ANDREW SMITH, BANNER STAFF

LISTOWEL – Concerns about a rise in the aggressive activity of coyotes have been put to rest by local police and conservation authorities.

A letter printed in the March 21 issue of The Listowel Banner detailed an account of a pedestrian on a Listowel trail being confronted by a group of large coyotes. However, OPP Const. Bill Dekoning said in his follow-up of the report, there have been no additional issues.

“We haven’t received any complaints, prior to or since that reported incident,” he said. “I walked out there myself and checked for signs of coyotes or whatever, and certainly nothing jumped out at me.”

In conversation with the individual who made the complaint, Dekoning said his story varies slightly from the one described in the letter written by the person’s mother, and that there was no aggressiveness shown by the animals.

“He didn’t know if it was coyotes or wild dogs, it was dark out,” he said. “I’m not sure what he told his mother, it might have been exaggerated a little.”

In checking with the Ministry of Natural Resources, Dekoning said no other reports of coyotes have been made in the area. Additional information from the MNR was that coyotes are typically fearful of humans, but caution should be exercised with pets and even small children in areas where coyotes could be present. Dekoning’s advice to residents is to call the OPP if any suspicious behaviour is observed regarding any wildlife.

“Call us right away so we can deal with it, it’s tough for us to follow up with later,” he said.