They reported the incident to the Department of Natural Resources, which promptly sent regional wildlife biologist Peter MacDonald to investigate.
"Our big thing is we're trying to find out why these animals are so bold here," said Hillgrove DNR wildlife technician William Grover.
He has also contacted Digby Neck Consolidated School to alert principal Mac Bishop about the matter. If a solution had not been met over the weekend Grover planned to ask the school to keep children inside for the time being.
During DNR's first investigation they found tracks left from a good-sized coyote.
“We’ve looked at coyote size in Nova Scotia and found that the average is about 30 pounds, which is the size of a border collie,” said regional biologist Peter MacDonald. “We have also found that they can go up to about 50 pounds.”
One possible cause behind coyotes losing their fear in humans could be that their natural food source is low and an alternate food source is being made available by humans. For example, pet food placed outside or deposits of household compost, said Grover.
“We’re certainly concerned about these recent reports of them being aggressive or very bold," he added.
DNR investigates each report of aggressive wildlife, such as the ones on Digby Neck and if they find the animal is behaving boldly or aggressively they may bring in a professional trapper.
A trapper is now working in the Mink Cove area on Digby Neck, but as of April 16 nothing had been caught. However, a coyote was hit by a vehicle and killed April 15 and is now in DNR's possession.
"An examination of its stomach contents indicated recent consumption of household compost. We are advising area residents to refrain from putting compost in open areas where it can be accessed by wildlife," Grover said.
Anyone encountering an aggressive or bold coyote is advised not to back down from it and the worst thing to do is to run away. Coyotes act similar to a domestic dog, MacDonald said.
The best thing to do if going for a walk is to take someone with you and carry a stick. If a coyote does not back away, he recommended yelling at the animal and throwing things.
ldelong@digbycourier.ca
