‘Concerning’: Markham residents warned after 3 coyote incidents in parks

Mike Walker speaks with community members who are concerned over aggressive coyotes after another child was bit and hospitalized.

Markham residents are being urged to use caution after three separate incidents of “concerning coyote behaviour” in parks were reported to police in the past 24 hours.

York Regional Police say they responded to two incidents around 9:30 p.m. near Mingay Avenue and Bur Oak Avenue, which is near a large residential park.

In one of those incidents, a child was scratched by a coyote’s paw. The child was not injured but was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Police also responded to a separate report at about the same time involving a coyote that approached a group of children.

In a third incident on Wednesday morning, an adult pedestrian was confronted by a coyote on a trail near McCowan Road and Manhattan Drive.

Police say the animal jumped toward the person, but no injuries were reported.

“We’ve had encounters with a coyote before, never in such an aggressive way” said one Markham Resident who spoke to CTV News in a live interview.

“We are highlighting these incidents to remind the public to use caution around coyotes, particularly those that are not frightened by people,” Kevin Forget, a senior media relations manager with York Regional Police, said in a statement to CTV News.

“Residents, pedestrians and pet owners are urged to use caution and supervise children and pets at all times, especially in the early morning and evening,” he said.

“If a coyote is behaving aggressively, lingering near people, or appears sick or injured, call police immediately. If there is an immediate threat to public safety, call 9-1-1.”

Police said City of Markham animal services has been notified and is involved in the response.