Coyote cull contest considered

Frustrated farmers are getting support at Queen’s Park for a simplified approach to controlling coyotes.

The Natural Resources ministry has issued a coyote warning, saying there is a threat of the animals coming closer to humans looking for food. People are also being told to keep their pets on a leash when they’re out walking them. With coyote numbers soaring in some areas, the agricultural community want the population reduced through a bounty program with the same rules and payouts for everyone.

Natural Resources minister Linda Jeffrey says she’s considering several options, including “a contest that could be held in a controlled circumstance.”

Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath sympathizes with farmers, “but when it comes to competition I get a little bit concerned that we are encouraging trophy hunting of coyotes.”

To keep yourself and your pets safe:

• Don’t approach or feed coyotes.
• Do not turn your back on or run from a coyote. Back away from the coyote while remaining calm. Use whistles and personal alarm devices to frighten an approaching or threatening animal.
• Properly store and maintain garbage containers to help prevent coyotes from becoming a problem.
• Use enclosed composting bins rather than exposed piles.
• Fence your yard. Clear away bushes and dense weeds near your home, where coyotes may find cover.
• Keep pets inside at night. Keep all pets on leashes or confined to a yard.
• Spay and neuter your dogs as coyotes are attracted and can mate with dogs.

Jeffrey hasn’t put a time frame on when she will decide what to do about the coyote problem.