Coyotes in Mississauga
by A Mississauga Birder
(Streetsville, Ontario, Canada)
I see Coyotes several times a week in many areas of Mississauga, particularly in a re-naturalized area south of Streetsville, Ontario.
When I don’t see them, I see plenty of evidence that they have been in the area very recently.
One is particularly large and I am sure some may mistake it for a
Wolf. The coyote population is growing fast and is driving out and/or feeding on many animals native to this area.
I rarely see
Groundhogs anymore and I haven’t seen a
Fox in Mississauga in over 10 years. Prior to that, it was rare to not see a Fox or family of Foxes a couple of times a week.
Although I don’t believe Coyotes should be eradicated, I do believe they are an invasive species in Ontario and probably should be somewhat controlled.
This isn’t a “they were here first” situation.
I have been flanked by the big Coyote on two occasions while walking down a trail. He would change direction whenever I did. Other than that I haven’t had any close run-ins with the Coyotes.
Thank you so much for your report - you're right, Coyotes started moving into Ontario from Manitoba about 100 years ago, and are now widespread throughout this area.