Top Tips for Coexisting with Wildlife in Burlington
City of Burlington
By Adam Palmieri, Manager of By-law and Animal Services
31 January, 2024
Photo by Mark Zelinski, courtesy of RBG.
The City of Burlington is reminding residents about steps they can take to successfully coexist with wildlife.
While naturally wary of humans, coyotes and other animals will seek food and shelter in residential neighbourhoods when they are being fed on purpose or by accident. The top things residents can do to help to successfully coexist with wildlife in our neighbourhoods include:
1. Never feed wildlife
Feeding wildlife, on purpose or by accident, teaches animals to depend on human handouts and can cause them to become too familiar with humans. This familiarization can lead to aggressive behaviour around people and dogs.
Hand feeding and ground feeding wildlife on private or public property is prohibited by the City’s Lot Maintenance Bylaw (59-2018) and is subject to a $250 fine.
2. Never leave pets unattended
Coyotes may see pets as a threat to their territory and may attack, especially when there is a den site nearby. Always keep dogs on a short leash (less than six feet long) when walking outdoors. Make sure your cats and dogs are not left alone outside, even in your fenced backyard.
3. Secure Garbage Bins
Wildlife is often attracted to residential areas by easily accessible food sources. Use wildlife-proof garbage bins to prevent animals from rummaging through garbage to reduce the likelihood of encounters. Alternatively, consider placing garbage out the morning-of pickup day rather than the night before.
4. Keep a tidy property
Residential neighbourhoods are ideal habitats for wildlife with access to water, shelter and food sources like garbage, pet food, fruit tress and birdfeeders. Make sure your property is tidy and clear of garbage, food, brush, long grass and wood piles which are ideal den sites for coyotes or other wild animals that attract coyotes.
5. Inspect your property
Make sure spaces around and under decks, sheds and similar structures are closed off with wire screening that extends at least 20 centimetres under the ground. Seal off potential entry points to your home, such as gaps in the foundation or attic spaces.
6. Consistently haze coyotes
Discouraging coyotes takes vigilance. Ongoing efforts by the entire community to haze coyotes can help to re-instill their fear of humans and stop unwelcome behaviour.
Use one or more of these hazing techniques every time you see a coyote to help move it out of a residential area:
Stop. Don’t run.
Pick up small children and pets.
Yell loudly;
Wave your arms and make yourself look as big as possible;
Use air horns, whistles, bang pots;
Throw small rocks, large sticks, cans and/or rubber balls near the coyote;
Spray the coyote with water from a garden hose or a water gun filled with vinegar.
Back away slowly.
Report coyote sightings online at www.burlington.ca/coyote.
7. Connect with Animal Services
If you experience an issue with wildlife on your property, or notice a lost/unattended pet, it’s best to contact Burlington Animal Services instead of managing the animal yourself. You can contact Service Burlington through the City of Burlington’s customer contact centre via email (city@burlington.ca), by phone (905-335-7777) or in person at 426 Brant Street on the main floor of City Hall.