Coyotes have long been part of Toronto’s urban landscape, but as more of the their habitat is consumed by development, the city’s residents have seen coyotes venture further into residential neighbourhoods. Experts point to habitat destruction, food scarcity, and growing human tolerance as the main drivers behind coyotes becoming bolder around people.
Some believe the problem has worsened due to redevelopment projects like Ontario Place, where the removal of hundreds of trees has displaced wildlife. Others worry that city policies prioritize coexistence with coyotes over public safety.
This week, a tragic story of a four-year-old chihuahua being snatched from his leash during a late walk near Fort York has residents and politicians demanding action.
Jessica Nadia, who has lived in the area for several years, was walking her two dogs near Canoe Landing Park around 10 p.m. last Friday when she encountered the coyote. She told local reporters that the coyote “looked me straight in the eyes and lunged at Chico.” The force of the attack knocked her forward, causing her to lose grip of the leash. Before she could react, the coyote had disappeared into the night.
Nadia searched frantically with the help of friends and neighbours. She called 311 to help with the search. They located Chico’s jacket under the Bathurst Bridge, but there were no other signs of him. After a heartbreaking weekend of searching, Chico’s frozen body was found under a nearby staircase.
This is not an isolated incident. According to city data, coyote interactions have more than doubled over the past three years and were up to nearly 70 for 2024. Local social media pages are full of stories of sightings, near misses, and actual attacks.
In the wake of Chico’s death, Spadina-Fort York MP Kevin Vuong has been outspoken in demanding that the city do more to control the coyote population and protect residents.
“Chico, a dog & beloved family member, was killed. Coyotes in Fort York are a danger to people & our pets. Find, capture and relocate them before more are hurt,” Vuong wrote on social media. “If Councillor Ausma Malik is not going to step up and bring in animal services to act, then resign for someone who will.”
Vuong makes it clear that the city’s current response is inadequate. While Toronto Animal Services has increased its presence in Fort York and is using “aversion techniques” to manage coyote behaviour, these measures have not reassured residents.
“We need real solutions and a strategy that actually protects people and pets,” Vuong said.
MPP Chris Glover, who also represents Spadina-Fort York, acknowledged that current measures aren’t working. “Coyotes can become habituated to humans and lose their fear,” he said, “and fewer natural habitats can lead to increased interactions.”
Vuong and many residents are now urging city officials to take bolder action—before another family loses a pet or, worse, a person is harmed.
For now, Toronto Animal Services advises residents to keep pets on short leashes, avoid areas with known coyote activity, and report aggressive behaviour. But with attacks on the rise, many agree: it’s time for the city to take real steps to manage Toronto’s growing coyote problem.
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