Wildlife

 Coyotes

Coyotes have been seen in and around the City of Stratford. They are usually wary of humans and avoid people whenever possible. However, they are wild animals and should not be approached. People should never feed coyotes. Feeding makes animals less fearful of humans.

What to do if you encounter a coyote:

Coyote sightings are not uncommon. If you see a coyote, keep your distance and the animal will most likely avoid you. If you encounter an aggressive coyote, there are several things you should know and do:

• Never approach or touch a coyote.
• Do not turn your back on, or run from, a coyote.
• Back away from the coyote while remaining calm.
• Stand tall, wave your hands and make lots of noise.
• Carry a flashlight at night to scare off coyotes.
• If a coyote poses an immediate threat or danger to public safety, call 911.

Limit the things that attract coyotes and other wild animals:

• Properly store and maintain garbage containers to help prevent coyotes from becoming a problem.
• Keep pet food indoors.
• Keep pets inside at night
• Clean up after your dog - coyotes are attracted to dog feces
• Limit/halt the use of bird feeders if they attract other wild animals, rodents or pests.
• Put garbage out the morning of a scheduled pickup.
• Use enclosed composting bins rather than exposed piles.
• Pick ripe fruit and seed from trees and remove fallen fruit from the ground.
• Protect vegetable gardens with heavy-duty garden fences or place vegetable plants in a greenhouse.

Discourage coyotes from entering your property:

• Clear away bushes and dense weeds near your home where coyotes may find cover and small animals.
• Use motion sensor lights.
• Close off spaces under porches, decks and sheds. Coyotes use these areas for denning and raising young.

 More information about preventing and managing conflict with coyotes can be found on the Province of Ontario's website.

Rats

Prevention is key when it comes to keeping rats away from your home, and that means removing or restricting sources of food, water and shelter that rodents need to survive.

Here are a few tips:

• Store garbage and compost in containers with tight-fitting lids
• Remove debris/clutter from your property that may provide hiding/nesting sites for rodents
• Trim tall grass and remove weeds, especially near foundations
• Keep wood piles away from walls, and at least 30cm off the ground
• Clean up spilled seeds from bird feeders, if possible
• Clean up any fruit that has fallen from trees
• Do not leave pet food outside
• Cover your external vents (dryer, bathroom,  furnace and attic) with wire mesh
• Seal holes and cracks in foundations, walls, floors, and use sturdy weather stripping under doors and around windows – rats can squeeze through a space as small as a quarter

Physical control

If you have discovered rats on your property or in your home, there are several options to get rid of them, including traps and repellents. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and ensure traps are used in areas where children and other animals cannot access them.

If you have a rodent problem beyond your control, contact a professional pest control company.