Coyote sightings prompt safety reminder from Newmarket officials

Residents in Newmarket are being reminded to stay calm and take simple precautions if they come across a coyote in their neighbourhood after several people reported recent sightings.

According to the Town, coyotes are generally shy animals that prefer to avoid people and will usually move along on their own. However, officials say knowing how to respond during a close encounter can help keep both people and pets safe.

Animal Services advises residents who see a coyote up close to stop and remain calm. Children and small pets should be picked up right away to reduce the risk of an interaction. The Town says people should stand still until the animal moves on, or slowly back away while maintaining eye contact. Residents are warned not to turn their back or run, as sudden movements can cause a coyote or fox to follow.

If a coyote behaves in a threatening manner, the Town says residents should try to appear large and make noise to scare it off. Animal Services recommends using a whistle, stomping feet, clapping hands, or yelling “Go away” to discourage the animal from approaching.

According to the Town of Newmarket, residents should call 911 if a coyote is actively aggressive or if a person or pet is in immediate danger, but not for a sighting. Reserve the use of 911 for emergencies only.

The Town is also encouraging residents to report sightings through its community coyote sighting tool. Officials say reporting helps alert others in the area and allows Animal Services to monitor coyote activity across the community.

“Coyotes have adjusted well to living in close proximity to humans and following the above noted precautions can help residents co-exist with these animals as the Town of Newmarket’s approach to living with coyotes is to leave them alone,” officials concluded.