Possible Wolf or Coyote pack in Collingwood

by Kevin
(Collingwood, Ontario, Canada)

I live on the SW part of Collingwood, Ontario, that is bordered by forest and farmland. Over the past couple months there have been sightings of Coyotes and Grey Wolves in the area.

The pack seems to be getting more aggressive as they are coming into a nearby subdivision at night to hunt. Two nights ago (November 18th) my wife and I were out walking our golden retrievers, and any of the dogs that were backing onto an open field were going ballistic.

Shortly after that started you could hear the pack yelping. This is not the first time I have heard them this close to home. My wife had even spotted a Coyote while on a walk in the middle of the day right on a walking path here in town.

Needless to say she is terrified of them and won't even let the dogs go out in our fenced-in backyard once it is dark.

Should we be worried about them trying to come over a 6.5' fence? I know that lots of other people in the neighborhood have been worried about them. And some have said that they have clearly seen Grey Wolves.

I'm not too sure how to know the difference by their sound.

Thanks for your submission to our website, Kevin.

I'd suggest that you click on the links above, for Coyotes and Wolves - I have put Youtube videos on those pages, so you can click on the video and listen to the sound that each animal makes.

The Coyotes "Yip" and the Wolves "Howl" so you might be able to listen to the sounds, and know what you are dealing with.

Comments for Possible Wolf or Coyote pack in Collingwood

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Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Sighting near Beaver Valley Ski Club
by: Anonymous

I was driving on Grey Country Road 30 around 4:40 pm today and spotted a large animal crossing the road in front of me about 500 metres from the Beaver Valley Ski Club entrance. It was travelling solo. It appeared much larger than a Coyote. My first thought was that it was a Wolf. I stopped and looked up into the woods where it had travelled and it was there staring back at me. Feel very privileged to have experienced such an encounter.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Coyotes are scarce
by: Susan

So many rabbits and squirrels, if we had a coyote or fox issue believe me their numbers would not be so high. People need to realize Coyotes eat rodents as well as cats.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Clarksburg
by: TC

We saw a coyote prancing down our street (near Georgian Bay Golf Course) yesterday (7/20/2021) at around 6 PM. We made noise and yelled for it to leave. It ignored us and kept on its merry way. Not afraid of us in the least.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Still here
by: Anonymous

At about a quarter to two in the morning which was about 30 minutes ago for me, all you could hear was a ton of coyotes yowling and yipping away somewhere outside near the Y on Hume. The town's report page is a dead link. If Collingwood won't do something about this then the people need to.
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starstarstarstar 		Too close for comfort
by: Anonymous

We had coyotes yelping in our back yard around 10:40 pm. We are close to the Georgian Trail & Craigleith Provincial Park. It upset our 2 dogs. I suppose this is to be expected when a property is close to a park. We will be keeping the dogs on a leash if they are let outside after dusk.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Grey Wolf in fields south of Wasaga Cty Rd 7
by: Todd & Patti Smith

My wife and I were driving at about 9 o’clock beautiful sunny morning today and saw standing in the field a beautiful massive gray wolf. The wolf was standing still, head up scanning the fields. Definitely NOT a coyote which we have seen many times. The coat on this animal was fabulous! Has anyone else seen wolves in the area? East side of Cty RD 7. North of Stayner by-pass.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Concerns overrated
by: Anonymous

We lived in Churchill Manitoba and coexisted with polar bears. Didn’t have any issues. Relocated to Inuvik then Tuktoyaktuk, once again coexisted no problems. Once again relocated to Whitehorse. Coexisted with Arctic fox, Wolves, Grizzlies, Wolverines. Can’t see the bug issues with coyotes and wolves.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Craigleith Coyotes
by: Anonymous

Don’t know how to reply to the previous comment but there are definitely coyotes in Craigleith area right at this moment.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Cat Missing Craigleith Area
by: Anonymous

Last week our cat disappeared without a trace from Sleepy Hollow and Craigleith area. I’ve never seen or heard a coyote in this area in particular but I’m going to assume this is the only logical reason as the cat rarely leaves the yard. The cat was out for the night - thought I would share.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Wolves?
by: Lindsay

I was circled by very large coyotes. They looked like wolves they ran across the street in front of us on Shore Lane in Wasaga.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Coyotes
by: Anonymous

Don't do like Kanata did a few years ago and wait until the coyotes are seen in schoolyards. There is only one way to deal with them, kill them!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Coyote Sighting on Hurontario near Poplar side Rd
by: Felix the Cat

Two very large coyotes ran in front of our car near the New Life Church on Hurontario St near Poplar Side Road. They were the biggest Coyotes I have ever seen, borderline wolf-like. Over 60 pounds. Is this normal for Collingwood? We are in new in town and have a cat who goes outside sometimes.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Coyotes
by: Susan

People need to chill, coyotes are very timid, keep an eye on your pets and do not let them run at large. All will be fine. Dogs attack and kill more people than a wily coyote. Plus coyotes eat a lot of pesky rodents which is a good thing!
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star 		Re-submitting report
by: Anonymous

I just found running tracks all over my back yard, chasing what I can only guess is my neighbors cat.. I hope he's ok. I've been in Collingwood for 35 years and this is NOT normal.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Coyote Concerns Collingwood
by: CoyoteConcernsCollingwood.com

https://www.coyoteconcernscollingwood.com

There are growing concerns of coyotes roaming at large in Collingwood. A Facebook group and website have been created to help deal with the concerns. As people become more informed, understand the risks, get involved in a solution; we can deal with this problem.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Co-existing with coyotes
by: Susan

People can co-exist with coyotes please keep your dog on leash at all times. There are several excellent tips on Coyote Watch Canada facebook pages they are an amazing organization and very helpful I believe they will be in Collingwood soon to host an event. Check it out. Coyotes are cool animals really nothing to worry about as long as we follow some simple things! I have lived in Collingwood since 1992 we have 2 that have lived in our area for awhile with no issues. We have more problems with people from the city letting their dogs off leash than coyotes. My dogs have been attacked by 5 dogs that were off leash right on the Georgian trail these people are very irresponsible and it is against the law.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Howls near Scenic Caves
by: Anonymous

We've heard the howling up in a field near the Scenic Caves - we were star gazing Around 8 - 9 pm. At first the howling was far away, then in a few moments quite close and from different sides. We skedaddled out of there pretty quick.

I would have skedaddled out pretty quick too!
Thanks for telling us!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Howling Dog in Agony - another attack?
by: Anonymous

Tonight around 10:30 / 11 pm, between Georgian Manor and Blueshores, where coyotes are being spotted more frequently. Heard a dog crying out in agony after intense barking for a while. We went outside to see where the noise was coming from but couldn't see or place it. Can't stop thinking about that dog. Did anyone else hear this?
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starstarstarstarstar 		16 Feb 2018
by: Werner

After waking due to howling last night, I got up at 2:30 am to see 3 large coyotes running down the beach at the mouth the Pretty River towards Blue Shores. They looked like they were on a mission. Neighbours have seen 2-3 at time often, sometimes even during daytime hours. We no longer let our cats out cause we like them.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Coyote or Wolf?
by: Anonymous

Since September, I frequently come across either coyotes or wolves on my drive along 26. I'd have to say I've seen a good four of them, about German Shepherd sized, and at least five or six more "possible" ones. I say "possible" because it was dark and the animal was far away, so it may have been a deer or dog, I can't be sure. Be careful and stay alert! The one I saw tonight was just outside of Eden and was definitely a grey wolf. It was MASSIVE!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Two Large Coyotes
by: Anonymous

I just saw two large coyotes running across Hume St near Minnesota St. They were on the trail, one was a beige colour and the other one was grey and white. I was in my car and they were stopped looking back at me from the trail. I was surprised by how big they are.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Pack in east Collingwood
by: Anonymous

Six Coyote sightings in last few months, two are very large, others are smaller. Pack moving through yards in the mornings and evenings. Several rabbit carcasses along trails and in public park areas. Be aware re: pets in backyards in Bush/River Run/Dillon/Napier/Peel area.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Saw the Coyotes
by: Anonymous

I just saw a pack of 3 or 4 Coyotes crossing hwy 26 by the Cranberry Hotel! They might have been chasing a cat or raccoon. I am visiting the area from Toronto.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Coyotes
by: Anonymous

Just seen two Coyotes running down John Street in Stayner, around 5:45 am, after someone's cat.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Cats disappearing in Stayner
by: Anonymous

I saw 4 large coyotes on Sunnidale Street in Stayner, Ontario, last night. They tore apart someone's cat and left the carcass on my neighbour's lawn when they were scared off. Many, many cats are missing in town.
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starstarstarstarstar 		More sightings
by: A Wilson

I have sighted a reddish-grey Coyote in the Napier St area around 6 pm and 9 pm. Now this morning my neighbour's cat was killed and 1/2 eaten. We called the town but animal control said there is nothing they can do about this problem nor would the MNR. Something be done to protect our pets, they are not food for wildlife!!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Coyote
by: Bill

4:15 May 19th - I just saw a lone Coyote crossing Mountain Road between 10th and 11th Line, heading towards Blue Mountain Golf Club.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Coyote sighting
by: Anonymous

Just saw a very large solo Coyote crossing from the golf course on Cranberry East (very popular dog walking street) please be aware and careful - leash your dogs.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Coyotes spotted again in Collingwood
by: Brian Schryver

I am a property manager in Collingwood and several homeowners have reported seeing Coyotes recently in the West end of Collingwood, around the Cranberry Golf Course. It is recommended that children be monitored while outdoors and pets be on a leash at all times!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Coyotes or Wolves heard at 11:00 pm November 2015
by: Anonymous

I live in the lighthouse point condominium complex and I have seen a very large Coyote twice over the last year while walking my dog. The first was in May of 2015 just outside of my apartment (on a trail that runs along the shoreline of Georgian Bay). The Coyote was very tall (at least 2.5 feet at the shoulders) and stopped to watch me and my dog for 15-30 seconds before heading down the trail. In October 2015, I saw what could have been the same Coyote just off the trail near the boardwalk at lighthouse point. The Coyote again stopped when it saw us and watched us from behind some tall grass. Both times I have been surprised by the size of the Coyote because I had pictured them being much smaller. Last night at around 11:00 pm (again while walking my dog) I heard several deep howls followed by a lot of yipping sounds. I am not sure if these animals are Coyotes or Wolves or Coy-wolves but I'd suggest residents keep their pets close.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Coyotes 1:00 am March 14, 2015 Mulligan Lane
by: Anonymous

This is the second time I have heard a pack yipping away...it is a very scary sound. They are close to the golf course. I have never heard them before moving to Wasaga Beach.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Coyotes in Wasaga Beach
by: Anonymous

I live in Wasaga Beach on Silver Birch, and back onto a wooded area. A couple of weeks ago at 23:00 I looked out my front window & saw two Coyotes trotting down the middle of the road. I couldn't believe my eyes. I continued to watch & they turned onto Bush Cr., out of my sight; scary !!!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Coyote Sighting
by: Anonymous

Just saw a Coyote running up then down the street on Craigmore Crescent, not far from the Toronto Ski Club and Blue Mountain Inn. Just to warn people to keep their pets close.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Wolf in trails 11th line
by: Anonymous

We just came back from a walk in the trails off 11th line in Collingwood. We were just walking out of the trails at the bottom and we heard an eerie sound. The deepest howl I've ever heard. It was close. I heard that howl in a movie called AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON. My husband looked back and there he was. A huge animal, as big as a Saint Bernard. A giant. We started running ... Our little pup had been off leash and maybe woke him. He retreated when we got to the open space at Deer Trail. Don't think I will go back in there again!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Highway 4
by: Anonymous

I hit a Wolf on highway 4 yesterday. He was huge and came out of nowhere. I was able to swerve a bit, but I clipped his back end. When I stopped he was nowhere to be seen. I hope that he wasn't too badly hurt :(
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starstarstarstarstar 		Visually there isn't much difference between Eastern Coyote and Wolf
by: Anonymous

The chances of these sightings of a Wolf in Collingwood would be slim. Coyotes and Wolves usually don't share them same territory. In Ontario we have Eastern Coyotes. These Coyotes look a lot different than the typical image of the mangy Coyote from the road runner and more like their half brother, the Wolf. Coyotes do howl like a Wolf to an uneducated ear. It is the dominant male or female claiming territory and / or mating calls. I live in the Cranberry set of condos and near the golf course and I can tell you that there at least 6 in one family pack as I've encountered them on multiple occasions. They have followed me before to check me out, but I haven't yet and probably wont have an incident. As for a solution well, they have always been there and we are on theire ground but responsible population control should be introduced. The suburban Coyote has nothing to fear as it isn't hunted in town and is top of the food chain. They will try to lure a dog away from people and toward the pack as it only sees a domestic dog as a territory threat.

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starstarstarstarstar 		Coyotes
by: Anonymous

There are now 5 missing cats in Cranberry since the sightings of Coyotes!!!!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Coyotes
by: Anonymous

We live in Cranberry Village and we were notified by property management that there were recent spotting of Coyotes around the Cranberry tennis courts and in the parking lot of the Cranberry Hotel. We have since been missing our cat who very rarely leaves our immediate area. We suspect a Coyote is to blame. BEWARE
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starstarstarstarstar 		Wolf in Collingwood
by: Jan

I live in Georgian Meadows on the Black Ash Creek and there is definitely a Wolf. He howls once or twice in the late evening and in the morning between 4:00 am and 5:00 am. We have always had Coyote packs, but they just yip/yap (we here them running across the wooden bridge). At first I thought this was a siren since it was such an even sound from low to high. I have not heard any answering call from farther away so I am assuming he/she is alone. The howling has been very consistent for the past 7 days (we have heard no Coyotes since). I was under the impression that howling was either to find the pack or call the pack but I could be wrong. Either way it hasn't made any attempt to come around our yard.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Coyotes not wolves
by: Anonymous

Just so you all know, it is not Wolves in the area. Wolves are an extremely rare occurrence in extreme southern Ontario. The animal you are seeing is referred to as a Eastern Coyote which does in fact contain genes of the Eastern Wolf. I would say that the chances of seeing a Wolf would be as southerly as Algonquin Park or the Sudbury area. This is not proven but I have done some research.
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starstarstarstarstar 		I've had an incedent
by: Anonymous

I used to work up at Blue Mountain but I had to bike to and from work every day. My trips home are always in the middle of the night and one night I was biking home alone and had a pair of Wolves or Coyotes whatever it was - it chased me from the old factory just up the road from the dump, all the way to Wal-mart bridge. I think something should be done about these guys before someone gets attacked. They are pretty ballsy, and I hear them often out in Black Ash area, not far from the edge of town
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starstarstarstarstar 		Wolf in Collingwood
by: Concerned Fisherman

I live in Collingwood, Ontario, on 7th and Oak Street and twice I've seen a Grey Wolf casually strolling down 7th Streett by him/her self. My first sighting was at 1:00 am and the 2nd was 11:45 pm. Also my girlfriend was on the the walking trail off Campbell Streett in Collingwood and was chased by 3 Grey Wolves off the trail - thank God for a concerned neighbour who kept her calm and helped her get to shelter quickly, there was numerous household dogs barking and other people banging pots and pans to scare or distract them while she got to safety, but they were not phased by the ruckus. Be safe around dusk on those trails and bring protection. Yours truly - Concerned Fisherman
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starstarstarstarstar 		Pack of possible Coyotes
by: Anonymous

Heard them last night by Krista Court and Lockhart area, extremely loud yelping.
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starstarstarstarstar 		I too live in Collingwood
by: Anonymous

I also live in Collingwood near 3rd and High Street. At night time when we go to take out the garbage, in the last few years almost every night you can hear the Coyotes yipping and what sounds sometimes like scrapping with each other. They sound really really close. But in the last couple of months we been hearing the Coyotes yipping and not too far off a wolf pack howling together. I know the difference I lived 25 km in the dense bush in a cabin for almost 3 years and we would see Wolves all the time, as well as Moose, deer, bear etc. I never knew wolves were here, but I know now they most definitely are, and close by.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Wolves
by:

Trapper and two Natives - 1922 Ontario. When a trapper did not return to the post office as promised, two natives were sent to find him. All three were killed by wolves.
I found this information on Wiki.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Stayner Ontario
by: Anonymous

I heard wolves around here in Stayner, Ontario, for the first time it was pretty scary too. We do have coyotes around here yelping at night in the fields. We do Bonfires in our backyard, my Yorkie is pretty smart she doesn't like it outside and wants inside!!
I do love nature but its always good to be safe.
I'm planning to move to Muskoka one day, so I must be ready for the future things I will see and hear.
Me and my husband met someone that told us a true story , Him and his best friend were walking at night in winter (they were hikers) when they heard
a lot of howling of wolves, so they began to run fast and faster, when this man we met told us that he looked back for his friend he was gone, he was in shock and kept on running. He told us that he was sure that the wolves has attacked his friend because he never heard or seen him again.
Nature is beautiful but we have to be very careful.

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starstarstarstarstar 		Common Sense
by: Taylor

Alright guys... I'm sorry to ruin the enjoyment of people believing they are seeing Wolves in southern Ontario, but this is absolutely ridiculous. Wolves are the most shy and timid animals in Canada, there territory ranges from 20 kilometers to over 1000. They want nothing to do with man, and know that man is a danger to them. There is not enough are for wolves to live up here, this is also why moose do not live here. What you are seeing is a pack of coyotes. If you feel threatened, contact a local hunter or trapper
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starstarstarstarstar 		Wolves in Collingwood
by: Anonymous

I live in Collingwood too, Coyotes and Wolves are very common here, on Oak street by the Ski Club, I had seen a Coyote around 11:30 pm, that's really in town. Outside Collingwood, Wolves and Coyotes are easier to find than you would think, I've seen Wolves every year in this area (mostly the Duntroon area).
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starstarstarstarstar 		Wolf sighting on Cranberry Golf Course
by: Anonymous

A single Wolf ran down the 16th fairway and crossed over to the 15th fairway around mid-morning on March 16,2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		Dead Wolf near Collingwood roundabout
by: Anonymous

Saw body of large Grey Wolf next to highway near Collingwood roundabout yesterday morning.

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