Coyote whistles available to Burlington residents concerned about recent spate of attacks
Published August 30, 2022 at 3:15 pm
With five reported coyote attacks on humans over the past two weeks, the City of Burlington is giving out coyote whistles to help residents ‘haze’ any aggressive animals they may encounter.
So far, the attacks have all been in south central and south east Burlington. None of the victims were seriously injured.
The whistles are available, first come, first serve at:
- Service Burlington, Sims Square, 390 Brant St., third floor
- Nelson Recreation Centre, 4235 New St.
They are also available at Burlington Public Library Branches:
- Aldershot Branch, 550 Plains Rd. E.
- Alton Branch, 3040 Tim Dobbie Dr.
- Brant Hills Branch, 2255 Brant St.
- Central Branch, 2331 New St.
- Kilbride Branch, 6611 Panton St.
- New Appleby Branch, 676 Appleby Line
- Tansley Woods Branch, 1996 Itabashi Way
Consistent hazing will scare off coyotes by re-instilling their fear of humans. Any time you see a coyote in a residential area, use hazing techniques to scare it away, such as:
- Spraying the coyote with water from a garden hose or a water gun filled with vinegar
- Throwing small rocks, large sticks, cans or rubber balls near the coyote
- Using whistles, air horns or banging pots
- Waving your arms and making yourself look as big as possible
- Yelling loudly
The City has also placed additional signs in high risk areas in south central Burlington warning residents of increased and aggressive coyote activity. Residents are asked to continue to be vigilant in these areas and report coyote sightings using the online form.
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Anyone attacked by a coyote is advised to seek immediate medical attention and report the attack to the Halton Region Health Department and to the City of Burlington Animal Services at [email protected] or 905-335-3030.
These attacks are uncharacteristic of coyotes and this cluster of attacks on humans are the first reported in Burlington.
The City of Burlington, with the expertise of a Certified Wildlife Control Professional, is continuing to deal with coyotes. A den was located on a private lot. City staff contacted the owners to remove vegetation and fallen trees. The den has been cleared as part of bringing the property into property maintenance bylaw compliance.
City of Burlington staff will present a report to council on coyote management recommendations at the Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability Committee Meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 14.
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