A London resident got a little too close for comfort with local wildlife during a recent late-night stroll, capturing video evidence of not one, but two coyote encounters in a single evening.
The walker, who was out for a late-night exercise session, managed to film the second coyote they encountered, showing the animal casually wandering down what appears to be a residential street. In the grainy nighttime footage, the coyote can be seen moving with typical canine confidence, seemingly unbothered by the human presence.
“It got closer to me than I would have liked, but luckily seemed pretty disinterested in me,” the resident explained about their unexpected wildlife meeting. The encounter happened near Greenway Park, an area that’s apparently becoming quite familiar with these four-legged visitors.
Local pet owners are being urged to keep this sighting in mind, especially those who enjoy evening walks with their furry companions. Small dogs and cats are particularly vulnerable to coyote encounters, as these urban-adapted predators view smaller animals as potential prey.
The video has sparked conversations among Londoners about the increasing presence of coyotes in urban areas. Many residents have been sharing their own stories of wildlife encounters, with some mentioning seeing coyotes during daylight hours as well.
“There’s quite a few coyotes in this area. We see them all the time. Usually in the fields, not on the street,” noted one local who lives near Greenway Park. The abundance of rabbits in the neighbourhood seems to be keeping the coyote population well-fed, which might explain their bold appearances on city streets.
Wildlife experts generally agree that coyotes pose minimal threat to humans, but pet safety is a different story entirely. These intelligent animals are known to be opportunistic hunters and won’t hesitate to snatch an unattended small dog or cat if the chance presents itself.
The timing of these encounters is particularly noteworthy. Coyotes are naturally more active during dawn and dusk hours, making late-night and early morning walks prime time for unexpected meetings. Their excellent night vision gives them a significant advantage in low-light conditions.
Some Londoners have reported seeing coyotes in various parts of the city, from Western University campus to Westmount, suggesting these animals are becoming increasingly comfortable navigating urban environments. One resident mentioned spotting what they initially thought was a German Shepherd on Wharncliffe around 3 AM, only to realize it was actually a large coyote.
The presence of coyotes in London isn’t entirely surprising to those familiar with local wildlife patterns. These adaptable animals have been expanding their territory across Ontario for years, drawn to urban areas by abundant food sources and suitable denning sites.
Pet owners are strongly advised to keep dogs on leashes during evening walks and to bring cats indoors after dark. The combination of darkness and a coyote’s natural hunting instincts creates a potentially dangerous situation for unsuspecting pets.
For those concerned about encountering coyotes during their own nighttime activities, experts recommend making noise while walking, carrying a flashlight, and avoiding areas known for wildlife activity. If you do spot a coyote, maintain distance and avoid direct eye contact, as these animals typically prefer to avoid human interaction.
The recent sighting was shared on Reddit, where local residents have been discussing the increasing frequency of coyote encounters throughout the city.