Burlington takes on feeding by-law to curb coyote encounters

Coyote
After months of debate and media sensationalized coyote conflict, the City of Burlington, Ontario, is using progressive, humane tools to manage resident concerns about the canids.

A wildlife feeding by-law was approved by the development and infrastructure committee, one of several suggestions made by our friend Lesley Sampson of Coyote Watch Canada. As is frequently the case, it is managing the attractants and human behaviour that will have the greatest impact on the behaviour of wild animals.

“Sampson said the most important factor in the rising presence of coyotes in human populations is the availability of food,” wrote The Hamilton Spectator’s Joel OpHardt. “She specifically blamed garbage, picnics and scattered birdseed.”

Some proponents fear this could mean an end to children feeding birds – but by-laws do have discretion.

“We are going after the few abusers that are going overboard, feeding birds to the point where they are attracting coyotes," noted Councillor Rick Craven. “The coyotes are part of our natural environment…We have to live with them.”

Implementing a wildlife feeding by-law in conjunction with education is an excellent way to prevent conflict while introducing a younger generation to the beautiful intricacies of urban ecosystems.

Congratulations to the City of Burlington for taking such a positive, ecologically-sound step to live with wildlife.


Work like our growing Living With Wildlife campaign is only possible with the support of monthly donors. Please consider become a monthly donor – for as little as $5 a month – and help us create a Canada that is truly humane.

Help Make A Difference

Join The Fur-Bearers today and help us protect fur-bearing animals in the wild and confinement. To become a monthly donor (for as little as $10/month – the cost of two lattes) please click here and help us save lives today. Your donation is tax-deductible.

Tags

Latest Posts

Defender Radio

00.00
Listen To The Latest
  • Listen To The Latest

About Us

Established in 1953, The Fur-Bearers is a charitable, non-partisan organization whose goals are to end the commercial fur trade and promote solutions for wildlife coexistence in communities. Your donation is tax-deductible. Charitable registration number: 130006125RR0002

Pin It on Pinterest

Scroll to Top