In Christie Pits, Alice Kent’s routine Tuesday evening took an unexpected turn when her cleaner discovered a baby coyote lounging on her bedroom mattress. Initially mistaking it for a fox, Kent was taken aback by the unusual visitor. This incident sheds light on the surge in human-coyote encounters in Toronto, with nine reported biting incidents since 2020, prompting Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik to propose an urgent action plan.
Recent events, including a child’s hospitalization after a coyote attack in Whitby, have sparked public concern, leading to debates on population control strategies. Kent, although initially charmed by the coyote, soon realized the potential dangers it posed, especially with its mangy condition. Concerned for her family’s safety, she promptly contacted emergency services and the Toronto Wildlife Centre.
The Toronto Wildlife Centre’s Executive Director, Nathalie Karvonen, highlighted the issue of coyote feeding in the area, emphasizing its detrimental impact on coyote behavior. Upon rescue, the coyote pup was treated on-site and released back into its habitat. Kent had previously encountered coyote pups on her property and took precautions advised by the Wildlife Centre.
Karvonen stressed the importance of removing food sources attracting coyotes and educating the public on coexisting safely with wildlife. While the Wildlife Centre tracks sick coyotes, the exact coyote population in the city remains uncertain. A comprehensive study would be needed to accurately assess the scale of Toronto’s coyote presence.