Ottawa residents have long shared their neighbourhoods with urban coyotes, and Premier Doug Ford just reminded the rest of Canada that nobody is above wildlife encounters — not even the province's top politician.
Ford recently revealed that when coyotes wander near his Etobicoke home, his go-to deterrent is howling like a wolf to drive them off. The admission came as two coyote attacks in York Region renewed public concern about urban wildlife safety — a story that dominated headlines last year after a series of incidents rattled Toronto neighbourhoods.
Ottawa's Coyote Reality
While the Premier's wolf impression raised eyebrows — and more than a few laughs — the underlying concern is something Ottawa residents understand well. Coyotes are a fixture in the city's suburban green spaces, from Barrhaven and Kanata to Alta Vista and the trails flanking the Greenbelt. They're particularly active during pupping season in spring and early summer, when parents become noticeably bolder in defending their territory.
Ottawa's coyotes are typically healthy, shy animals that pose little threat when given space. But as the city continues to expand into formerly wild areas, encounters are becoming more common — and more visible.
Should You Actually Howl?
As entertaining as Ford's technique sounds, wildlife experts generally recommend a more consistent approach: hazing. Hazing means making yourself big, loud, and assertive when you encounter a coyote — waving your arms, yelling, clapping, or yes, making noise. The goal is to reinforce the coyote's natural wariness of humans so they don't become habituated.
The City of Ottawa and the National Capital Commission both advise residents not to feed coyotes, intentionally or otherwise. Unsecured garbage, compost, fallen fruit, and outdoor pet food bowls are common attractants that draw wildlife into yards and driveways.
Protecting Pets
Small dogs and cats are the most vulnerable. Ottawa animal control regularly fields calls about coyotes in residential areas, especially at dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active. Keeping pets on a leash, avoiding off-leash walks near wooded trails at night, and supervising small animals in backyards are the most effective precautions.
Coyotes are also known to shadow dogs during walks — not to attack, but out of curiosity. A firm, confident response (clapping, yelling, moving toward the animal) is usually enough to send them on their way.
When to Call for Help
If a coyote is behaving aggressively, appears injured or disoriented, or keeps approaching despite hazing, Ottawa residents can contact the City of Ottawa's 311 service or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. A coyote that has lost its fear of humans entirely — or that has attacked — is a different situation that warrants professional intervention.
For now, though, Ford's wolf-howling seems to be working out fine in Etobicoke. Ottawa residents are welcome to give it a try — just maybe warn the neighbours first.
Source: Global News Ottawa
