Coyote came within arm's length of Sarrazin Way resident during late-night encounter

Andrew Mesley says he was unloading a bag from his vehicle on Sarrazin Way around 11 p.m. on August 5 when a coyote ran toward him and stopped within arm's length. Mesley told the Bugle that he rattled his keys, which startled the animal before it backed away and ran down the street. No other person or pet was with him.

Mesley said it was the first coyote he had seen himself in Barrhaven. He shared the account to warn neighbours to keep a closer watch on young children and pets outside at night. The marked map identifies only the reported street-level area, not Mesley's home or the precise encounter point.

The City of Ottawa says people encountering a coyote should remain calm, slowly back away, avoid running, stand tall and make loud noise. Sightings can be reported to 3-1-1 so the City can track coyote movement; an immediate threat should be reported to 9-1-1. The City also advises directly supervising pets outdoors and keeping dogs leashed in parks and green spaces.