Residents throughout Midwestern Ontario are being urged to stay vigilant as coyote breeding season kicks off. This period means the animals will be more active and may be spotted during the day.
The mating season lasts from late January to February, a time when coyotes roam further, become more territorial, and might view dogs as rivals. Wildlife officials warn that this can heighten the chance of encounters, especially in rural regions where coyotes are already common.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry recommends that residents keep their dogs on leashes, avoid leaving pets unattended outside, and get rid of food attractants like unsecured garbage, pet food, and fallen fruit. Farmers should also make sure their livestock is safe and remove potential den sites around their yards, sheds, and fence lines.
<p If you come across a coyote, it’s advised not to run away. Instead, stand your ground, make some noise, appear larger than you are, and slowly back away while keeping eye contact. Feeding wildlife is strongly discouraged since it raises the risk of aggressive behavior.
Officials emphasize that coyotes have become a permanent part of Ontario’s environment and that education and prevention are key strategies for reducing conflicts during the mating season.
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