City of Toronto Euthanizes Mated Coyote Pair Following Public Safety Incidents in Liberty Village and Fort York

TORONTO – The City of Toronto has confirmed that a mated pair of coyotes in the Fort York and Liberty Village area have been humanely euthanized following multiple negative encounters with residents and pets. The decision, described by officials as a last resort, was made after an extensive review with wildlife experts and city staff, amid escalating public safety concerns.

For several months, residents in the densely populated waterfront neighbourhoods have reported increasing aggressive coyote behaviours, including injuries and pet attacks. While coyotes are generally able to coexist with humans in urban settings, city staff and external experts found this particular group had become highly conditioned to human interaction, posing a persistent risk.

“Coyotes are an important part of Toronto’s diverse ecology, helping to control rodent and rabbit populations,” said Dr. Esther Attard, Director of Toronto Animal Services. “Our goal is always to preserve wildlife and coexist with them. However, when behaviour changes in a way that jeopardizes public safety, we must take action.”

🦊 A Thoughtful, Three-Part Review

According to the City, the decision followed a months-long, three-part review process, which included:

• Regular city monitoring, bylaw enforcement, and resident education

• Review and recommendations by an independent expert panel with over 30 years of experience

• Specialized assessments and aversion activities conducted by two wildlife management companies

Efforts such as targeted aversion tactics, waste management improvements, fence repairs, and public education were implemented, but despite these interventions, the same coyote pair continued to display problematic, habituated behaviours.

A third coyote has since left the area due to increased aversion activities, while a fourth, less reactive coyote, has not been seen recently.

🛑 Downtown Coyote Action Plan Underway

Looking ahead, the City is advancing a Downtown Coyote Action Plan, focusing on:

• Enhanced waste management and property maintenance

• Stricter bylaw enforcement and site modifications

• Expanded public education efforts

These strategies will inform broader updates to Toronto’s 2013 Coyote Response Strategy, which will be presented to City Council later in 2025.

Toronto Animal Services continues to emphasize that while coyotes will always be part of the city’s urban wildlife, residents play a key role in minimizing future conflicts by leashing pets, avoiding feeding wildlife, and properly disposing of food waste.

More information is available at: toronto.ca/coyotes

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