A curious young coyote pup had an unexpected adventure in a Toronto home in Christie Pits, playing the role of Goldilocks as it found a cozy spot to rest. The furry intruder was discovered by homeowner Alice Kent’s cleaner, who mistook the pup for a fox when she entered the bedroom and spotted the unexpected guest.
Kent shared the surprising moment when her cleaner called out to her, believing there was a fox in the bedroom. Startled, the coyote pup tried to hide under the bed as they peeked into the room. It was revealed that the front and back doors had been left open, allowing the adventurous pup to sneak inside.
Residents in the area had recently observed a family of coyotes, with some even relaxing on Kent’s back deck days prior to the pup’s indoor escapade. Toronto Wildlife Centre (TWC) staff expressed their surprise at the pup’s bold behavior, highlighting the impact of human interaction on wildlife.
Nathalie Karvonen, TWC’s executive director, emphasized that feeding wild animals alters their natural behavior, leading to increased comfort around humans. The coyote pup’s condition of mange may have also influenced its risky behavior, as the illness can leave them weakened and more desperate for food.
Upon discovering the coyote in her home, Kent promptly contacted the police, who in turn enlisted TWC’s assistance in safely removing the pup. TWC staff, already present in the area to treat the coyote family for mange, successfully captured the pup and provided necessary care before releasing it back into the wild.
Reflecting on the incident, Kent acknowledged the need for caution and plans to install a screen door for added security. The unusual event serves as a reminder from TWC to the public about the importance of not feeding wildlife or encouraging their proximity to human dwellings.