Living with Wildlife | Niagara Falls

Coyotes and foxes are commonly seen in the Niagara Region and are an important part of our ecosystem. By staying aware, taking simple precautions, and respecting wildlife, we can avoid conflicts and safely live alongside them.

How to report a coyote or fox sighting

You can report a coyote or fox sighting in a few easy ways:

Complete the online form
Phone 905-356-7521
Email service@niagarafalls.ca, including the location, date, time, and any relevant details (e.g., animal behaviour, presence of pups)

Your report will be added to our monitoring map, which is reviewed by staff from the City of Niagara Falls, the SPCA, and Coyote Watch Canada. The SPCA will address sightings that require further investigation.

Report a coyote or fox sighting

Be a good neighbour to wildlife

Never feed wildlife. Adhere to the coyote anti-feeding by-law
Teach children how to stay safe around wild animals
Avoid coyote dens. Never interfere with pups, even if it appears the parents have abandoned them
Respect nature. Take nothing, leave nothing. Take all garbage, food, and dog waste with you when you leave
With respect, education, and simple safety steps, we can safely share our community with coyotes and other wildlife

How to report illegal feeding

Report any known feeding of coyotes:

Complete the by-law concern reporting form
Email service@niagarafalls.ca, including the complaint type, location/address of concern, description of the issue, and your contact information
Phone 905-356-7521 to file your complaint or ask for assistance

Note: Complaints should include as much detail as possible (address, dates/times, description). All complaints are reviewed by a By-law Enforcement Officer and investigated in accordance with City by-laws.

Report illegal feeding

How to keep coyotes away from your yard

Coyotes visit yards looking for food. You can make your yard less inviting by:

Cleaning up fallen fruit from trees
Keep pet food and water bowls inside
Keep trash cans covered with wildlife proof lids

What to do if you encounter a coyote

Always be prepared and aware of your surroundings when enjoying the outdoors. If you come face-to-face with a coyote:

Pick up small children and pets
Do not turn your back or run
Wave your arms over your head, make loud noises, slowly back away while yelling “Go away!”

Keep pets safe

Coyotes, hawks, owls, and other animals may see small pets as prey. Keep your pets safe by:

Keeping cats indoors
Walking dogs on a leash, especially at dawn and dusk
Never leaving pets outside at night
Keeping rabbits, chickens, and other small animals in strong, covered pens
Spaying or neutering your pets (rarely, coyotes may try to breed with dogs)
Keeping your yard fenced and supervised

Coyote activity by season

You may see coyotes more often:

In winter (Jan–Feb) during mating season
In spring (Mar–June) while raising pups
In fall when young coyotes leave the pack

Helpful links

Coyote Watch Canada: A community-based organization that promotes safe, respectful ways to live alongside wildlife. Explore their helpful tips and resources
Coyote Watch Canada - Frequently asked questions
Ministry of Natural Resources - Preventing and managing conflict with coyotes