Coyotes lurking in Southdale

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This article was published 5/1/2014 (1324 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Winnipeg woman has alerted Manitoba Conservation and warned neighbours with small dogs after a pack of coyotes was spotted in her Southdale backyard.

Natalija Zmavc and her husband first spotted two coyotes Sunday at about noon in their yard, which backs onto the Niakwa golf course and the Seine River. It's only the second time the couple has seen coyotes near their Southdale home, and they rushed to snap photos.

"Then they bolted, and that's when we realized there wasn't just two, but four," said Zmavc.

The pack pranced along the river and then doubled back before disappearing.

Last month, Winnipeg police shot a coyote in the North End, and others have been spotted recently near the Kildonan Settlers Bridge and in Point Douglas.

Zmavc said she's concerned about small dogs in her neighbourhood, many of whom are owned by seniors who occasionally let them out unattended. And, she said, Seine River trails are frequently used by children, cross-country skiers and people on snow-shoes who may not be able to fend off a pack of hungry coyotes.

The trail is also used often by deer, and that's likely what lured the pack into the city.

In fact, the first time Zmavc saw a coyote on the trail was last month when one was feasting on a deer.

Manitoba Conservation advises people who encounter a coyote to keep calm and ensure the animal has an escape route. If the coyote is aware of you, let it know you are human by shouting, waving your arms to appear more threatening, and throwing stones or other objects.

Do not turn away or run, and if the coyote attacks, fight back instead of playing dead.

maryagnes.welch@freepress.mb.ca