Constable Derek Hood of the Halifax Regional Police, Community Response Officer for the Bedford/Rockingham area, would like to advise residents that there have been several reports of coyote sightings within the Halifax Regional Municipality.

If coyotes are seen near your home, learn to identify them and recognize the potential danger.

The Department of Natural Resources has posted a few tips regarding coyotes on their website.

They recommend to not place food sources such as garbage, compost, pet foods or other human waste outside. They also recommend that if you encounter a coyote, slowly back away while remaining calm and do not turn and run as this actually increases the likelihood that the animal may become aggressive.

If a coyote exhibits aggressive behaviour, try to appear larger, make noise or throw sticks and rocks. It would be beneficial to carry a walking stick when walking in wildlife habitat. For your pet’s safety, always use a leash and try to walk in areas of high pedestrian traffic. Pets running at large are illegal and at risk from coyotes.