unprecedented and abnormal behaviour” and it was decided they would continue to pose a threat to public safety.
This choice was made in collaboration with York Regional Police, Coyote Watch Canada, Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge, and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
The update comes after several incidents in the area over the past month, including an incident where a child was scratched at a playground and another where a teenager was bitten.
Regional Councillor Alan Ho shared more details in a We Chat post, mentioning that a male coyote was euthanized on June 21 and a female coyote the next morning. He also noted that three coyotes had been removed from the area, though the city hasn’t specified how many were euthanized overall.
According to Ho, these two animals are thought to have been mates and have been sent for testing and necropsies to see if health or behavioral issues played a role in the attacks.
At the same time, Markham’s animal care officers are trying to catch another coyote suffering from mange-a skin disease affecting wild canines. Officials stated this animal hasn’t shown aggressive behavior and should be treated and rehabilitated if caught.
Residents who see a coyote lingering or acting strangely are encouraged to report it to the city’s contact centre.
Scarlett Liu is a federally funded at Markham Economist & Sun
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