Riverside South coyote update

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, June 12, 2020   11:20am

(Ottawa) – Since Friday, June 5, City By-law and Regulatory Services (BLRS) and the Ottawa Police Service received numerous calls in regards to coyote sightings and aggressive coyote interactions in the Riverside South area. Since then, Ottawa Police officers have been doing proactive patrols in the area in order to protect the public.

Early this morning, a coyote was spotted prowling around houses near Shoreline Drive and Wild Shore Crescent. The coyote initially came at an officer, but they were able to chase it away from the residences using a police cruiser. Officers then located the same coyote in the Claudette Cain Park where they had no choice but to put it down safely.

BLRS attended to gather information about the animal and to remove it for testing.

While coyotes are not typically aggressive, BLRS continues work with a wildlife specialist to monitor coyote activity in the area.

Residents of the area are asked to remain vigilant and to avoid wooded areas, particularly after dark.

Residents are asked to take the following precautions when encountering aggressive wild animals: 

• Never approach or touch the animal
• Do not turn your back on the animal or run from it
• Back away while remaining calm
• Stand tall, wave your hands and make lots of noise
• Carry a flashlight while walking at night 

If a wild animal is posing an immediate threat to public safety, or following residents’ movements, 9-1-1 should be contacted. If a wild animal scratches or bites resulting in skin breakage, residents should also contact Ottawa Public Health (or 3-1-1 after hours) to speak with a Public Health Inspector. 

General sightings of coyotes should be reported to 3-1-1, so that times and locations where coyotes are being sighted can be tracked. 

- 30 -

CONTACT:

Media Relations Section, Ottawa Police

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

City of Ottawa, Media

Tel: 613-580-2450