Scott Urquhart, an Oceanview Drive (Papermill Subdivision) resident, spotted a coyote last night.
“I was in my back yard last night around 12 a.m. I just happened to be looking out a window in my back yard and saw it forging around. My neighbor actually came over to my wife yesterday and warned her that she had seen it and another neighbor has taken pictures, says Urquhart. “I am going to call the DNR today to see what the options are with it.”
Coyotes have been seen quite frequently in this and other areas of Bedford.
For example, in mid-January of last year students at Eaglewood Drive School were sent home with a newsletter telling parents to take precautions as coyotes had been spotted on the school property.
Also, coyotes had been spotted in the neighbourhoods surrounding Bedford South School.
Due to the large numbers of trees and habitats being destroyed in the area, this is not surprising.
As a result, coyotes are seen throughout Bedford at all times of the year.
The Government of Nova Scotia website says:
What should I do when I encounter a coyote?
– do not feed, touch, or photograph the animal from close distances;
– remove self from the area by slowly backing away while remaining calm- do not turn and run;
– use personal alarm devices to frighten or threaten the animal;
– encourage the animal to leave (provide space, an escape route);
– if animal exhibits aggressive behaviour — then be larger and noisier by throwing sticks and rocks; and
– fight back aggressively if the animal attacks.
For more information on coyotes in Nova Scotia visit www.gov.ns.ca.