Today's installation brings together a photograph, personal account, and poem by Kim Schizas that highlight the realities of living alongside coyotes. From family bonds to navigating human-altered landscapes, these reflections remind us that coexistence is built on understanding, respect, and awareness.
Like a sentinel, the other sat observing the people and dogs walking by, ensuring that trouble wasn’t approaching. Nobody else noticed them. I could only see them because I watched them walk to that spot. Later that year, they moved from the park and I still think of them frequently.
Tribute Installation — Celebrating Coyotes Week As part of our Celebrating Coyotes Week and National Coyote Day Tribute series, we are honoured to share a special artistic installation featuring a gifted acrylic painting by Dr. Shelley Alexander, to accompany the personal story written by author Janice Rider. This kickoff day brings together art, story, and lived experience reminding us that understanding wildlife is not only about science, but also about how we see, feel, and tell the story
Join us for Celebrating Coyotes Week, March 16–22, 2026, as we count down to National Coyote Day on March 23rd, a time to learn, share stories, and celebrate the vital role coyotes play in the natural world we all share.
Coyote Watch Canada is deeply concerned by reports from early January 2026 that four coyotes were deliberately pursued and struck by snowmobiles east of Lanigan, Saskatchewan. Conservation officers have confirmed that the animals were intentionally targeted, with two found alive but suffering severe injuries and subsequently euthanized to prevent further suffering. Chasing down and hitting terrorized coyotes with snowmobiles are acts of disturbing and heinous brutality.
Coyotes are remarkably expressive. We simply need to learn how to understand what they are communicating. Coyotes often signal “keep your distance,” not to threaten, but to create space and avoid conflict. Their wide-open gape is frequently mistaken for a yawn or aggression by those unfamiliar with canid communication. In reality, a coyote’s large mouth gape, often paired with an arched back, is a clear message to other canids including dogs and other coyotes that they want space, peace, and...
This time of year, many wild coyotes and foxes are preparing to leave their families and start lives of their own. But for countless captive coyotes, foxes, and rabbits in Ontario, freedom isn’t an option. Right now, somewhere in Ontario, a terrified captive animal is running for their life - chased by packs of dogs inside fenced enclosures known as “train and trial pens.” These pens are sites of extreme cruelty and suffering.
While it might seem kind to share leftovers or leave pumpkins outdoors “for the animals,” this can do more harm than good. Feeding wildlife changes natural behaviour. Animals begin to associate humans and homes with food, increasing the risk of vehicle collisions, property damage, and conflict. Artificial food sources can cause illness.
Coyotes are highly intelligent and, through aversion techniques and removal of food sources, can once again be taught to avoid humans. Still, feeding is a major problem and the direct cause of many unnecessary conflicts between people and coyotes. It often leads to public safety concerns and “urgent” demands that coyotes be killed. Feeding can cause coyotes to approach people, often with pets, or remain in areas where they would normally move through to access another space in their homerang...
What Coyote Watch Canada has learned working in the community.
