Given the high number of coyote sightings in Kanata North recently, City staff have offered to organize another in-person Community Information session. This in-person coyote information session is your opportunity to share your experiences, to learn more about coyote behaviour, to learn about what you can do to prevent future human-coyote interactions, and to learn how to protect yourself and your family. I encourage all Kanata North residents to attend. While coyotes are usually wary of humans, it’s still important to understand how to keep safe around them.
Join us for an in-person information session on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 with City of Ottawa staff and Coyote Watch Canada (CWC), 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the John G. Mlacak Centre (2500 Campeau Drive). During this session, you will learn about how to coexist with coyotes by taking measures to discourage coyotes from lingering in our community, and how to keep your pets safe. Event attendees will hear City staff and Coyote Watch Canada staff discuss best practices for residents living near coyotes and may elect to participate in a brief Q&A period.
As I had shared in previous updates, coyotes are drawn into residential areas in hopes of finding food. You can help by controlling potential food sources around your home:
- take down bird feeders – if you leave them out, clean-up spilled food daily
- secure your trash
- keep pet food indoors
- remove fallen fruit
Never feed coyotes! Feeding other wildlife can also attract coyotes because they are drawn in by the presence of prey species such as squirrels, rabbits, and ducks.
It is important to establish and keep strong boundaries with coyotes. Never allow coyotes to stay or bed down near homes, schools, park structures or any area that people frequent. Let them know that they’re unwelcome by:
- shouting and waving your arms at them
- clanging pots or pans
- spraying them with water from a hose
- snapping a garbage bag
Applying the common sense prevention measures described above should help decrease the presence of coyotes in your neighbourhood and prevent conflicts. Please visit ottawa.ca/coyotes and coyotewatchcanada.com for more information on coexisting with coyotes.
As a reminder, if you notice any concerning coyote behaviour, you can report it by calling 3-1-1 or filling out the online form: Report a sighting of a coyote · City of Ottawa. If a coyote is an immediate threat, call 9-1-1.
If you spot a coyote nearby, or if it approaches you, here are some tips:
- Stay calm and slowly back away
- Do not turn your back or run
- Stand tall, wave your hands and shout at it
- Pick up small children or small pets
Keeping your pets supervised while they are outdoors will help keep them safe. This includes keeping them leashed when walking in parks or green spaces. For more information and tips on how to coexist with coyotes, visit Coyotes | City of Ottawa.
I hope to see you on Tuesday at the Mlacak Centre!
Councillor Cathy Curry