Sightings of any new or additional species can be reported to Jim Richards. 
He can be contacted at,  oronocrownlands@gmail.com or 905-983-5605

The Coyote
Article by Tori Carmichael
Photo Billie Cromwell


They are around us, but rarely seen. The coyote evolved in North America and is found throughout North and Central America. The coyote is a cousin of the wolf but unlike the wolf, the coyotes feet are relatively small in relation to the rest of their body. A coyote may reach speeds of up to 69 km/h and can jump a distance of over 4 meters. Coyotes primarily hunt in pairs. Coyotes are mainly nocturnal and live in burrows. They have a normal range of about 19kilometres a round their burrow. In winter, deep snow hampers the coyote's ability to hunt, reducing their numbers.

  The lifespan of a wild coyote can be up to 15 years. Their weight can range from 20-50 lbs. The overall length including their tail ranges from 40-60", and their shoulder height is between 15-20".They normally live in a close range to their food. In the winter, coyotes don't hibernate, they adapt. Their typical diet consists of small mammals,insects, reptiles, and fruit.


  Mating season begins in January. The female can have a litter of 3 to 9 puppies a year. The gestation period is from 63 to 65 days. The newborn eyes open at around 14 days, and they can eat fairly solid food at about 3 weeks old. While the female is taking care of her litter the male coyote is gathering food to feed the female. At 6to 10 weeks old the pups can go hunting with the mother and father. Within a year the family splits up and the young coyotes go their own way.


  If you are wondering "do coyotes attack people?"Although rare, coyotes have been known to attack, and the attacks have been increasing due to cities expanding over their habitat. Normally coyotes shy away because of their fear of people,as they are a lot smaller than us.  If you happen to spot a Coyote you want the  coyote to fear you and leave, and you can increase their fear by waving your arms to look bigger, like a predator. Also make loud noises by yelling, clapping hands, or blowing a whistle. Some things that you can do using the objects around you are hitting sticks together or throwing rocks. To keep citizens safe from attacks please never feed Coyotes. Also remove food sources, such as trash, fruit, and pet food from open areas like lawns and keep your small pets inside during the night to insure safety. Have you noticed your livestock or domestic pets being harmed by Coyotes?


  To reduce the chance of any damage that could be done to your animals use net-wire fencing around the environment the livestock use. At night, keep livestock in a coyote-proof corral with lights above these corrals. Remove any dead livestock so the smell doesn't attract Coyotes. Also use guard animals, such as dogs or donkeys.
Coyotes are potentially dangerous to small children and small livestock. It is good to maintain a sense of fear. Use the safety tips given.