Applying Conflict Resolution

Eastern Coyotes are monogamous when left to thrive in natural landscapes. Lethal persecution disrupts family dynamics and creates a void in a once established territory, opening up the landscape for another coyote or two to utilize this empty habitat.

Coyotes are diligent and devoted parents. The coyote father co-parents and provides food for his mate while she is nursing the pups in the den. It is critical to keep coyote families stable to provide the appropriate nourishment and life skill teachings for young pups and to be present to defend their home range (territory). This encourages and sustains a healthy ecosystem essential not only for pup survival but also to minimize human and coyote encounters and conflicts.

Progressive perspectives in terms of how to successfully meet the challenges of coexisting with wildlife are becoming the most popular approach to consider by many government agencies, policymakers, and frontline response personnel. Although this new paradigm shift can present several initial challenges for many municipalities that relied previously on lethal actions, there is an evolving mindset across Canada. Collaboration by municipalities partnered with consultation with Coyote Watch Canada by numerous cities demonstrates a new era of compassionate communities willing to develop and implement an effective coyote (canid and other wildlife) coexistence plan.

For example, the City of Niagara Falls, Ontario in partnership with Coyote Watch Canada, enacted one of the first Coyote Feeding By-Laws for Eastern Canada. Please review the Animal Control By-law for the City of Niagara Falls which is the current version of the feeding wildlife by-law updated in 2019.

Other communities across Ontario are now following the successful model in place for the City of Niagara Falls by drafting their very own Comprehensive Coyote Strategy Plan including similar tools for co-existence. Government agencies and city officials considering a compassionate and non-lethal long-term approach towards wildlife coexistence, we urge you to take a look at the successful model for the City of Niagara Falls.

Coyote Watch Canada as a collaborative wildlife consultant, has partnered with countless municipalities such as the City of Toronto, Whitby, Guelph, Cornwall, Burlington, Fort Erie, Mississauga, St. Catharines, and currently oversees the Living With Coyotes program for the City of Niagara Falls. We provide educational outreach and animal welfare support on a local, provincial and international level reaching a diverse audience with esteemed collegial impact.