A couple of recent coyote sightings has prompted the city to remind everyone to be cautious, but not overly concerned about the wild animals.
A video of what appears to be a coyote taking a run on Gloria Street in Barrie's north end, and another of one strolling through Sunnidale Park sparked a few calls to officials.
Tammy Banting, the city's manager of enforcement services, told BarrieToday there haven’t been many calls about coyotes, though she is aware of the den in Sunnidale Park.
“We don’t usually get calls about coyotes unless it is a situation where they are dead or injured on city property, maybe from being hit by a vehicle,” said Banting. “There have been sightings of one in Sunnidale Park, but that is a large, natural area.”
Banting said there are many wildlife throughout the city that draw attention, but the city doesn’t get a lot of calls.
“We have porcupines, skunks, raccoons, Barrie is full of wildlife and we don’t get calls regarding them,” said Banting. “It is rare to have a sighting of a coyote but if people take precautions, it is usually uneventful.”
Banting reminded residents that they should not approach, feed or try to interact with wildlife they may encounter in the city’s parks or on trails.
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s (MNRF) Jolanta Kowalski said that they periodically receive reports of coyotes in Barrie. She noted coyotes are part of the natural ecosystem in Ontario and are present in many urban and suburban landscapes, as well as in natural and forested environments.
“People and wild animals live side by side in Ontario. Coyote sightings are commonplace with few reports of conflict,” Kowalski told BarrieToday.
Kowalski couldn’t speak to whether there was an increase in sightings, but said there isn’t much to worry about with the animals.
“Coyotes are usually wary of humans and avoid people whenever possible. They find their way to residential areas where they may tear open garbage, cause concern for residents and even come into conflict with pets,” said Kowalski. “If you see a coyote, keep your distance and the animal will most likely avoid you.”
For anyone concerned about coyotes in their area, head to the Ontario government website here.
