BE AWARE OF COYOTES – JUST RECEIVED, YOU NEED TO BE CAUTIOUS: The following message was forwarded to the HOA from a concerned and trustworthy Sandycove homeowner who felt we needed to get out to as many residents as possible. Again, all residents in Sandycove need to be aware of and take precautions with regards to the recent events in our area just reported in this email below and the Notice that follows which has been put on Facebook, eBulletin, website and notice boards. It is not to frighten you, but to give you knowledge that the coyotes are being forced out of their feeding grounds by all the construction going on around Sandycove. Please take caution when out walking your dogs. You have to be vigilant at all times.
Board of Directors
Begin forwarded message: On Saturday, November 23, 2024, 10:43 AM: Good Morning,
This is from a trusted friend of 40 years who wanted to warn me. She told me her husband ran into a pack of coyotes, not one or two, but a pack, who were circling a father and daughter walking their dog on some trails. The trails located at the Simcoe County Forest at 3481 25th Sideroad, between Big Bay Point Road and Mapleview. He felt if his dog had been off leash, he likely would have run and been badly hurt or killed. He put his dog, a good size lab in his car, and went back to help the couple. He is said he was scared and will not be walking his dog in there for quite some time. He said the coyotes finally gave up and ran howling into the trees.
This was my go to place to walk my dog and I ran into her husband and her a few times walking their dog. I was going to post this on Facebook, but it may be better from the HOA since you can reach everyone by email?
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: COYOTE ENCOUNTERS IN SANDYCOVE
This message is not intended to scare, but to educate all our new residents and remind others who may not be aware or were not told we have Coyotes in Sandycove. Due to some recent incidents, the HOA felt it prudent to repeat a message on what to do/not do if you encounter a coyote.
Due to the construction around our community increasing, coyotes, foxes and other small animals are making it into Sandycove. The purpose of the following outlines what you should do IF you see or encounter wild animals.
How to prevent conflicts with dogs
· Do not under any circumstances leave your animals outside tied up or unsupervised. Coyotes then have easy access. They don’t know it’s your pet, they do know it’s food
· When walking your dog keep them close
· Be vigilant, keep your eyes on your surroundings & listen for unusual noises
· Take a cane/stick/air horn or something you can use to defend, if necessary
· If you are dog walking at night, (reconsider if possible) & carry a flashlight. Change up your schedule
· Your dog is your “first line of defence” to let you know something is wrong and are acting strangely. They have much better senses than humans in “smelling out” and warning of danger
· Spay/neuter – coyotes are attracted to and can lure for mating domestic “intact” dogs
What to do if you encounter a coyote, wolf or fox:
· If you see a coyote, wolf or fox, keep your distance, the animal will most likely avoid you
· Never approach or touch a wild animal. They are wild; NOT tame.
If you encounter an aggressive animal:
· Do not turn your back or run from a wild animal – back away while remaining calm
· Stand tall, wave your hands, make lots of noise
· If a wild animal poses an immediate threat or danger to public safety — call 911
How to make your property uninviting:
· Do not feed wild animals. Coyotes are drawn in because of the abundance of wildlife that come to bird feeders and food thrown out for rabbits and squirrels
· Do not leave fecal matter around your home as they are attracted to the smell. Dispose of your pet’s waste (Simcoe County now accept pet waste in green bins in certified compostable bags)
· Installing motion sensors may help distract them coming around your house
These are some steps you can take to protect you and your pets. Further information – contact Coyote Watch Canada https://coyotewatchcanada.com
HOA 2/20 (Rev 8/21 & 2024 Nov 22) https://scahomeowners.com
–Source: “Coyote Watch Canada” & other resources https://www.coyotewatchcanada.com/site/contact