Whitby mayoral hopeful calls for coyote response policy after warning by police
· Toronto Sun
Durham Regional Police reminded the public to be vigilant if they encounter a coyote after several incidents were reported .
Visit biznow.biz for more information.
In the latest incident, a three-year-old boy was hospitalized but was in stable condition after being bitten Monday by a coyote in Whitby.
He was bitten in the area of Coronation and Rossland Rds., according to WhatsApp groups and Facebook reports, which was later confirmed by Durham cops, according to Whitby regional councillor and mayoral candidate Chris Leahy.
In issuing the warning on their X account on Tuesday, Durham police said pedestrians and pet owners should exercise caution when using public spaces, particularly when accompanied by small children or pets, with coyotes most active during the early morning and evening.
Authorities said if a coyote exhibits aggressive or unusual behaviour, report it to them. If there is an immediate threat to public safety, they said to call 911.
Coyote education needed in schools: Councillor
Meanwhile, Leahy is calling for coyote safety education in Whitby schools following two attacks on children, including one on a eight-year-old child at a playground at Jack Miner Public School on May 15.
The councillor called on the Town of Whitby, local school boards, Durham Regional Police, animal services and school councils to work together to provide coyote safety education sessions for students when classes resume in September.
“Parents should not have to worry about their children being at risk while walking to school or playing outside,” said Leahy in a statement.
“Education is one of the most effective tools we have to reduce dangerous encounters and ensure children know how to react if they encounter a coyote.”
Leahy wants planning to begin during the summer so that information sessions can be ready to go in every public and Catholic elementary school when students return in September.
RECOMMENDED VIDEO
‘Children need practical information’
If elected as the mayor of Whitby, Leahy said he would introduce a Coyote Response Policy to co-ordinate efforts and establish a clear, community-wide response to coyote activity.
The proposed policy would focus on prevention, public education, reporting protocols and co-ordinated responses to aggressive coyote behaviour.
“Our children need practical information on how to stay safe,” said Leahy in a statement.
“Simple coyote aversion techniques — such as standing tall, making noise , never running away and reporting sightings — can make a significant difference. We need to ensure every child and every parent receives that information.”
Leahy said the recent incidents should serve as wake-up calls for the municipality.
“We cannot wait until another child is injured,” he said in a statement. “By bringing schools, parents, police and animal services together, Whitby can develop a proactive strategy that protects residents while promoting responsible coexistence with wildlife.”