A new scourge has hit residents of the City of North Battleford.
Cpoyotes have been spotted on the loose terrorizing pets outside in the back and front yards of properties in the city.
Councillor Don Buglas raised the issue at the City’s Planning Committee meeting Monday.
Buglas owns a small dog and a neighbour told him about a coyote that was spotted trying to get into a neighbour’s yard recently.
The issue is known to bylaw enforcement, which has dealt with coyote complaints over the past number of years.
Fire Chief Albert Headrick confirmed they had received a call from a woman about a coyote that actually got into a yard. Bylaw officers responded and tried to catch the animal, Headrick said, but “unfortunately the coyote was smart and found a hole in the fence and got out.”
He noted there are challenges for bylaw enforcement in responding to coyote calls.
“It’s very difficult when they get into the city because by the time you get there they’re usually gone,” he said.
It is a regular occurrence around this time of year for coyotes to find their way into the city, Headrick confirmed.
He said pets are a prime target, “especially if they’re small.” Headrick urged local residents to watch out for coyotes and to watch their pets.
