Coyotes have attracted considerable attention in major cities in recent years. They have long occupied vacant urban land, using railway corridors and frozen waterways to travel through their territory and reproduce.
Media coverage of urban sightings has created concern among many residents.
Coyotes are wild canids found throughout Quebec, particularly in wooded and agricultural areas. They are often confused with wolves but are generally smaller and leaner, with more pointed ears and a bushier tail.
Highly adaptable, coyotes can live in urban and suburban habitats. Their varied diet includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, insects, fruit, vegetables and human food waste.
Missing cats or repeated attacks on pets may indicate illness or a lack of natural food in the area. Trappeur de Ville can identify the cause and recommend an appropriate solution.
A thin appearance and poor coat condition can indicate an animal's health, which our trappers assess during every intervention.
Coyotes generally pose little risk to people, but conflicts can occur. They may prey on livestock such as sheep, goats or cattle and can carry diseases such as rabies.
In rare cases, coyotes repeatedly approach homes or enter densely populated areas, requiring prompt professional assessment.
Coyotes are generally shy and avoid people. We help minimize conflicts through food-waste management, pet supervision and education about safely coexisting with wildlife.
Because canids are extremely wary, live-capture cages are ineffective. Our experienced trappers use proven restraint and cable techniques when capture is legally authorized.
Coyotes breed from January to March. After a gestation period of 60 to 63 days, females give birth to an average of four to six pups. The young are generally independent at six months, although they may remain with their mother for over a year.
Females give birth in a den, often a crevice or abandoned mammal burrow. Pups are born blind and toothless and nurse for approximately six weeks. Their parents then introduce solid food by bringing small prey such as mice or rabbits.
Coyote parents are highly protective and work together to raise and protect their pups. A pair may remain together for several years.
