The province is continuing its four-part plan to help people be safer from aggressive coyotes including the pelt incentive program. Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker says the plan included hiring a wildlife conflict biologist, launching a public awareness campaign called Be Coyote Smart, training 13 trappers, and paying for marketable pelts. The same $20 incentive amount is being offered again this year, only during the regular trapping season which runs Oct. 15 to March 31.
The number of incidents of coyotes showing aggressive behaviour this year has dropped significantly. During the April to September period of 2010, 10 incidents of coyotes showing aggression or too much familiarity with people led to 32 animals being trapped and removed. During the same period, this year, one incident was recorded, leading to the removal of two coyotes. The Be Coyote Smart educational materials, are available at: www.gov.ns.ca/natr .