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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, August 19, 2016 | 8 OMHS trying to catch coyotes with mange in southwest by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff The Oakville and Milton Humane Society (OMHS) is working with the Town of Oakville in southwest Oakville to track down coyotes that could have mange. Laura Mackasey, the animal protective services manager at OMHS, told the Oakville Beaver this week that the humane society has received several calls over the last month reporting sightings of three coyotes in the Third Line and Rebecca Street area that look like they could have the skin condition. Mange is caused by mites burrowing under the skin and causes a coyote to become lethargic, ill and itchy. The affected animal loses its fur and ability to regulate its body temperature and if the disease is left untreated, it is fatal. Mackasey said if OMHS is successful in capturing the coyotes with the skin disease they'll be sent to Toronto Wildlife for treatment. Residents are encouraged to contact the OMHS if they see a sick, injured coyote or they believe the coyote has mange and is missing " A coyote that appears to have the ragged fur and tail that results from mange, was photographed last winter in the same area of southwest Oakville in which residents are reporting a trio of coyotes that appear to have the disease. They can be treated, if caught, but are proving elusive to the humane society. | Metroland file photo significant patches of hair" and has "a dry, flaky red skin as opposed to a good thick coat." "If they see a coyote that matches that description they can certainly give us a call and we'll head out to see if we can capture it at that time," said Mackasey. Long-time Oakville resident Glen Koskinen said he spotted two coyotes in his neighbourhood last Tuesday (Aug. 9) and saw three on Saturday night and Sunday morning in the same area. Initially, he said he spotted them in his own yard and chased them away. On Sunday, he and his neighbours called OMHS, however, by the time officers arrived, the coyotes had left. He noted they're "patchy and very thin," and one has no fur on its tail. Monday was the last time Koskinen said he saw them, but he is concerned for residents in the Third Line and Rebecca Street area who have small pets. "I have been told that the coyotes will go after cats and small dogs and even dogs as heavy as 35 lbs. may not be safe," he said. The Town of Oakville has a coyote reporting system that it encourages residents to use to report an encounter, someone feeding coyotes or a problem with food waste or garbage. It tracks the information provided through the system to assess areas with increased coyote activity and eliminate human-based food sources for coyote. For more information, or to see a map of coyote sightings in your area, visit www.oakville.ca/environment/ featured-wildlife.html. The website also provides tips on how to reduce coyote conflicts. Mackasey noted if residents encounter coyotes, they should practice hazing. If a coyote approaches you, do not run or turn your back on a coyote. Appear large and aggressive while making loud noises. Use whistles and personal alarm devices to frighten them. Slowly back away. Hazing ensures coyotes maintain their fear of humans and know homes are off limits, according to the Town of Oakville website. Residents should also: · Discourage coyotes from entering your property by removing brush piles or areas that may be perceived as a resting place or den. · Don't feed coyotes. Ensure garbage, bird feed and pet food is inaccessible. · Do not leave food waste in town garbage cans. · Keep pets attended and on leash. The town's by-laws require pets to be on leash except in designated areas (off-leash parks). Supervise animals when they are in the yard. Cats should not be permitted to roam freely. Thank you Oakville for your confidence in us! 2016 Nominee Best Business Home Health Care 2015 Platinum Award Winner AyA Kitchens of oAKville 1195 north service roAd west Walkers | Wheelchairs | Lift Chairs | Stair Lifts | Porch Lifts | Aids for Daily Living Adjustable Beds | Compression Stockings | Incontinence | Bathroom Safety | CPAP & More Sales Service Rentals Events 905.847.1522 ayaoakville.com