Coyotes becoming less fearful of humans in wake of attack, wildlife expert says
Multiple warnings have been issued about the dangers of coyotes and potential wild dogs following a weekend attack.
OPP confirmed one person was seriously hurt on the Oneida Nation of the Thames.
The attack occurred on Nicholas Road at approximately 3:45 a.m. Saturday.
While the circumstances leading to the attack remain unclear, a local wildlife expert suggests coyotes in the region may be becoming less fearful of humans as populations grow.
“They get familiar with people, and they’re not as skittish. They don’t run away as easily,” said Brian Salt of Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation near Strathroy.
Salt said that is particularly true at this time of year, as young males search out mates and food.
“Pack mentality is different, and a pack of coyotes can do considerable damage in a short period of time,” he explained.
Brian Salt of Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation is seen on April 15, 2024. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London)
To prevent encounters, Salt said the first step is to remove all food sources outside of your home.
Wildlife officials and police have recommended steps to take should you ever come across a coyote, including never turning your back to run. Instead, a person should stand tall and try to scare off the animal while backing away slowly.
“Put your arms up in the air, yell, and throw things,” said Salt. “If you’re going to be walking in the woods, take an umbrella with you. Just opening an umbrella quickly that usually acts as a deterrent.”
Still, he reminds everyone that coyotes are “very curious animals, but they’re not usually aggressive.”
The Oneida Nation of the Thames has put out a social media advisory to residents advising them of safety tips.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air Canada walks back new seat selection policy change after backlash
Air Canada has paused a new seat selection fee for travellers booked on the lowest fares just days after implementing it.
Province boots mayor and council in small northern Ont. town out of office
An ongoing municipal strike, court battles and revolt by half of council has prompted the province to oust the mayor and council in Black River-Matheson.
3 law officers serving warrant are killed, 5 wounded in shootout at North Carolina home, police say
Three officers on a U.S. Marshals Task Force serving a warrant for a felon wanted for possessing a firearm were killed and five other officers were wounded in a shootout Monday at a North Carolina home, police said.
'Shocked and concerned': Calgary principal charged with possession of child pornography
A Calgary elementary school principal has been charged with possession of child pornography, authorities announced Monday.
Health authority confirms cockroaches at B.C. hospital, insists they 'do not bite'
The Vancouver Island Health Authority is downplaying what staff describe as a cockroach infestation in a medical unit of Saanich Peninsula Hospital.
Toronto police arrest 12 people, lay 102 charges in major credit card fraud scheme
Toronto police say 12 people are facing a combined 102 charges in connection with an investigation into a major credit fraud scheme.
Winner of US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot is an immigrant from Laos who has cancer
One of the winners of a historic US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot last month is an immigrant from Laos who has had cancer for eight years and had his latest chemotherapy treatment last week.
Britney and Jamie Spears settlement avoids long, potentially ugly and revealing trial
Britney Spears and her father Jamie Spears will avoid what could have been a long, ugly and revealing trial with a settlement of the lingering issues in the court conservatorship that controlled her life and financial decisions for nearly 14 years.
WATCH 'Double whammy': What happens if you don't file your taxes by the deadline
The clock is ticking ahead of the deadline to file a 2023 income tax return. A personal finance expert explains why you should get them done -- even if you owe more than you can pay.