Report a Coyote

The Town of Collingwood does not control or provide any service for wildlife.

If wildlife presents a nuisance to private property, landowners may wish to contact a Pest Control Service to have the animal removed and/or relocated. Pest Control Service will charge a fee for service.

Coyote Sighting Report Form

Injured / Sick Wildlife

In the event of an emergency situation involving wildlife in Collingwood, such as an animal that poses an immediate threat to humans, please contact the Ontario Provincial Police by calling 1-888-310-1122.

For non-emergency situations involving wildlife, where the animal could potentially be rehabilitated, individuals can contact a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers in the Creemore, Stayner, Wasaga, Collingwood or Thornbury area:

Barrie:
  • Bear Creek Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Phone: 705 721-4730
  • Email: info@bearcreeksanctuary.com
  • Care For: Big Cats, Chipmunk, Coyote, Eagle, Falcon, Fox, Groundhog, Hawk, Osprey, Otter, Owl, Porcupine, Possum, Raccoon, Skunk, Squirrel, Turtle, Weasel, Wolf
Oro-Medonte:
Pefferlaw:
  • Shades of Hope
  • Phone: 705 437-4654
  • Email: gail@shadesofhope.ca
  • Care For: Bat, Bear, Beaver, Bird, Chipmunk, Coyote, Deer, Eagle, Falcon, Fox, Groundhog, Hawk, Mice, Osprey, Otter, Owl, Porcupine, Possum, Rabbit, Reptile, Skunk, Songbird, Squirrel, Turkey Vulture, Turtle, Waterbird, Weasel, Wild Turkey, Woodpecker
Additional wildlife centres can be found at ontariowildliferescue.ca.

The contacts above have been provided for informational purposes only. The Town does not endorse any particular centre, and cannot cover any fees or transportation costs. A Pest Control Service may be able to help in transporting an animal to a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, however fees may apply.

For any other information or advice concerning wildlife, individuals are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry by calling 705-725-7500.  

Coyotes

Collingwood is surrounded by beautiful coastline, forests, escarpment, and farmland. Wildlife, including coyotes, live in the region.

Coyotes have been spotted in several areas throughout Collingwood.

While the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is responsible for the management of wildlife including coyotes, Town staff have been in discussion with the Ministry and they are aware of coyote sightings in Collingwood, and the increased sightings throughout the Province. The following information regarding how to prevent encounters with coyotes and how to react if you do find yourself in proximity to the animal has been shared by the MNR. Homeowners can take preventative steps to ensure coyotes aren’t attracted to their property and to keep their pets safe.

Prevention

  • Coyotes are usually wary of humans and other animals.
  • Never feed coyotes! Do not leave any type of food outdoors for any animal, including pets. Bird feeders attract birds, squirrels and rodents, which may in turn attract coyotes.
  • Garbage should be stored in sealed containers and placed at the curb on the day of pick up.
  • Avoid composting meat products.
  • Keep pets indoors. Never let pets roam at large, and always walk your dog on a leash.

Knowing this information and being aware that coyotes are a normal part of the ecosystem, it is also important to keep in mind safety tips if you encounter a coyote.

  • Do not turn your back on or run from a coyote. Back away calmly
  • Stand tall, wave your hands and make lots of noise
  • If a coyote poses an immediate threat or danger to public safety, call 911.

If you would like to report a coyote sighting, please feel free to contact:

Wildlife Resources

More Information

In 2018, the Town completed an assessment of the reported coyote presence in the east end of Collingwood.

Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry stated that the coyotes in the east end of Collingwood were not an immediate threat to human safety, and stated that culling and trapping coyotes would not be successful in eliminating them.

Local licensed trappers expressed concerns about trapping in the east end of Collingwood, and agreed that education is paramount in reducing human-wildlife conflicts.

Town Council, using this expert assessment that the coyote situation in the east end is not an immediate threat of human safety and that a trap and kill program would not be successful, approved a Coyote Management Plan which includes a Coyote Sighting Online Form and Hotline, educational resources for residents, and educational awareness sessions.

Residents are reminded to:

  • keep pets on leashes and inside at night;
  • ensure their property is free of garbage, compost and, other attractants;
  • use deterrents such as motion-sensitive lighting and /or motion-activated sprinkler systems;
  • build fencing around their property or yard.