In the neighborhood of Christie Pits, Alice Kent has a routine of leaving her back door ajar every Tuesday evening for her house cleaner. However, one day, an unexpected visitor sneaked in along with the cleaner. After welcoming the cleaner into her home, Kent was alerted that there was a “fox” in her bedroom, only to discover it was actually a baby coyote resting on her bed.
Toronto has witnessed a rise in human-coyote encounters in recent years, with nine reported incidents of coyote bites since 2020. In response, Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik proposed an urgent action plan in February 2025 to address the issue.
The increasing confrontations led to public concern following attacks on a child in Whitby in June and a two-year-old in July. These incidents have sparked debates on strategies for population control, including euthanization and hazing of coyotes.
While initially finding the coyote pup cute, Kent’s perception changed when she realized the potential danger it posed to her family and cleaner. Concerned about the situation, she promptly contacted 911 and the Toronto Wildlife Centre for assistance.
Close encounters with coyotes are not uncommon in the Christie Pits area, partly due to ongoing feeding of coyotes, which alters their behavior and reduces their fear of humans. When the wildlife response team arrived at Kent’s residence, they found the pup hiding under the bed, known to them for its mange condition.
After safely removing the pup, the Toronto Wildlife Centre team conducted a quick assessment and treatment on-site before releasing it back into the area. Kent had previously observed three coyote pups on her property and had taken steps to scare them away as advised by the Wildlife Centre.
To deter unwanted coyotes, experts recommend removing food sources, supervising small pets, and making loud noises. While highlighting safety measures, the Toronto Wildlife Centre emphasizes that there is generally no need to fear coyotes, as they only track sick coyotes in the city. The exact number of coyotes in Toronto remains uncertain, with estimates requiring extensive studies to determine accurately.
