Sarnia police are reminding the public that spotting a coyote is no reason to call 9-1-1.
The service has recently received an increase in emergency calls pertaining to coyote, deer and racoon sightings, calls which police do not respond to.
Cst. John Sottosanti said if you spot a coyote that has been injured or is acting aggressively, you are then encouraged to call Sarnia police at 519-344-8861 extension 0, or contact Sarnia Animal Control at 519-336-5049.
Sottosanti reminds the public that coyotes will do their best to avoid human contact, but may attack humans when provoked, sick or injured. He said yelling in a firm voice while outdoors, banging pots, spraying a water hose, and throwing objects towards, not at, the coyote can be effective deterrents to safely move the animal away.