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Town to host info meeting in wake of coyote sightings by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 5 | Thursday, January 14, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Halton police said no one was injured after a coyote made an appearance at Oakville Trafalgar High School (OTHS) Tuesday. Officers were called to the east Oakville high school after receiving reports of a growling coyote approaching students. The canine ran away when police approached. Daytime sightings in east end Police said in recent months there have been several coyote sightings in town, including frequent daytime sightings in the southeast, between Trafalgar Road and Ford Drive. Wildlife experts have previously noted daylight hunting is normal coyote behaviour. If a coyote is spotted, Halton police are asking residents to be cautious and avoid approaching it. People should not feed coyotes as that will encourage them to come to residential areas, experts say. Anyone who believes a coyote is posing an immediate danger to the public, or a pet, can call 911. Coyote information evening Jan. 20 Due to the increased coyote activity, the Town of Oakville is hosting a coyote information meeting on Jan. 20, from 7-8:30 p.m. at St. Mildred's Lightbourn-School at 1080 Linbrook Rd. Representatives from the Town, the Oakville Milton Humane Society (OMHS), Toronto Wildlife Centre and Halton Regional Police will let residents know what's being done by various agencies, provide information on how to respond to a coyote sighting and help answer community questions or concerns. During the meeting, residents will learn tips for co-existing with wildlife and how to safely enjoy the town's trails and greenspaces. Coyotes are regularly sighted in Oakville along ravines and parklands. They are present throughout the year, but recent increased sightings in some residential neighbourhoods may be occurring for several reasons: · Food is readily available (compost, bird feeders, food waste being left out); · A case of mange among Oakville's coyote population is making the infected coyotes seek food and warmth in residential areas. The skin A coyote with patchy fur on its hindquarters, typical of mange. | Oakville Beaver file photo disease causes hair loss and has led to animals frequenting residential areas seeking warmth and easy food sources such as birdseed and garbage; · Interactions with people are being tolerated. Coyotes should be actively scared off when they first start approaching residential areas; · Coyotes mate in January and February, which means they are more active during this time, making them more visible; · Coyotes can be spotted more easily in the winter. Coyotes are usually wary of humans and avoid people whenever possible, however, human-coyote conflicts may arise when people intentionally feed them or inadvertently create freefood opportunities. The Town advises: · Never feed a coyote. Feeding makes the animals less fearful of humans. Ensure garbage and compost are inaccessible; · Do not leave food in town garbage cans. This encourages coyotes and other wildlife to frequent parks and sidewalks to find food; · Never approach or touch a coyote or stray dog. A coyote may be mistaken for a lost pet; · If available, throw items (e.g. rocks, tennis balls, etc.) towards a coyote to scare it off; · Do not turn your back on, or run from, a coyote. Stand tall, wave your arms and make lots of noise. Discourage coyotes from entering your property by consistently frightening them away; · Keep pets on a leash and supervise them at all times when they are in the yard. Town staff said mange is not a threat to humans or pets and does not directly lead to increased aggression among coyotes. There was an apparent coyote attack on a small dog, which occurred in east Oakville in early December 2015. Darwin, a four-year-old shih tzu, went missing from his backyard on the evening of Dec. 8. His family found what appeared to be his tail not far from the home the next morning. Coyotes have also been reported by residents in the southwest and southcentral areas of town in recent months. CONCEPT LIGHTING GROUP R INJURED? I Can Help! E V O D L E H K END! E E YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY W G K N L WEE UNLESS I GET YOU MONEY BOXI A FIN My team of experienced lawyers can Plustakeanadditional20%off *See store for details some conditions apply. The Region's LaRgesT and FinesT LighTing CoLLeCTions Entire Store On Sale * help you with: · Car accidents · Slip and Falls · Disability Claims (Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, CPP) · Wrongful Dismissal OFFICES IN OAKVILLE AND TORONTO For a free consultation call: Oakville: 905.842.2022 or Toronto: 416.351.9222 email: sspadafora@slspc.ca PLATINUM 243 Speers Road 905.849.liTe(5483) Oakville 5980 Mclaughlin Rd. #3 near Britannia 905.712.4548 MiSSiSSauga 1515 n. Service Road 905.331.7444 BuRlingTOn Sam Spadafora Injury and Employment Law www.conceptlighting.ca