Whitby continues to tackle coyote safety with upcoming special council meeting

The Town of Whitby has called a special council meeting due to the concerns about coyote activity in the area. No date has been set, but they’re tentatively looking at July 20. It comes after an increase in reported coyote ... Read more ›

The Town of Whitby has called a special council meeting due to the concerns about coyote activity in the area. No date has been set, but they’re tentatively looking at July 20. It comes after an increase in reported coyote activity.

Two children were also recently bitten in the town. Whitby Animal Services, along with Durham police, are monitoring coyote activity and increasing patrols where necessary. The town is adding more signage and staff have been directed to increase education about coyotes being amongst residents and what to do if you see one.

Whitby already has an online coyote reporting tool and public coyote sightings dashboard here . Staff use the information to look for trends. An increase in coyote activity on the Railway Trail at Heber Downs Conservation Area has forced CLOCA to temporarily close a portion of it.

Coyote safety has been added to the mayor’s annual Community Safety Roundtable in August that brings together staff, police and school boards. At the special council meeting, town staff will provide an update on the ‘Coyote Coexistence and Response Strategy,’ and other community partners will speak. If you would like to talk to the mayor about coyote safety she is asking residents to email her at mayor@whitby.ca

There is more about coyote safety here .