Lincoln Humane Society: what to do in an encounter with a coyote

The Lincoln Humane Society is sounding the alarm to residents on taking proper precautions in the event of an encounter with a coyote.

A woman who was walking her small dog was forced to fend off a coyote after the wild animal chased them down. In an act to save a woman and her small dog from a coyote, bystander Tim Balasiuk charged at the coyote to fend off a potential attack.

According to the executive director Kevin Strooband of the Lincoln Humane Society, it was an effective tactic.

Strooband said if you’re out for a walk, particularly with your dog, you should carry an umbrella in case of running into a coyote. He said to open and close it to scare the animal away and avoid danger.

Strooband also said it’s important to not do anything which would attract them in the first place, like keeping garbage containers that may contain food waste tightly sealed.

Residents can report sightings to the Humane Society or to their local municipality.

The town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is hosting a virtual town hall regarding coyotes in the area Wednesday night.