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Coyotes pose threat to pets within city

The purpose of this letter is to increase awareness of coyotes in Red Deer, especially for unsuspecting pet owners.

The purpose of this letter is to increase awareness of coyotes in Red Deer, especially for unsuspecting pet owners.

I live on the escarpment in Grandview and have noticed an increase in coyote visitors, especially during the winter.

Last winter, a large male would frequently cross through our yard — either returning to or leaving the forest, most often, but not always, at dusk or dawn.

Last spring midday, a small rough-looking coyote came into our yard and was persistent in trying to lure two visiting dogs into the forest.

The coyote did not respond to us yelling and knocking on the window, and only left when three adults ran outside yelling.

Also, during the day, from our property on the hill, I have watched a coyote patrolling quietly in the forest along the red shale paths.

While hiking with my husband, we observed one watching us from behind a tree.

With winter fast approaching, I really only wanted to let people know that coyotes are here and have been known to prey on our beloved pets.

In our neighbourhood, over the last year, there have been more missing pet posters than over the past 23 years of living here.

I worry about the dogs that frequently chase the wildlife, such as foxes and deer, through our yard and that one day they might chase a coyote, not returning to their whistling master walking on the trails.

My husband and I only let our cat out in the yard during the day, as we know, as our cat does, that the coyotes are here, especially during the night.

I did report this information to Fish and Game and was told this is common behaviour from coyotes.

Sandra De Clerck

Red Deer