bayview village park coyote

An aggressive coyote is attacking people and causing havoc in a Toronto park

The city is warning of an aggressive coyote on the loose in Toronto's Bayview Village Park, with two parkgoers bitten by the canid menace this weekend.

The incident occurred in the park near Bayview and Sheppard on Sunday afternoon, the latest in a string of reports of coyotes roaming the park, seemingly with little fear of humans.

Media reports indicate that nobody was injured in the attacks, but Toronto Police are reporting that the animal is aggressive, adding that the public should steer clear of this park until Toronto Animal Services manages to capture the rogue coyote.

Some in the area say that there is more than just one coyote prowling the park at night.

One commenter claims these weekend attacks are no coincidence, with locals allegedly providing food for coyotes in this same park.

Others seem less worried, offering easy (and not at all recommended) self-defence measures to keep these four-legged assailants at bay.

Concerns about a dangerous coyote on the loose pushed to the backburner, some took issue with the cops' choice of the word "citizens" in a tweet advising the public of the threat.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the city addressed the reports, saying that "The City of Toronto is aware that two individuals were bitten by a coyote in Bayview Village Park earlier today."

"Toronto Animal Services and the Toronto Police Services Emergency Task Force have been in the area all day today working diligently to capture the coyote and will resume their efforts tomorrow," reads the statement.

"The coyote is still at large and the City advises residents in the area to please stay away from the park and use caution in the neighbouring areas."

"Coyotes generally do not pose a danger to people and a bite to a human is abnormal behaviour. To report a coyote sighting, call 416-338-PAWS (7297), or email animalservices@toronto.ca or fill out an online form," advises the city.

The city has a page where you can learn more about urban coyotes, their behaviour, and how to best stay safe around the animals.

Lead photo by

SilkeBritt


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

This is why we still have mounted police in Toronto

Ontario might see rainy and unpleasant weather for 2024 Victoria Day weekend

Yet another shocking GTA shopping mall jewellery store robbery caught on video

Toronto neighbourhood is getting a stunning new boardwalk near a ravine

Canada will have best chance to see Northern Lights this weekend in almost 20 years

Metrolinx shows off basically complete Toronto LRT that you still aren't allowed to ride

A 'zombie' virus is running rampant among Toronto raccoons

An invasive insect is threatening the destruction of Ontario forests