In a routine Tuesday evening in Christie Pits, Alice Kent habitually leaves the back door open for her cleaner to access her home. However, one day, as the cleaner entered, she brought an unexpected visitor with her – a baby coyote lying on the master bedroom mattress. Initially mistaking it for a fox, Kent was surprised to find the wild animal on her bed instead of a stuffed toy.
Toronto has seen a rise in human-coyote encounters recently, with nine reported incidents of coyote bites in the city since 2020. The alarming trend prompted Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik to propose an urgent action plan in February 2025. Subsequent events, such as a child being attacked in Whitby in June and a two-year-old in July, have ignited public concern and spurred discussions on coyote population management strategies.
Despite finding the coyote pup initially adorable, Kent’s feelings quickly turned to concern for the safety of her family and cleaner. The pup, afflicted with mange, a skin condition causing discomfort and fur loss, added urgency to the situation. Upon realizing the potential risks, Kent promptly contacted 911 and the Toronto Wildlife Center for assistance.
Instances of close coyote encounters are not uncommon in Christie Pits, attributed in part to ongoing feeding practices that alter coyote behavior and diminish their fear of humans. When the wildlife response team arrived, they discovered the pup hiding under the bed. The team, including the Toronto Wildlife Center and the police, managed to safely extract the coyote.
Following a brief assessment and treatment, the coyote was released back into the area. Kent had previously spotted three coyote pups on her property and had been advised by the Wildlife Center to deter them. Proper measures to discourage unwanted coyotes include eliminating food sources, supervising pets, and making loud noises when needed.
While efforts are made to address sick coyotes, the exact population in Toronto remains uncertain. A comprehensive study would be necessary to accurately determine the scale of the coyote presence in the city.