Update:  The alleged coyote attack is fake.  We want the city to recognize this and leave the coyotes alone.  There is a recent scam post regarding a fake coyote attack in Mississauga that is circulating through parent groups and buy/sell groups.  Please do not like or share it.  Please report the post.  Dona Hoxha report Coyote Attack Warning for families in Mississauga GTA Parks on Facebook is fake news it never happened.  It is a scam.

I looked up your coyote coexistence strategy, and it seems pretty good. I like the photos and easy to read format.  https://www.mississauga.ca/services-and-programs/animals-and-pets/wildlife-in-mississauga/coyotes/

It says you work with third parties sometimes. Do you work with Coyote Watch Canada? They were not mentioned on your website. www.coyotewatchcanada.com has great no kill programs, and lots of info on their website. Please add www.coyotewatchcanada.com as a link on your website.

I love that you have a feeding ban. Is your feeding ban city wide, or just in parks? Killing coyotes never solves the problem of people feeding animals.  

Your citizen science map is really in depth, and very useful to anyone studying coyotes.  https://mississauga.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=476d2e2881da49bb94a1455d3c3cb890

I love that the emphasis is on education of the public, and hazing/advanced behavioural reconditioning.  

https://www.mississauga.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/12095258/Coyote-Response-Table.pdf

The behaviours in "potential human incident" (growling, hackles raised, etc) can simply mean the animal wants the person to move, possibly from a den. I love that, in every situation, (including human bites) there is a full investigation and individual circumstances are taken into consideration. I like that trapping/removal is only a last resort consideration after hazing does not work, rather than mandated in any situation. Removing a coyote leaves room for another one to move in.  

I hope live capture in a cage, or by tranquilizer, is considered, instead of cruel methods like leg hold trapping, Coneybaere trapping, or shooting. Live capture and relocation is allowed with an MNRF permit to move an animal more than 1km. Toronto's Urban 23 was live captured and brought to a sanctuary after biting a dog. https://www.torontowildlifecentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Media-release-Pine-Hills-Cemetery-coyote-captured.doc.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3H2VPKMf6cdNUCrL1OxN9jPdVJK_wHU0fdkKyltGNhO0JieSONiJ3QRRM

Most wildlife bite incidents can be resolved without killing the animal, and by vaccinating the person bitten. https://www.thepetitionsite.com/654/113/635/protect-toronto-area-coyotes/?taf_id=68723691&cid=fb_na#bbfb=422645653

Coyote attacks are becoming a grave concern for families living in Etobicoke, Mississauga, and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). I wish to share my personal and terrifying experience to urge local authorities to take immediate and effective actions to ensure the safety of our communities.

Recently, a 2-year-old was bitten by a coyote while playing at a park, right in front of her father, who was seated next to her. In just a moment of distraction when he turned to grab a wipe to clean her hands, the coyote thought she had food. Thankfully, her father was able to react swiftly and pull her away. Yet, the incident was severe; her skin was punctured, necessitating medical attention.

The increasing incidences of coyotes approaching humans dangerously close suggest that these frequently visited recreational areas might not have adequate safety measures in place. It is imperative that we take these threats seriously before more families endure similar terrifying experiences.

Coyotes are native to this region and killing them is not the solution. Instead, we must explore non-lethal measures to prevent these incidents while respecting the ecological balance. This is where we need the active involvement of local government and wildlife management agencies. Here are some actionable solutions that can be implemented immediately:

1. **Install Proper Signage**: Increase park signage to warn families about potential wildlife encounters and provide tips on how to safely secure picnics and snacks, which may inadvertently attract wildlife.

2. **Intensive Community Education Programs**: Initiate programs to educate the public, especially parents, about precautionary measures to avoid coyote encounters and how to respond if one approaches.

3. **Wildlife Monitoring in Parks**: Implement a routine wildlife monitoring system in popular parks to track coyote activities closely and take preventive measures where necessary.

4. **Coyote Exclusion Fencing**: Consider the installation of coyote exclusion fencing where feasible within high human-activity zones in parks.

5. **Partnership with Wildlife Experts**: Collaborate with wildlife organizations to develop humane strategies for managing coyote populations and their interactions with human communities.

By implementing these solutions, we can create a safer environment for our children to play in and enjoy without fear. Protect the community and preserve our local wildlife by signing this petition for change. Your support can lead to immediate, tangible action from our local government to rectify this pressing concern."