UPDATED: Is Toronto’s Coyote Problem Actually a Human Problem?
A look at Liberty Village's rising coyote encounters, outdated city strategies, and the role of human behaviour in escalating urban wildlife conflict.
Note: This article was updated on May 13, 2025, around 5:00 pm to reflect new information published by the City of Toronto on May 13, 2025.
TORONTO, ON–For months, residents of Toronto’s Liberty Village and Fort York neighbourhoods have been dealing with an unprecedented coyote issue. Dogs have been attacked, some fatally, leaving pet owners fearful. But beyond the rising tensions, a deeper issue remains: a lack of public education, enforcement of bylaws, widespread misinformation, and a city strategy that hasn’t been meaningfully updated in over a decade.
One of the dogs fatally attacked was “Chico” a Chihuahua, while being walked in the Dan Leckie Way and Housey Street area on January 24th, 2025. CityNews reported that “Chico” was grabbed by a coyote that emerged from the bushes, quickly running off with “Chico” being held by the neck. The owner, only identified as “Nadia” made the following statement to CityNews.
“I was holding onto the leash pretty tight as I always do, and [the coyote] pulled me and I fell forward. I picked up Pedro, my second dog, and I started running, chasing him up towards Dan Leckie. There was a lot of cars and people outside. Some people were yelling, trying to stop him. Cars that were going up Dan Leckie were honking, trying to stop him, maybe scare him off. But he just didn’t let go. He just kept going.”
-Owner of “Chico,” Nadia, in a statement to CityNews.
Tragically, “Chico’s” remains would be found a few days later by a city worker at the Fort York Historical Site, partially buried underneath a staircase that leads to a building on the property, according to CityNews.
In response to the increasing concerns, a Virtual Town Hall was held, hosted by the Deputy Mayor and Ward Councillor for Spadina-Fort York, Ausma Malik, on February 13th.
Victoria Badham, Program Manager, Education and Outreach at the Toronto Wildlife Centre was in attendance and explained that the Liberty Village coyotes are experiencing “trigger stacking,” a buildup of stressors such as off-leash dogs, habitat loss, and human feeding, which makes them more reactive and increases the risk of conflicts with pets.
“What we have seen in the past couple of months has already been outlined in terms of Ontario Place and the construction, as well as the off-leash dog issue and the dogs being chased, and what this does is cause trigger stacking.”
“When these coyotes are being chased repeatedly, experiencing being chased or attacked. That creates a sense of trauma. So they are going to start taking a proactive response to these situations, and I think that's a lot of what we’re seeing in this area now.”
-Victoria Badham, Program Manager, Education and Outreach at the Toronto Wildlife Centre.
Other GTA municipalities such as Oakville and Vaughan have proactively updated their policies to effectively respond to the issues that can lead to “trigger stacking.”
On the west coast in Vancouver, Stanley Park, which once saw over 40 aggressive coyote encounters in a short period, was able to effectively manage the situation through a combination of education, enforcement, and strategic intervention.
So why hasn’t the City of Toronto updated its Coyote Response Strategy since 2013.
Background
The City of Toronto has a Coyote Response Strategy, initially developed in 2003. It was reconsidered in 2004 to allow the use of firearms against coyotes.
The strategy received another update in 2013, prompted by a letter from then-Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker for Scarborough Centre. In the letter, De Baeremaeker highlighted the need to update the city coyote strategy, stating in the letter that the city should “create a formal ‘no-kill’ protocol” and “clear response protocol for emergency responders, ban the feeding of coyotes within City limits, and launch a comprehensive outreach and education campaign regarding living in harmony with coyotes.”
De Barermakerker’s letter also touched on the trapping and relocation of coyotes.
“Recent requests to trap or shoot coyotes within the city have been ill-advised for several reasons. First, killing coyotes doesn't work. Removing one coyote just makes more room for the next coyote. Second, trapping, shooting and/or poisoning coyotes is actually more dangerous to the public than to the coyote. Finally, in additionally to being ineffective, trapping is also prohibitively expensive.”
(Retired) Councilor Glenn De Baeremaeker for Scarborough Centre
The 2013 update also included a joint submission from Barry Kent MacKay, Canadian Representative for Born Free USA, and Liz White, Director and Leader of Animal Alliance. Lesley Sampson, Co-founder and Director of Coyote Watch Canada, made a separate submission.
In their joint submission, MacKay and White expressed encouragement over the city's collaboration with Coyote Watch Canada, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, and the Toronto Wildlife Centre. They also supported the implementation of best practices from Oakville and Niagara Falls. They recommended the creation of a “Strategic Wildlife Unit” within the Toronto Police Service, where officers would be trained in humane non-lethal wildlife conflict resolution.
No “Strategic Wildlife Unit” exists within the Toronto Police Service, nor does training regarding calls for wildlife, such as coyotes. When reached for comment on the matter by email, Nadine Ramadan, Senior Communications Advisor, stated, “When an officer encounters injured wildlife, there is a procedure in place, including contacting the Emergency Task Force (ETF) unit to dispatch the animal if needed. Officers are permitted to dispatch an animal themselves, but only if waiting for ETF would cause further risk to the public or unnecessarily prolong the animal’s suffering.”
When asked if Toronto Police plays a role in coyote response calls, Ramadan stated, “If there is a medical emergency or to provide immediate protection for the public, we would respond to the original call, but further investigations would be done by animal services.”
Sampson’s submission highlighted the importance of community partnerships in coyote management and emphasized successful coexistence models, such as the Living With Coyotes program in Niagara Falls. She recommended amendments to the strategy, including more precise terminology regarding coyote behaviour, a stronger bylaw to address wildlife feeding, increased public education efforts through signage, and the development of an online coyote sighting report system.
In October of 2024, the City of Toronto’s Economic Development Committee received a letter from Stephen Holyday, Councillor Ward 2, Etobicoke Centre, outlining a series of coyote issues starting July 1st, 2024, in Princess Margaret Park. The letter highlighted problems with public education and misinformation.
“As demonstrated by the discourse of the meeting, ambiguity exists about the role of the municipality in addressing wildlife such as coyotes, the legal and regulatory context, the threshold of what constitutes a threat to public safety, and about how to report information about coyote encounters to the Toronto Animal Services. Expectations of the City and opinions on the Coyotes varied, due in part to the difficulty of easily accessing factual information and a clear policy.”
- Stephen Holyday, Councillor Ward 2, Etobicoke Centre in a letter to the Economic and Community Development Committee
The issue in the area of Princess Margaret Park saw 27 calls to 311 regarding coyotes in the area in 2024, compared to just one report in the same location in 2023, according to a report by CBC.
Coyote Watch Canada’s Field Investigation
Coyote Watch Canada is a non-profit, community-based wildlife organization that promotes positive human-wildlife coexistence. The organization has been actively collaborating with the City of Toronto to address coyote-related concerns in Liberty Village, including developing the "Coyotes in the Urban Landscape" online learning module.
In response to the situation in Liberty Village, Coyote Watch Canada’s team conducted a field investigation, published on February 4th, 2025, which revealed several key findings:
The significant loss of habitat around Ontario Place and other infrastructure changes has displaced resident coyote families and forced their dispersal.
Abandoned buildings beside the railway tracks (also a wildlife corridor) attract residents who trespass in this area to run their dogs off leash.
Three significant access holes in the fencing infrastructure allows for people, dogs and coyotes to travel into the railway track area and into the greenspaces
We’ve received countless reports of off-leash dogs chasing/harassing coyotes.
People in the community are feeding wildlife causing coyotes to be more tolerant of people and increasing their proximity to high activity areas.
Land use access has changed with population growth, temporary living shelters, off leash dogs and wildlife.”
“These elements are contributing to the negative interactions between coyotes and dogs in Liberty Village. Of particular concern and compounding the issues are choices by dog guardians. Illegally off-leash dogs will chase and cause injury or distress to coyotes; this leads to coyotes becoming reactive and defensive toward dogs. Further, extensive evidence shows dog poo bags and exposed faeces left in and around the park, which attracts rodents – a favourite meal for coyotes. Additionally, using a short leash will aid in maintaining control of a pet when recreating outdoors.”
Coyote Watch Canada - Liberty Village Coyote update.
Railway Trespassing Concerns
Trespassing within a railway corridor falls outside the scope of the City of Toronto’s responsibilities and falls under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Government through Go Transit/Metrolinx.
Both Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and Canadian National Railway (CN) have confirmed that they do not own the section in question and have directed us to contact Go Transit/Metrolinx for further information.
Despite multiple attempts to reach out to Metrolinx for clarification, they have not responded.
The Ministry of National Resources (MNR) Responsibilities
There has been some confusion regarding the responsibilities of urban wildlife management. However, the Ministry of Natural Resources website, under the section "Preventing and Managing Conflicts with Coyotes," clearly states that this is not within the MNR’s jurisdiction.
“Municipalities are responsible for taking appropriate actions when human-wildlife encounters create ongoing conflict situations on municipal property. Municipalities can also take action on private property with the permission of the landowner. No approval or authorization is required from the ministry in these cases.”
-Ministry of National Resources Website - Preventing and managing conflicts with coyotes
In a publication from the MNR titled "Best Practices Guide: Coyote-Human Interactions," the ministry outlines its responsibilities in managing human-wildlife conflicts. Specifically, the MNRF is responsible for administering the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 (FWCA), which sets the conditions under which certain mammals, including coyotes, can be harassed, captured, or killed. The publication highlights several key points regarding the ministry's role:
The MNRF provides guidance to municipalities and landowners on how to prevent and resolve human-wildlife conflicts.
The ministry works with local police, upon request, to address emergency situations that may pose an immediate public safety threat.
The ministry conducts research and shares findings on topics like urban coyote behaviour and movement.
So What's Happening in Toronto?
In the aftermath of the incidents occurring over the winter 2024/25 period, Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik requested that the City Council, direct the Executive Director of Municipal Licencing and Standards, to develop a Downtown Coyote Action Plan and develop an interim report, before the May 6th meeting of the Economic and Community Development Committee, which was approved.
Specifically, the Deputy Mayor requested:
Assesses best practices used in other comparable urban jurisdictions, including Vancouver and other large dense cities, regarding management of coyotes and processes for resolving issues related to coyote interactions
Explores uses of technology or other tools for diversion
Outlines benefits and drawbacks to different approaches to manage the issue.
Includes consideration of existing regulations, municipal authority, input from wildlife experts, partners, and the province
Describes how wildlife management is planned for ahead of, during, and following construction on all City-led projects and proposes recommendations
Any other applicable information, resources, and strategies for managing and addressing coyotes in downtown communities, including considerations at the municipal, provincial and federal level
-Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik in a Letter to the Economic and Community Development Committee
On March 18th, 2025, the City of Toronto announced and released a report entitled, “Consolidated Summary Report: Expert Panel on Coyotes in Fort York/Liberty Village.” The report was prepared by LURA Consulting, a Toronto-based company for the Toronto Animal Services.
The report states that Toronto’s current coyote management strategy aligns with best practices. However, its Coyote Response Strategy is two pages long, focusing primarily on education, feeding deterrence, and removal. In comparison, Oakville’s strategy spans four pages, while Vaughan’s is 28 pages, outlining a more detailed response. Both municipalities have a more expansive and well-defined response matrix, incorporating broader education programs and stricter enforcement measures, strategies that experts say are key to reducing human-coyote conflicts.
An independent review of the report was conducted by Dr. Dennis Murray, biology professor and Canada Research Chair in Integrative Wildlife Conservation at Trent University, who said “I don’t think that it provides [the City] with very logical or evidence-based solutions as to how to resolve this difficult situation.” according to CityNews
Based on the pattern of responses occurring primarily after an increase in coyote attack reports, the city's approach appears more reactive than proactive, with limited emphasis on education and enforcement where needed
Random Photo Adventure Chronicles repeatedly contacted the City of Toronto to obtain information to confirm whether it was following its current Coyote Management Strategy, explicitly focusing on public education. Despite the requests, no answer was received from the City of Toronto by publication.
What has actually been done?
According to a report published by the City of Toronto on April 24, 2025, based on the recommendations from the Consolidated Summary Report: Expert Panel on Coyotes in Fort York/Liberty Village, the City of Toronto has highlighted the following actions being taken so far.
In late March, the city contracted “Critter Gitter”, a licensed wildlife control company, and “Coyote Watch Canada”, a non-profit specializing in aversion conditioning, to assess and manage urban coyote activity. The teams began fieldwork on March 23, with Critter Gitter conducting an initial site assessment on March 25. The company's follow-up visit took place the week of April 22.
Since then, Coyote Watch Canada has spent approximately ten days in the field, averaging seven hours per day with one to three staff members on site. Their work has focused on multiple parks in the area, including Ordnance Triangle, Coronation Park, Massey Harris Park, and the Fort York National Historic Site.
The City’s report states, “Coyotes encountered are responding to aversion techniques and displaying fear of humans.” It even mentions that one coyote appeared to move west out of the area. City staff say that litter levels in parks and public areas have risen recently, likely due to warmer weather and increased foot traffic. The seasonal shift has also complicated wildlife management efforts, with leftover food and garbage creating attractants for rats and, by extension, coyotes.
After consulting with residents, more than 50 new signs have been installed in the area, and additional signage has been requested for the Toronto Island and ferry terminal.
In addition to its annual winter outreach on urban coyote safety, the City of Toronto is developing a broader public education campaign aimed at helping residents coexist safely with wildlife year-round. This initiative arises amid growing concerns over uncontrolled food sources in Liberty Village and surrounding neighborhoods. City staff have documented instances of residents intentionally feeding animals and leaving food unsecured outdoors, which can attract coyotes and other wildlife. The upcoming campaign is expected to address these issues directly, focusing on minimizing attractants, securing pet food, and educating the public on responding during coyote encounters.
The report also stated that “waste patrols” occur every Tuesday morning on Ordnance Street, across East Liberty Street, and north on Dufferin Street, to control “uncontained waste”
Outcomes from the May 6th Economic and Community Development Committee Meeting
At the Economic and Community Development Committee meeting, Toronto's Deputy Mayor, Ausma Malik, called for urgent support for the Downtown Coyote Action Plan due to a sharp rise in coyote incidents in Ward 10, which is linked to habitat loss from the Ontario Place redevelopment. With over 100 service requests already in 2025, far exceeding past numbers, Malik proposed stronger 311 reporting tools, improved public communication, proactive food source management, potential reproductive control, and clearer response protocols. The motion to adopt the plan was carried. The plan is intended to inform a city-wide update to the Coyote Response Strategy later this year.
NEW: City of Toronto euthanizes two coyotes
The City of Toronto announced through a press release on May 13, 2025, that they have made the “difficult decision” to euthanize a mated coyote pair due to rising concerns for public safety.”
The City stated that through the combination of data from multiple sources, they were able to “confirm that one coyote in the area was responsible for multiple negative encounters, and his mate was present during some encounters.” A third coyote has “left the area,” says the City, citing that this was likely due to the aversion conditioning techniques, and a fourth coyote remains in the area but does not appear to pose any issues at this time.
The City of Toronto has stated that the 2013 Coyote Response Strategy still guides the city’s response to coyote incidents. It will be updated in this year's fourth quarter (Q4). It remains clear that public cooperation and adequate enforcement of existing bylaws are essential for a successful coexistence strategy. Hopefully, the lessons learned and this momentum will be maintained during the city's review of the Coyote Response Strategy near the end of 2025.
If you encounter an incident involving a coyote, see anyone feeding wildlife, or need to report any violations, the City of Toronto urges you to contact 311 or 416-392-CITY (2489).
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