Wolf & Coyote Sightings Confirmed In Manitouwadge

Written by Township of Manitouwadge on 16 November 2011

ATTENTION MANITOUWADGE RESIDENTS

A wolf lays in the shade on a hot summer day. Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com

PLEASE BE ADVISED, there are confirmed reports of Coyote/Wolf sightings on the streets in our townsite and living near the Manitouwadge area. These animals are generally shy and avoid humans, however, some coyotes have been reported to not be fearful recently around people walking. They can lose their fear when they learn to associate us and our surroundings with easily available food. As with any wild animal, you should use caution. Coyotes/wolves are wild animals and should not be fed or approached.

Homeowners can take steps to ensure wolves, coyotes, fox etc., aren’t attracted to their property and to keep their pets safe. To reduce the potential for coyote encounters, the Ministry of Natural Resources have these tips below for thepublic or go to: www.mnr.gov.on.ca

Call 911 IF ANY WILD/DOMESTICATED ANIMAL IS POSING AN IMMEDIATE THREAT OR DANGER TO PUBIC

HUNTERS– Please dispose of wild game carcasses far away from town (at least 5 km or more)

Tips for preventing coyote encounters with people and/or pets.

Do not approach or feed coyotes

Coyotes are usually wary of humans and avoid people whenever possible. However, they are wild animals and should not be approached.
People should NOT feed coyotes/wolves/fox, by leaving ANY food source on homeowners property. Feeding them makes the animals less fearful of humans and habituates them to foods provided by humans.
Aggressive behaviour towards people is unusual for coyotes, but people should always exercise caution around wildlife.

If you encounter a coyote

Never attempt to “tame” a coyote.
Do not turn your back on, or run from, a coyote. Back away from the coyote while remaining calm.
Use whistles and personal alarm devices to frighten an approaching or threatening animal

Secure garbage and minimize attractants on your Property

Properly store and maintain garbage containers to help prevent coyotes and other animals from becoming a problem.
Place trash bins inside an enclosed structure to discourage the presence of small rodents, which are an important food source for coyotes.
Put garbage at curb side the morning of the scheduled pickup, rather than the night before.
Use enclosed composting bins rather than exposed piles. Coyotes are attracted to dog or cat waste as wells as products containing meat, milk and eggs.
Pick ripe fruit from fruit trees and remove fallen fruit from the ground and keep bird feeders from overflowing as coyotes are fond of fruit, nuts and seeds.
Keep pet food indoors.

Use deterrents and fences can keep coyotes away from your home and gardens

Use motion-sensitive lighting to make your property less attractive to coyotes and other nocturnal wildlife.
Clear away bushes and dense weeds near your home where coyotes may find cover and small animals to feed upon.
Close off crawl spaces under porches, decks and sheds. Coyotes use such areas for denning and raising young.

Keep all pets on leashes or confined to a yard

Cats and small dogs may be seen as prey by coyotes, while larger dogs may be injured in a confrontation. To avoid these situations consider the following:
As coyotes are primarily nocturnal, animals should be kept inside at night.
Keep catsindoors and do not allow pets to roam from home.
Walk your dog on a leash at all times. If your yard does not have a fence, use a leash while on your property to keep your dog close to you.
Spay or neuter your dogs. Coyotes are attracted to, and can mate with, domestic dogs that have not been spayed or neutered.

If you have any questions regarding this notice, would like to report a coyote/wolf sighting, please call Cherie Gray/MLEO at 807 826-3227 Ext 244.

The Manitouwadge Municipal Law Enforcement Office reminds all residents to comply with our local Garbage By-Law 91-25, Dog By-Law 92-45, Cat By-Law 2003-10 and Firearms By-Law 94-39. By-Laws can be downloaded at www.manitouwadge.ca or are available at the Reception Area during working hours.

Thank-you for your Co-operation in keeping Manitouwadge a Safe and Clean Place to Live!