A video submitted to Steve’s Sheds appears to show a coyote in the Bloor Street East area of Oshawa on August 30, 2026. The sighting is a timely reminder that coyotes live throughout urban areas and that a few practical precautions can help protect people, pets and wildlife.
Watch the coyote sighting
Are coyotes dangerous in residential areas?
Coyotes are normally wary of people, but close encounters can become risky when an animal has learned to associate homes or businesses with food, when pets are present, or when people run from or approach the animal. The Government of Ontario notes that unattended small dogs can be viewed as prey, larger dogs can be injured in confrontations, and diseases or parasites carried by coyotes can also pose a risk to domestic dogs.
The City of Oshawa warns that feeding coyotes can reduce their natural fear of people and may increase danger to small pets or unattended small children. Residents should never feed coyotes, intentionally or indirectly.
Reduce attractants around your home or business
- Secure garbage and enclosed compost containers.
- Keep pet food indoors and clean up spilled bird seed and fallen fruit.
- Trim dense vegetation and keep barbecue areas clean.
- Pick up dog waste promptly.
- Seal openings under decks, porches, homes and sheds that could provide shelter or denning space.
- Consider motion-activated lights or sprinklers.
- Supervise pets outdoors, bring them inside at night and keep dogs on a leash.
What to do if you encounter a coyote
- Stop. Pick up small children and pets if you can do so safely.
- Do not run or turn your back.
- Stand tall, wave your arms and be loud and assertive.
- Slowly back away while keeping the animal in view.
- Never approach, corner or feed the animal.
If a wild animal poses an immediate threat to public safety, call 9-1-1. The City of Oshawa asks residents to report coyote sightings through Service Oshawa Online, by email at service@oshawa.ca, or by telephone at 905-436-3311. These reports help the City monitor common sighting locations and determine whether neighbourhood-specific action is needed.
