Coyote put down by Ottawa police in Riverside South

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is confirming that a coyote, believed to be responsible for a number of calls to 3-1-1 in the Riverside South and Barrhaven areas over the last week, has been put down.

Officers say a coyote was spotted prowling around houses near Shoreline Drive and Wild Shore Crescent, early Friday morning. The animal initially approached an officer, but was chased away from the homes using a police cruiser. 

Officers then located the same coyote in Claudette Cain Park, where they say they “had no choice but to put it down safely.” City By-law and Regulatory Services (BLRS) attended the scene to gather information about the animal and to remove it for testing.

Local authorities had been searching for an aggressive coyote in the area after several calls about people and animals being chased and bitten by a coyote since June 5.

While coyotes are not typically aggressive, BLRS continues work with a wildlife specialist to monitor activity in the Riverside South and Barrhaven areas. Police are still asking residents in those areas to remain vigilant and to avoid wooded areas, particularly after dark.

Residents are advised by authorities to take the following precautions when encountering aggressive wild animals: 

• Never approach or touch the animal
• Do not turn your back on the animal or run from it
• Back away while remaining calm
• Stand tall, wave your hands and make lots of noise
• Carry a flashlight while walking at night 

If a wild animal is posing an immediate threat to public safety, or following residents’ movements, 9-1-1 should be contacted. If a wild animal scratches or bites resulting in a break of skin, residents should also contact Ottawa Public Health (or 3-1-1 after hours) to speak with a Public Health Inspector. 

General sightings of coyotes can be reported to 3-1-1, so that times and locations of where coyotes are being sighted can be tracked.