GORE BAY—While a Gore Bay resident has proof of coyotes/wolves taking down a deer through photographs on a trail camera, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Foresty (MNRF) says that while local residents should be cautious with the animals around they rarely attack humans. However, residents should exercise a degree of caution where pets are concerned.
“People should always be cautious around wild animals,” said Wayne Selinger, area biologist with the MNRF. “Having said this, coyotes/wolves rarely attack humans. Residents may want to exercise a degree of caution where pets are concerned.”
As reported in last week’s edition of the Recorder, several local residents have reported numerous sightings of wolves/coyotes within the Town of Gore Bay over the last few weeks and are getting concerned. Mr. Selinger explained, “the majority of the canids on Manitoulin are eastern coyotes, although there are a few gray wolves on the Island as well. Coyotes/wolves and deer share a typical predator prey relationship. Coyote/wolf predation on deer is a natural occurrence and under normal circumstances has little bearing on the health of a deer population.”
“What data we have on Manitoulin coyote populations combined with input from hunters and trappers would suggest that coyote populations on Manitoulin have declined, following a peak in 2009. Numbers are closer to long term average levels at present,” said Mr. Selinger.
Rob Dearing, using a trail camera on his property, has captured photographs of three large coyotes/wolves with the deer were captured early in the morning of February 3. “I’m not 100 percent that one of the animals is a wolf, but I think at least one is,” he told the Recorder.
Mr. Selinger said that as far as options a municipality has to address the situation, “under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, a property owner can hire a licenced trapper to remove problem coyotes/wolves on their property. Likewise, a municipality can hire a licenced trapper to target specific problem animals within the boundaries of the municipality, subject to all relevant municipal bylaws and applicable trapping regulations.”
As for recommendations the MNRF has for the residents of Gore Bay, Mr. Selinger explained, “if you see a coyote or wolf keep your distance and the animal will most likely avoid you. Should the animal show any signs of aggression do not turn your back and run. Remain calm and back away, stand tall, wave your hands and make lots of noise. It is a good idea to carry a flashlight at night. Call 911 if there is an immediate threat or danger to public safety. Keep pets inside at night and clean up after your dog-coyotes are attracted to dog feces.”
There is also information available on the Ontario government website related to preventing and managing conflicts with coyotes (www.ontario.ca/page/preventing-and-managing-conflicts-coyotes-wolves-and-foxes).
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