Ottawa Authorized To Hire Coyote Trapper
February 3, 2010 5:20 PM
McGuinty Government Working With City To Address Public Safety Concerns
The Ministry of Natural Resources will assist the City of Ottawa to address their public safety concerns following reports of one or more aggressive coyotes in the Osgoode area. The ministry has given the municipality authorization to hire trappers for two months.
The ministry is also working with the city on longer-term measures, including:
- developing a coyote incident database to help determine where limited coyote control may be necessary
- mapping potential coyote habitat
- working with federal and municipal agencies to study coyote behaviour in the area and identify solution
- communicating with the public, and
- establishing a stakeholder steering committee to oversee the work of the municipality's coyote action plan and other local issues related to conflicts between people and wild animals.
To assist them in dealing with municipal wildlife conflicts, the ministry provides municipalities and private landowners with advice, technical assistance and referrals to appropriate agencies and animal control services.
QUICK FACTS
- This temporary authorization is designed to address concerns about public safety and personal property in the Osgoode area.
- Trappers retained by the City under this authorization must be accredited, licensed trappers who are trained in humane trapping techniques.
- Never feed coyotes. Feeding them makes the animals less fearful of humans and habituates them to foods provided by humans.
LEARN MORE
- Learn now homeowners can take steps to protect themselves, their families, pets and property.
- The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has useful information about preventing livestock predation.
- Read about the ministry's strategy for managing human-wildlife conflict, and how people and wild animals can live side by side peacefully.
CONTACTS
- Media Desk
Communications Services Branch
416-314-2106
ontario.ca/natural-resources
"I share the concerns of municipal leaders about public safety. My ministry will work with the City of Ottawa to develop the tools it needs to respond to this issue and we will continue to work with the municipality on longer-term solutions."
– Linda Jeffrey
Minister of Natural Resources
Communities
