Markham Wildlife

Foxes and coyotes are adaptable intelligent animals that can be found in rural and urban areas throughout Ontario. They are often found near ravine systems, large grassy fields, and large parks; small mammals are a main staple in their diet.

Foxes and coyotes are an important part of our shared, local ecosystems. By understanding their behaviour, we can learn to coexist peacefully and even develop a deeper appreciation for our wild neighbours. Typically, foxes and coyotes are unlikely to initiate contact with people. But we understand, occasionally, they get too close for comfort.

Limiting human food sources is the best way to prevent encounters with these animals - but, most importantly, to help keep them wild:

• Do not put out food for animals.
• Keep waste in secure bins or store bins in a secure building or container.
• Do not put waste bins out until the morning of pick-up.
• Make sure outdoor compost containers are wildlife-proof.
• Remove fallen fruit from trees and scattered bird seed from feeders.
• Keep pet food inside, and do not leave small pets outdoors unattended.

If you do encounter a coyote who does not run away immediately, you can do the following:

• Make noise, yell, clap your hands, stomp and wave your arms.
• Do not approach the animal.
• Carry a whistle or noisemaker if you are walking in known habitat areas.

If you find that the animal is sick or injured, please report it to our wildlife service provider, by calling 905.415.7531. It is also important to keep your furry family members safe. Keep your cats or small dogs indoors or supervised outside. Walk your dogs on a leash and do not leave them out unattended.

Why can’t coyotes be relocated?

Capture and relocation of coyotes more than one kilometer away is not permitted under Ontario's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. Research shows wildlife relocated from urban areas usually return home or become a problem elsewhere. In addition, when coyotes are hunted or lethally destroyed, remaining ones compensate by producing larger litters and expanding their range. Only in rare cases where an individual coyote is demonstrating unusual / aggressive behaviour or severe trauma or illness do animal control agencies attempt to capture coyotes.

A few simple tricks to discourage raccoons from making a home on your property:

• Don’t leave food out of any kind.
• Don’t put your garbage out early and make sure it always has a secure lid.
• Ensure all soffit and facia is secure and without holes or spaces that animals can get into.
• Check exterior pipes and dryer vents to ensure they are covered (with mesh wire) so that animals cannot get in.
• Clean up the excess seed and shells from bird feeders off of the ground regularly.
• Pick up after your pet, rodents are attracted to dog feces.

Freshwater turtles are reptiles, like snakes and lizards. Eight species of native freshwater turtles live in Canada. All of them are, or have a population or subspecies that is, at risk. A turtle’s shells is mainly used for protection from predators. All turtles need access to both water and land to complete their life cycle, and they inhabit a variety of freshwater habitats, from a variety of wetlands to lakes, streams and rivers, including in Markham.

Other turtle facts:

• There are 8 different types of turtles that are indigenous to Ontario, most of which are at risk!
• Did you know some turtles can live upwards of 70+ years
• It is illegal to remove wildlife of any kind from public lands in Markham, including turtles
• It is illegal to harm turtles
• DO NOT release your pet turtle into the wild, please contact a turtle conservation centre for assistance

For more information on turtles in Ontario, visit https://www.hww.ca/en/wildlife/fish-amphibians-and-reptiles/freshwater-turtles.html

A large population of Canada Geese can cause damage to parklands, and their droppings can create unhealthy conditions and pollute natural waterways, ponds and swimming pools.

• Do not approach nests. Geese will aggressively defend nests and can inflict injury with their beak and wings.
• Watch for warning signs. Geese will pump their heads up and down as a sign of aggression as well as hissing and honking at threats.
• Remain calm. If you find yourself faced with an aggressive goose it’s best to remain calm, stand straight, maintain eye contact and back away slowly. Don’t make threatening motions or sounds and avoid turning your back and running away.
• In the unlikely event that a goose does injure you it’s advised to seek medical help immediately.
• Never feed geese. Supplementing their diet will increase their numbers and reduce their fear of humans. It also increases their numbers in high-traffic areas such as parks and sportsfields.

• The best skunk repellent is a light. Skunks are nocturnal and their eyes are very light sensitive. A bright light or a motion sensor flood light will scare skunks away.
• Most animals, including skunks, dislike the smell of citrus fruits. Place orange or lemon peels around the yard as a natural skunk repellent.
• Spray a mixture of castor oil and dish-washing detergent diluted in water. Skunks find the smell offensive. Spray the area at night when the skunk is away foraging.
• If the skunks are in a smaller garden patch, put bars of strong-smelling soap or a room deodorizer near your garden. Ironically, skunks hate strong scents.

Follow these guidelines to keep rats and other unwanted critters away.

• Do not leave any food outside and do not place your garbage out early.
• Put outdoor garbage bags in metal garbage cans with securely fitted lids to stop critters from feeding on contents.
• Clean around the house – less clutter means fewer places to hide.
• Clean up pet food and bird seed debris.
• Keep gardens free from debris and keep clutter to a minimum.
• If you have a compost heap don’t include organic food waste as that will attract rats and critters.

• Coyote Response and Co-existence Strategy [PDF]
• Coyote Watch Canada Education Module