Co-Existing With Wild Animals in our Community

Dear Families,

We were advised last week by a community member that there have been sightings of a coyote-like animal in the park attached to our school yard. 

In order to ensure student safety as we return to school, please be assured that we will continue to carefully monitor our school property throughout the day, including checks of the yard and park before school, before recess and lunch, and before the end of the day. 

One of the key reasons wild animals come into our communities is easier access to food.  This year, students at Westminster will only be eating food indoors.  This will help reduce garbage in the yard, and help eliminate a food source for animals.

Below is information that can help us as community members to live side by side with wild animals.

What you can do at home

• Never feed wild animals
• Keep pet food indoors.
• Secure garbage in durable plastic containers with locking lids. Store garbage indoors until collection day.
• Protect gardens with heavy-duty garden fences or place vegetable plants in a greenhouse.
• Keep dogs on a leash at all times.
• Prune bushes and clean up brush piles.
• Close off spaces under porches, decks and sheds.

What do to if you see a wild animal in the community

•         Never approach or touch a wild animal.
•         Don’t run.  Back away while remaining calm.
•         Stand tall, wave your hands and make lots of noise.
•         Get help (e.g. call Animal Services of Vaughn).
•         Keep dogs leashed so that they don’t engage with the animal.

For additional information about respectfully coexisting with animals, please see https://www.ontario.ca/page/wildlife-and-nature.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the office.