KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN
Coyote sighting reported at Westmount picnic park
Coyote sighting reported at Westmount picnic park.
Coyote information has been posted at a Westmount provincial park after a reported sighting.
A family walking through Petersfield on Wednesday afternoon told the Department of Lands and Forestry that coyotes were spotted on the western side of the trail system.
Normally considered shy and fearful of people, the animals were just beyond a visitor sitting area that overlooks the Canadian Coast Guard College.
A family member who was present at the sighting said at least one coyote could be seen, while the rustling of nearby bushes led them to believe another was nearby.
A young child was also present at the time of the encounter.
The group walked back toward the parking lot area after attempting to scare off the animals.
Cape Breton Regional Municipality Coun. Steve Gillespie, who represents District 4, said the incident has brought about a sense of unease.
“This is very concerning,” Gillespie said Friday. “Petersfield is a great family park, walking trail and summer gathering area.”
Provincial spokesperson, Krista Higdon, said Friday that park staff will be monitoring the situation and can provide advice to visitors.
There has since been educational material about coyotes posted at the park.
Petersfield overlooks the southern arm of Sydney harbour and contains remnants of four cultural periods dating from the late 18th-to-mid 20th centuries.
The park features picnic tables, interpretive signs and a seven-kilometre network of trails.
The number of people bitten by coyotes in Canada is considered very low. In Nova Scotia’s history there has been at least one fatal attack that occurred in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park in 2009.
The death of 19-year-old Taylor Mitchell shocked animal experts and led to a reassessment of the risk to humans from the predator behaviour of coyotes.
Some tips for keeping coyotes away include carrying a walking stick and a noisemaker such as a bell, a whistle, an air horn, or a personal alarm.
Park visitors are also advised not to drop food in the woods or along trails.
Coyotes with access to human food or garbage are believed to lose their fear of people.
Nova Scotia wildlife officers also advise that if a coyote approaches, do not run, as this can cause animal to chase you. If a coyote attacks, experts advise to fight back, shout, throw stones or do whatever is possible to defend yourself.
Additional information regarding coyote encounters is available at https:// novascotia.ca/natr/wildlife/living-withwildlife/be-coyote-smart.asp