Coyote lunges at Niagara-on-the-Lake woman and her dog

Amid increasing concerns about coyotes in Niagara-on-the-Lake, one bold predator is making the scavengers look even worse after lunging at a woman and her dog as they walked down the street.

A attempted attack was caught on neighbouring security cameras. In the video a woman can be seen walking down the sidewalk near John Street West and Gate Street with her dog.

The woman is seen running out in the the street as a truck pulls into a driveway behind her. Seeing the woman trying to flee, the truck returned to the roadway and pulled up behind her. The woman is now feet away from the coyote’s teeth cornered by a community mailbox.

Screaming and whipping the coyote with the leash proved futile in scaring the creature off. It continued to lunge after the after dog, forcing the woman to pick up her pet.

Meanwhile the truck driver come from around the mailboxes and the pair finally managed to scare the beast away.

Coyotes have been a pressing issue in NOTL of late, creating concerns from residents after numerous daylight sightings. NOTL has engaged with Coyote Watch Canada, the Lincoln County Humane Society, Niagara Regional Police Services, and the Ministry of Natural Resources to monitor the situation.

Meanwhile Lincoln County Humane Society has been conducting patrols to support and educate residents. They can be reached at 905-682-0767 or 1-800-263-2469 to report a sighting.

The town is also hosting a virtual information session at 6 p.m. April 27 to get the word out about what to in a coyote encounter. Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Coyote Watch Canada and community partners, including the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, Lincoln County Humane Services, and Niagara Regional Police Service will present information and field questions from the public.

Questions, which will be read out by staff moderators, can still be submitted via email at [email protected]. Facebook (@Town.of.NOTL), Twitter (@Town_of_NOTL), Instagram (@niagara.on.the.lake) or by calling or texting 905-380-0056.

The town reminds residents not to feed or engage with any coyotes they may come across. “Coyote sightings are not uncommon in the Niagara Region. They have been a vital part of our ecosystem for many years,” the town said, “By applying common sense, preventative techniques, and being aware of the diversity of wildlife that we share our living spaces with, we can minimize human and wildlife conflict”

“Decreasing food sources have proven to be significantly helpful in reducing the presence of coyotes in particular areas. Therefore, residents are reminded to eliminate/cover all exterior food sources, including pet food, bird feeders, uncovered garbage, and recycling bins.” they continued.

NOTL Residents can report sightings to the town via an online form and the town offers numerous tips on how to protect one’s self. NOTL recommends residents call 911 if confronted by a coyote or they suspect one may have rabies.