Apparently urban coyotes are in our midst, and we should learn to live with them…you may remember back in February, a family on Neville Park Blvd lost their pet chihuahua to a coyote, which sparked debate about whether the four-legged offender should be euthanized, relocated or just left alone.

After an outcry, the city chose to relocate the coyote to an as-yet-unnamed animal refuge.  With the coyote population in southern Ontario either near or at an all-time high, due to forests being cleared and natural predators like wolves being exterminated, the coyotes, though usually very well-hidden, are probably here to stay – hiding in the brushy and wooded areas and ravines.

According to the most recent information available, the coyote – nicknamed “Neville” – continues to avoid the box trap set up by city staff. The chihuahua’s owner said the coyote routinely jumps his fence, spending time in the yard and even coming up to the window (with the owner’s toddlers safely inside the house) but never going near the trap.

Attacks on humans by coyotes are extremely rare; the last time Toronto Public Health issued an alert was in 2003 after four people were bitten in parks throughout the city.  In the case of the Beach chihuahua incident, apparently residents are indirectly to blame for feeding the coyotes.  One resident even encouraged his dog to play with the coyotes!

City officials went door-to-door in the area to provide advice to residents on how to avoid attracting the coyote.

WILDLIFE EXPERTS SAY:

- Never feed a coyote.

- Consider leashing your dog in areas frequented by coyotes.

- Don’t encourage interaction with a coyote.

- Don’t leave garbage, pet food, fallen fruit or bird seed where accessible.

- Consider making your cat an inside pet and keep an eye on small dogs.

- Spaying and neutering protects dogs from coyote interaction.

- Small children shouldn’t be left unattended.

- Don’t run from a coyote if approached; stand still and make noise, such as clapping hands.

So tell us…is the coyote just doing what comes naturally?  Should the City try to trap them or round them up (the law states wildlife can’t be moved more than 1 km) so they’re not a threat to our pets, or is this nature taking its course as we spread further and further onto animal habitats?

The apartment is available ASAP and it’s just steps away from Queen Street shopping (small specialty shops, pubs, restaurants, patios).  The Beach and boardwalk is a 2 minute walk away and grocery stores, clinics and professional services are extremely close by.  The Queen streetcar is right at your door so you can get downtown in 15 minutes!

People who don’t want to sacrifice comfort while they wait out the real estate market, take note!  For pictures and to arrange a showing, click here

It’s that time again!  How many neighbourhoods can boast their very own Easter Parade?  If your kids are looking for something to do after decorating Easter eggs this long weekend, there’s lots to do around Toronto, starting with the annual parade in our own backyard:

Beaches “Easter Magic” parade along Queen St. E. begins at 2 p.m. on Easter Sunday at Neville Park Blvd. and runs west to Woodbine Ave., lasting about an hour. Families often decorate their little ones’ strollers and wagons with cutouts or plastic eggs and wear bonnets. There’s no charge but don’t forget to bring your loonie to donate to the local Lions Club, which organizes this popular event.  If inviting your friends and family members from other parts of the city, don’t forget to mention that the parade will shut down Queen St. E. from Munro Park to Woodbine Ave. from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For ambitious families still restless after the parade, why not check out the Toronto Zoo – it’s a full day of activities including their Easter “Egg” Stravaganza where you can take part in a zoo-wide egg hunt from tomorrow right through Monday, following clues to different animal exhibits. Zookeepers also hold talks and the Easter Bunny is around too. (Regular admission applies)

Further afield, Puck’s Farm in Schomberg, northwest of Toronto, is holding its annual Easter egg hunt as well as egg “scrambles” and other games, plus horse-drawn wagon rides all weekend and Monday. Visit the website for a coupon!

Easterfest at Downey’s Farm Market features wagon rides, a puppet show, an Easter egg hunt, live entertainment and more. Runs today & tomorrow from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. ($10). 13682 Heart Lake Rd.  Call 905-838-2990 for more details.

Easter Traditions at High Park’s Colborne Lodge include a tour of the museum to spot hidden eggs and kids can dye their own colourful eggs – saves you the mess of doing it at home! Runs today and tomorrow, with tours every half hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. ($2.38-$5.71 + GST). South end of the Park on Colborne Lodge Dr. 416-392-6916.

Spring Comes to the Gibson House with preparations for spring planting, 19th century cooking demos, tours of the house and hand’s on activities for the family. Runs today-Monday from noon-5 p.m. ($2.62-$5.48 + GST). 5172 Yonge St. 416-395-7432.

Still stumped as to what to do?  Unfortunately for teens, the Eaton Centre is actually closed Easter Sunday.  Don’t forget to stock up on what you’ll need because malls, grocery stores and liquor stores will be closed as well; if you really have to buy stuff, the Yonge Street strip stores will be open.

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!