Coyote altercation reported in City of Waterloo

The City of Waterloo is warning residents to be careful after an interaction was reported involving a coyote.

In a social media post on Tuesday, the city said the altercation was between a coyote and her pups and a resident with a dog.

The incident happened on the GeoTime Trail in Vista Hills and was reported to the Waterloo Regional Police Service around 11:50 a.m. Tuesday. They said no physical injuries were reported.

The city is encouraging residents to exercise extra caution and keep their dogs on a leash.

According to the provincial government’s website, coyotes are typically wary of humans but they have been known to kill small, unattended dogs. Diseases and parasites carried by coyotes can also pose a risk to pets.

The website recommends keeping dogs on a leash, carrying a flashlight to scare off coyotes at night and never letting dogs chase after a coyote.

If anyone encounters the animals, they are encouraged to keep their distance. If the coyote appears to be aggressive, residents should never turn their back to it, try to appear as tall as possible and make lots of noise while backing away.