Department Responds to Aggressive Coyote Incident

Department of Natural Resources officials are responding to an aggressive coyote incident this morning, Jan. 21.

The incident happened on an urban farm, with a number of food sources, on Rockingstone Road in Spryfield. A man rounded a house and saw one mature and two young coyotes. One coyote lunged at him and tore the sleeve of his jacket. The man was not harmed. It is believed to be the first such incident in metro Halifax.

Natural Resources staff are investigating on-site and enforcement officers are searching for the coyotes. One of the department's trappers has been called to remove the animals.

"Ensuring the safety of Nova Scotians is our top priority," said Charlie Parker, Minister of Natural Resources. "We want people to be vigilant and aware of the steps they should take if they encounter a coyote."

Basic information about preventing problems with coyotes is available at www.gov.ns.ca/natr .

Mr. Parker said government is also acting to help keep Nova Scotians safe.

Last April, a program was launched to deal with aggressive coyotes which threaten human safety. Thirteen experienced trappers were selected and provided specialized training in October to deal with situations where aggressive coyotes must be removed.

A wildlife conflict biologist was hired July 1 and staff have participated in more than 100 educational events. Formal educational materials are being developed for Nova Scotians and public schools.

The Pelt Incentive Program, which started Oct. 15, provides $20 per pelt sent to market by licenced harvesters. Rather than reduce populations, this program is intended to increase hunting and trapping pressure, to make coyotes more wary of human interaction. More than 800 coyote pelts have been shipped to market this season, a 51 per cent increase over the same period last season.

"I am pleased that the incentive we are providing appears to be encouraging trappers to target coyotes," said Mr. Parker. "It is very important that general trapping, as well as the removal of problem animals, is conducted in the most ethical and humane way possible. In addition to our own regulations, Nova Scotia has fully endorsed and adopted international standards for humane trapping methods."

Gary Fisher, president of the Trappers Association of Nova Scotia, said he has been receiving positive feedback about the coyote program.

"The market numbers are a real good indicator that the trappers believe in this program," said Mr. Fisher. "A lot of the older trappers who have the trapping knowledge, had given up, but now the incentive is bringing them back. A lot of good information about public safety is getting out there too."

The trapping season ends March 31. Final numbers will be available later in the spring, which will help the department examine the effectiveness of the program.