Markham teen bitten by coyote, city 'investigating the incident'
· Toronto Sun
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A 16-year-old girl in Markham was taken to hospital Thursday morning after she was bitten by a coyote.
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According to York Regional Police, the incident occurred at approximately 8:15 a.m. in the area of Mingay and Bur Oak Aves.
Police said the girl suffered minor injuries.
“The City of Markham’s animal services team is actively investigating the incident in coordination with York Regional Police, with a continued focus on community safety,” said a City of Markham spokesperson.
“The city’s animal services team will be patrolling the area over the next few days, as well as installing and increasing signage in the area.”
It was not known if the coyote approached the teen, or if the teen had any interaction with the animal beforehand.
“Information is also being shared through the city’s social media channels to help raise awareness and provide residents with clear guidance on how to respond if they encounter a coyote,” the city official added. “The messages will include safety tips and the contact information for reporting coyote sightings.”
Prepared ahead of time
The city has a comprehensive list of dos and don’ts when it comes to wild animals. When interacting with a coyote specifically, the city advises the public to “make noise, yell, clap your hands, stomp and wave your arms, do not approach the animal and carry a whistle or noisemaker if you are walking in known habitat area.”
And most importantly, “do not put out food for animals.”
There is a $615 fine in Markham for residents caught feeding wild animals. In neigbouring Vaughan, that city has a $500 fine for making food items available for wild animals.
Other community responses
Several communities and regions in and around the outskirts of the Greater Toronto Area have strategies in place to deal with the intrusion of wild animals in urban settings.
Markham introduced its ‘ Coyote Response and Coexistence Strategy ’ in November of 2021; Halton Hills introduced its ‘Wildlife in Halton Hills: Coyotes’ online strategy guide in 2025; King City posted a ‘Tips for safely interacting with urban wildlife during coyote pup season’ in February 2024; and Vaughan introduced its ‘ Coyote Response and Coexistence Strategy ’ in April 2022.