Although they prefer to avoid humans, coyote sightings in and around Ottawa are not uncommon, particularly near the Ottawa River. The animals pose little risk to humans.
To reduce the risk even further, the National Capital Commission (NCC) offers the following advice:
- At home, secure your garbage and compost bins so that coyotes and other wild animals cannot get in.
- If you have fruit trees or bushes on your property, pick any ripe fruit, and remove fallen fruit from the ground.
- Keep your dog on a leash when walking outside. Coyotes may see smaller dogs as prey, and larger dogs as threats.
For more information about co-existing with coyotes in the National Capital Region, visit the NCC website.
UPDATE | June 25, 2021:
Cats are easy prey for coyotes. Following a recent series of cat deaths in Ottawa, police and the Humane Society recommend keeping cats indoors.