‘Major’ coyote problem plaguing west end Toronto neighbourhood

It’s a problem people near Vancouver’s Stanley Park have faced in recent months – aggressive coyotes. Well, now people in a community near Toronto are sharing similar fears over their own coyote problem.

Residents in the Jane and Dundas area say the animals are becoming a major concern — and it’s being made worse by someone leaving food out.

People in the area say at least five coyotes roam the streets in the neighbourhood, and the predators are not shy.

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“It’s not afraid,” says a homeowner in the area. “I parked right across from it and it’s just looking at me.”

This is one of signs posted around area outside school where residents say food has been left for coyotes pic.twitter.com/vlQsgnQBsM

— carl hanstke (@carlCityNews) November 10, 2021

RELATED: Toronto Wildlife Centre capture coyote wandering in Scarborough: ‘This is not a happy ending’

The roaming pack of coyotes has residents afraid to walk alone at night, or walk their smaller dogs, and some have resorted to carrying sticks or bats for fear of an attack.

The pack of wild canines have been spotted around hanging around James Culnan Catholic Elementary School, where residents say someone has been leaving meat out for the animals.

“They’re guarding their food source,” says another area resident. “Now that they are being regularly fed by this person, they are congregating here.”

Signs have been posted in the neighbourhood asking people to stop feeding the animals.

WATCH: Coyotes howling at night near Jane and Dundas

Speaking to CityNews in July regarding a coyote attack in Scarborough, the Toronto Wildlife Centre said people tend to feed the animals with hopes of snapping pictures, which often leads to many problems.

A 10-year-old girl had been on a walk with the family dog in a neighbourhood park when the pair were chased by a coyote in broad daylight near Warden Avenue and St. Clair Avenue East. The small dog suffered multiple bite wounds resulting from what evolved into a vicious attack.

Experts say the coyotes comfort level around people grew as residents repeatedly fed him, it got “to the point where his behaviour was no longer considered acceptable by City officials.”

With files from CityNews reporter Carl Hanstke